Oct 25 - Last Day of School / Apollo XIII

Review of the Year

Mr Simen reviewed the year and spoke about how every great movie has an 'a-ha' or a 'eureka' moment. It is the great message every book which gives you a kick. He drew analogy from the old movie he likes to re-watch 'Apollo 13'. He spoke about how the movie was about astronauts stranded in space with a rocket malfunction. There was no way to bring them back. The astronauts had to use paper, hose, plastic bags, tapes and all kinds of other materials to innovate on the spot to bring the carbon dioxide down and build sufficient power to send the astronauts back to earth. Failure was not an option.

Mr Simen reminded that the whole year was about going beyond expectations. It was the main theme of the year - "To Awaken the Giants Within" and "To Believe". Like Apollo XII, the focus is to go beyond normal expectations and to forget about streaming and what others expect you to do. Focus not on what you were originally designed to do,focus on what you can do, go beyond expectations and to do it well.

The school has done very well with its programs and it has been very enjoyable for him. We had the niche in badminton, sustained achievement in uniformed groups for the upteenth time, sustained achievement in sports, value-added results, montfortian foundation programs and most importantly, the character development award.

Failure and setbacks

Mr Simen told Montfortians that there are two words commonly used to describe those who do not succeed - 'Failure' and Setbacks'. Of the two, 'failure' is more commonly used. He told the boys that the term 'setback' was not used enough.

Setbacks build character because something is done about it and it adds to the drive to succeed. People who suffer setbacks continue to believe unlike those who consider themselves failures.

After thanking the boys and students for the wonderful year, Mr Simen ended his address with his familiar phrase but with a new twist, "I wish you many setbacks. Awaken the potential as giants. Have a great holiday and I love you all very much."