Year 13 Graduation Dinner

Aptly titled, ‘An Ending and a Sending’, the Year 13 Graduation Chapel and Dinner was a momentous occasion for our Year 13 students as their years of school education drew to a close. Coming together for one last time to mark the end of their College years, the formal evening celebrated their successes, learning and friendships at Saint Kentigern.

Held at the Ellerslie Event Centre, over 800 parents, friends, family members and invited guests filled the downstairs Guineas Room to capacity to hear Reverend David Smith give his final Chapel Service. Reverend Smith reflected on all that he hoped the students had learned in Chapel and he encouraged the Year 13 graduates to go forth with all of their strength ‘and then some’. ‘Three words,’ he said, ‘that can transform our lives.’

The audience were treated to two very powerful and moving solos by Amorangi Malesala, who sang ‘Forever Young’ followed by a soul stirring ‘Amazing Grace’. The Heads of Houses then called each student up to be congratulated by Mr Bruce Goodfellow, Chairman of the Trust Board and Mr Steve Cole, Head of College and to receive their Diplomas and testimonials.

As the guests moved upstairs to their dinner venue, they were traditionally piped in by members of the College Pipes and Drums. The Parents and Friends had done an outstanding job at transforming the lounge, each table decorated with a yellow, blue, green and red balloon depicting the colours of the four Houses. This year Wishart was the back to back winner of the yearly competition trailed by Chalmers, Cargill and Hamilton.

MC’s for the evening, Head Boy, Sam Dakin and Deputy Head Girl, Lucy Eden introduced each two House Leaders to come to the stage to give their last words. The Leaders proudly spoke on behalf of their Houses as they reflected and shared their special and defining moments over the past year. All students extended their heartfelt thank yous to their teachers, tutors and College staff for all that they had done.

In addressing the students for their next stage in their life, Mr Steve Cole poignantly said, ‘There are times in your life when you have to move on. Mostly you know when this time is, and do so with no regrets. If there is the odd regret, put it right tonight.’ Mr Cole went on to say that in over 61 years it is tremendous what the College has achieved, and we are all a part of this. ‘This group is the golden generation and I pray that you will be great ambassadors for your family, your College and most of all yourselves.’

In one last tribute to the spirit and honour of Saint Kentigern, Wishart House Leader, Aiden Phizackerly invited all guests to stand as he led the students in an ardent chant of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In.’

The evening marked the definitive end to a chapter in each of the lives of the graduating students and the beginning of another. We wish these students and their families well as they end their time with us. We send them on their journey with life lessons learned and the potential to go on and do good things. We will always be interested to hear how their lives progress and look forward to our students keeping in contact and retaining their special ties to the Saint Kentigern community.