Ottawa, Tuesday, November 7, 2006

I want to begin by saying “thank you” for that wonderful presentation!

Through your songs and dances, you have really captured the history of your school.

When I received your letter inviting me to this celebration, I asked myself: why is a 50^th anniversary so significant?

Is it the fact that “Queen Elizabeth Public School” has managed to survive and overcome all the pitfalls and challenges that a school must deal with?

Maybe it is the fact that your school has produced hundreds of dedicated women and men who are making important contributions to our society.

Or perhaps it is the fact that over the last 50 years, Queen Elizabeth Public School has managed to create and maintain an outstanding place of learning, welcoming students of diverse backgrounds.

I think it is all of this and much more!

A school is a big family where everyone counts and has to contribute to its success.

And living together is sometimes a challenge. In fact, what does it mean to live together? It means sharing a place, such as a classroom, a neighbourhood, even a country. Being part of a country is very much like being part of a school. It means having rights, but also responsibilities. And above all, it means sharing a dream.

What do we dream about? Many things: we want happiness, peace, the chance to thrive. Isn't that what you want, too? To make these dreams a reality, we have to work together, drawing on what we have in common and what we have to offer.

And just what do we have to offer? Take a look around this room. Our origins are different. Each of us has a unique story to tell. And each story is what makes our country so rich. Each person is a treasure. Let us never forget that.

So this anniversary is really a tribute to all of you, those of you here at Queen Elizabeth now, and everyone who came before.

As I look at all of you, I wonder “what does the future hold?”

That, of course, is really up to you.

At home, and here at school, your parents and teachers are giving you some very valuable tools—knowledge, abilities, life skills, ethical codes, and much more.

But how you use these tools is really up to you.

I can still remember, as a child in Haiti, where I was born, when my grandmother used to whisper in my ear: Education is very important. You must study and apply yourself.

Throughout my life, I have cherished this message, and it has really given me the strength and conviction to study hard and aim for the impossible, even when others were telling me I couldn’t make it.

I want to make sure that you too understand the importance of education and that you continue to reach for your dreams, never letting go.

I wish you all every success in achieving your goals.

And I thank you for inviting me to be a part of this celebration.

I am very pleased that, through the years, governors general have had such a close connection to Queen Elizabeth Public School. Long may this happy relationship continue!

Thank you very much.