Good evening everyone,

It’s great to be here with you all this evening for Presentation Night.

To be honest, when I was asked to give a speech, I thought it’d be a small group in a classroom with the students, teachers, and maybe a couple of parents — something fairly low-key. So when I walked in and saw this many faces staring back at me — well, let’s just say my heart rate hit “Sports Day” levels.

The nerves are real, so if I suddenly forget what I’m saying, just clap and pretend I’ve made a very wise and interesting point.

But seriously — I’m actually glad I included a bit about how important the Sark community really is, because clearly you’ve all turned out to prove that point for me.

The support here doesn’t stop at the school gates — it follows you wherever you go, including right up to this microphone.

Although I now live and work in Guernsey, I come back to Sark often — and I still call it home. This island and its community mean a lot to me.

I left Sark School in 2004 to continue my schooling in the UK, but the things I learnt here have stayed with me ever since.

Sark might be small on the map, but it’s huge in all the ways that really matter. Here, you grow up with space to explore, nature at your doorstep, and people who genuinely care about you.

This school isn’t just a building — it’s a place where you’re known. Where teachers spot your strengths, cheer you on, and help you grow. And they know how to adjust things to suit every learner within its curriculum — that’s something truly special.

In fact, that reminds me of a little story.

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The Boy Who Built Something Big.

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Once upon a time, on the peaceful island of Sark — where there are no cars, just bicycles, tractors, and the odd horse with a strong sense of attitude — there lived a boy named Jacques.

Now, Jacques wasn’t the tallest, or the fastest, or the best at spelling. But he loved building things. Tiny forts. Wobbly shelves. Wooden link boxes, bug hotels made from jam jars, and even chicken coops. If it could be nailed together (or even if it couldn’t), Jacques gave it a go. Because growing up on a farm and being practical falls hand in hand.

He went to Sark School, where the teachers noticed how much he loved making things — and they encouraged him. They didn’t mind when he talked about eating snails in show and tell or accidentally glueing his worksheet to the table. They knew he was learning something useful — even if sometimes it came with a splinter.

One day, Jacques said,“I want to be a carpenter — and a joiner!” (He wasn’t entirely sure what a joiner was, but it sounded important.)

So he kept learning. Kept building. Kept trying — even when things didn’t work.He hit his thumb. A lot. He made mistakes. A lot. But each time, he learned something new.

Years later, Jacques moved to Guernsey, where there are roundabouts, buses, and actual traffic lights — a wild concept for someone from Sark.

But he didn’t forget where he came from.  guess what? He really did become a carpenter and a joiner.

He built real things — important things — won a few awards, and even started teaching others how to become carpenters and joiners too.

And now… Jacques is back here, telling this story to you.(And yes — it’s me. Plot twist!)

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Back to real life for a second:

it really did all start here.

Sark gave me the confidence to follow what I loved. It gave me kindness, encouragement, and belief — all from people around me who cared.

From teachers who believed in me, to neighbours who knew my name and encouraged me, to my family who always supported me, and added a bit of healthy sibling competition that pushed each of us to succeed and earn recognition in our own fields — and to the quiet strength and independence that comes from growing up in a place like this.

So, to all the students: never think that being from a small island means you can’t do big things. You can.

In fact, growing up here gives you something powerful — strong roots, clear values, and a big heart. Whether you want to build houses, cure illnesses, write books, drive tractors, or even become a teacher — you can do it all.

Just remember what the boy in the story (and in real life) learnt:It’s not about being the fastest, the biggest, or getting it right every time.

It’s about trying, learning, and not giving up — because one day, your boat will sail, or your shelf will stand up straight. Well… probably.

And to all the incredible teachers and staff here — thank you.

You’ve helped shape not just students, but futures.

As your school motto says:

Be Kind, Be Curious, but most of all, Be You.

Thank you very much for listening.