Farewell Year 13

In the last few months at the College, there are several occasions for us to farewell our Year 13 students and to celebrate all that they have achieved. The final event was the Graduation Chapel and Dinner where students gathered with their loved ones for one last time in familiar and much-loved environment. 

The College Pipers gracefully marked the start of the Graduation Celebration as guests filed into Elliott Hall which was packed to the brim on both floors. Year 12 Catalina Addis gave a beautiful rendition of ‘When we were young’ before College Chaplain Reverend David Smith delivered his message for our graduating students. There is always more than one lesson to learn. One in particular encouraged our Year 13 students to reflect on as they start a new chapter in their lives, “To you the class of 2022, can I exhort you, to go for it, to give it heaps, to be people of humility, to keep learning, to believe in yourselves, to be people with a gratitude attitude and to take with you all that Saint Kentigern has offered you.”  

Following the Graduation Chapel service, Year 13 students prepared to make their way to the stage to receive their Graduation Diplomas from Executive Trustee Dr Kevin Morris. It is a poignant moment as each of our students walked forward to receive their certificate on stage as their parents and families looked on with great pride.

At the end of the service, guests were piped to the Sports Centre for a celebratory dinner. Gym 2 was transformed into an elegantly decked dining hall. Deputy Head Girl Arwyn Stevens and Deputy Head Boy Luka Ljubisavljevic were on hand to welcome everyone as MCs for the evening.

In their final joint address as College Head Boy and Head Girl, Archie Manning and Xing Xing Lawrence commended the cohort for making it past what had been another rollercoaster year. Archie said, “Throughout our time at the College, we have made countless memories and learnt endless lessons. From the sports field, in classrooms or on stage, we have gained experience and confidence to not let individuals or circumstances diminish or derail our quest for excellence, spirit for adventure or our compassion for people around us. Saint Kentigern has taught us this and so much more life lessons which will lead us well in our journey through life.”

Xing Xing echoed this message, “Saint Kentigern has given us so much. We are extremely grateful for the exceptional support and guidance we have received from the teaching staff. We are fortunate to have had such amazing role models. As we journey far and wide all around the world after this, we will forever carry with us the Saint Kentigern values which have been deeply ingrained in us.”

In closing, Reverend Smith delivered an address on behalf of Acting College Principal Mr Duncan McQueen who congratulated the Year 13 students for all they had achieved and encouraged them to continue to serve and lead with distinction as sons and daughters of Kentigern in their journey ahead.