Greetings from Department of Education, NB

- Hon. Kelly Lamrock, Minister of NB Dept of Education

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Saturday, Jul 28, 2007

(List dignitaries).It is a real honour for me to be in the company of so many distinguished people.I am thrilled to be in this Hall which is alive with the voices of great leaders through history.

But I want to start by speaking to the people whose accomplishments we are celebrating today – the students, our graduates.

(start translation)

I want to first say “Congratulations”.I have visited your school before.I have met the graduates who have gone before you.So, I know that you have great talents, and that you have worked very hard.

Many young people are graduating from high school.They all have parents, teachers and friends who are proud of them.

You are unique.You have friends who are proud of you in two countries.

I want to bring you a message from the government of New Brunswick, and our Premier, the Honourable Shawn Graham.We take great pride in these schools and in our students.You, and all the success that awaits you, are an ambassador for your family, your country, and for our province.

You have a high school diploma from two great countries.I want to tell you that this gives you two homes.

I want to tell you that you are always among friends in our province.You will always be welcome in New Brunswick.

(end translation)

I want to speak to you today about opportunity, and about responsibility.You have received a great gift today – you have received an education.I will speak to you about those who have given you this gift, and about how you can show your gratitude through living your life with passion, and with purpose.

An education is not something to be taken lightly.Worldwide, 7 out of 10 children never have the diploma you hold, or the opportunity it represents.

You are surrounded today by people who have worked hard for you, without condition or demand.Your families have provided you with the chance to go to school.They were dreaming of this moment before you could even conceive of it.

Your teachers have shared a gift with you.They have great passion for helping young people learn.You have been surrounded through your childhood by people who are not motivated by personal gain.Your success is their professional goal.This is no small gift.

Of course, your education has been even more unique.You have a diploma from two countries – China and Canada.You have profited from the sharing of ideas, language and great works from two countries.You have this unique education because one educator was willing to be creative, and think of a new idea.

Dr. Francis Pang had an idea ten years ago – that a school could be stronger, its classes more challenging, and its children better educated – if that school challenged itself to offer a diploma from China and New Brunswick.

It was a revolutionary idea.Our government has been proud to work with Dr. Pang to make this idea work.We have worked with officials to China to make this vision a reality.Most of all, this school exists because Dr. Pang saw beyond what was, to see what could be.

Your education has been enriched by this creativity and vision.

Today, I am challenging you to live up to the gift you have received.You have been given the tools to succeedYou can repay those who gave you this gift by finding something you are passionate about, and using your skills to change the world for the better.

Perhaps you will find new ways to overcome poverty or injustice.Perhaps you will contribute to our knowledge of how to fight disease, or protect our environment.Perhaps you will teach others, or lead others.

I hope you will also use your experience here to make the world a better place.You know first-hand what great things can come from different nations working together. Your life is a testament to international co-operation. You can bring this knowledge to the world and promote friendship and harmony.

(translation)

 All of us here today wish you success in life.May your education lead you to a career where you can be passionate and knowledgeable about your work.Your lives will take you in many wonderful directions.To New Brunswick, your success is our success.We are proud of you.