A Time For Celebration—The IB MYP Ceremony

This week, the GNS community gathered to celebrate the Grade 10 class as they completed the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. For most of these students, this event is a significant milestone that represents the culmination of a five-year learning journey.

The goal of the International Baccalaureate continuum is to focus on the development of the whole person from Junior Kindergarten through to graduation. Developing an international perspective and focusing on community and service are key elements of the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes at Glenlyon Norfolk School.

The IB Learner Profile attributes that have been highlighted throughout the MYP journey represent 11 characteristics valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities. As IB learners, we strive to be: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, Reflective and Persevering. 

Additionally, during the MYP experience, students have acquired and developed skills to help approach their own learning. These are skills that will benefit them not only in their future senior school studies but also throughout life and include collaboration, communication, time management, analysis and evaluation.

Ms. Carolyn Green, Principal of the Senior School, shared some of the following remarks regarding the journey: 

“When I was your age, I was an avid horse-rider. My horse was a thoroughbred and an ex-racehorse, and he was very challenging! He was wild, tricky, and unpredictable; and I had to work very hard every day to manage him. I spent a lot of time being thrown off and having to pick myself up and getting back on. 

For me, riding a horse is similar to navigating a challenging life path as it requires perseverance, patience and flexibility so that you can adapt and cope with unexpected turns. 

Think of it like this: from now on, you are literally picking up the reins and taking charge of your own horse! You are going to be working hard to be in control, because they have a mind of their own, and they are bigger than you. Sometimes it will be plain sailing and all will go well.

I will, however, let you know that sometimes you will feel like you have lost control of your horse and that it is running wild. You will have to figure out a way to rein it back in, with care and kindness, and sometimes tough love! You may even have to pick yourself up and try again. 

But ultimately, by the end of your Grade 12 year, you will be primed with all the skills and knowledge that you need for whatever next steps await you.

Embrace the next two years’ challenges with an open heart, determination, and grace, and you will build resilience and endurance – both excellent qualities for life!  

We are ALL excited to see where YOUR pathway takes you next!”

Congratulations to our 2024/2025 Grade 10 students! Well Done!