HIGH SCHOOL
Ms Liliana Gomez - IB DP Coordinator
Captains of Their Own Lives
There is an old expression for farewells and good wishes that says “Fair winds and following seas". People used this expression when the ships were sailing offshore, but nowadays, it is used to wish good things to those who are starting a new project or beginning a new life experience.
Now that I am living in Malta, I understand very clearly what this expression refers to. I have felt the strong wings of 40 kph hitting me with their power, and I have heard the buildings roar with frightening noises. I have also seen the sea and its incredible momentum and aggressiveness taking, covering and disappearing whatever is on the way. “Fair winds and following seas" then becomes a very powerful expression.
In one of these days of strong waves and winds, I saw in the distance a small boat that was shaking hard; actually enduring the onslaught of nature. It seemed that the small boat was going to sink. It was going in and out of the waves with tremendous difficulty.
However, the little boat continued navigating, moving forward and gradually came to the shore reaching its final destination. That little boat was stronger than it seemed.
I share this story because I see a clear analogy between our students’ journeys and that little boat. Our school provides our students with programs like the Diploma Program, so that they can become citizens of the world. People who are strong, skilled, courageous, well equipped, in other words, captains of their own boats and destinations. We are building together boats with world class materials, strong enough to brave any journey, and training the captains to handle the strong winds and rough waves.
My highest flag in the Diploma Program in addition to the good academics, is to offer our students experiences where they can develop their life skills. In my role, I promote not only the best boats, but also the best skilled and knowledgeable sailing crew capable of analyzing, reflecting, and making their best decisions in life. It is our great challenge to make them understand that being successful means being conscious of the world we live in, the otherness, the environment and our shared responsibility. My personal approach to the Programme is that developing skills such as empathy, self-awareness, decision-making, critical thinking, self-control and resilience, manifested in the IB profile, will certainly guarantee the path to success.
To the entire community, I declare that the Diploma Coordinator is ready to prepare the boats before sailing and that there will not be greater joy to see my students endowed with fair winds, strong and safe boats and departing from the shores of Fort Pembroke as Captains of Their Own Lives.
Made by Finley Gratil, Laurens Schulze-Döring, Nicoleta-Ileana Grade 11