The Girls’ School Celebrate Their Scottish Heritage

Every year, the Girls’ School set aside a day to celebrate their heritage - that day is called Flora MacDonald Day. Being a highlight on the calendar, the event honours Saint Kentigern’s ancestry from a feminine perspective, the day is named after an 18th century Jacobite heroine who risked her life to smuggle Prince Charles Edward Stewart – ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ – from exile in Scotland over the sea to the Isle of Skye. It was on account of her bravery and strength of character that Flora was chosen as a strong namesake for the day of celebration.

The College Pipes and Drums set the tone for the day and led the clans, special guests and Preschool girls down the driveway in the parade, before leading them into the hall to be seated. Principal, Ms Juliet Small formally welcomed the guests and Head Girl, Charlotte Lee, and Deputy Head Girl, Catie Fowler shared the story of Flora.

Every year they have a special performance, this year, they welcomed student, Milly MacLeod to the stage to tell her inspiring story of visiting Skye and staying in Flora’s Cottage which is now a hotel. She shared photos of her experience and finished by sharing a poem of Flora’s journey. Her delivery and performance was fantastic.

Formalities were interspersed with one and all joining in song, including ‘The School Song’, the ‘Skye Boat Song’ and ‘My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean’. The formalities concluded with parents and guests making their way to the library to share shortbread and morning tea as the girls readied themselves for the activities ahead.

As the day unfolded, it was evident why the day is so highly anticipated. It was so much fun! The girls had a chance to take part in every activity including, playing in the pool, on the waterslide, playing catch the chicken and gumboot throwing, racing one another on the blow-up obstacle course, cooking oat biscuits, learning Scottish Dancing, taking part in arts and crafts, and tartan weaving.

It was a fantastic day of celebration for both the students and teachers, and the girls were definitely tired by the end of it. A huge thank you to all those who made this special event possible. We look forward to doing it all again next year!