As the Year 8 students time at the Girls’ School came to a close, they all gathered at a special assembly in their honour to reflect and to celebrate their time at the school.
Principal Ms Juliet Small congratulated the girls and thanked them for their attitude and effort especially in this Covid-limiting year. Ms Small said, ‘Take the inner strength that you have gained this year and know that you can overcome whatever you face in the future with the same grit and perseverance that you have demonstrated over this recent lockdown.
‘Believe in yourself. At Saint Kentigern Girls’, we have encouraged you to be strong young women with your own destiny. Leave here knowing that you must create your own opportunities and you can make a difference. I am excited for you and the opportunities that you have available to you. The possibilities are endless. I am encouraged to know that you are the current and future leaders of our country and our world. I look forward to seeing the impact that you will make in years ahead.’
As each name was called, the girls were greeted by their Year 8 teachers who presented them with their unique Leavers’ Scarf, a handmade silk scarf embodying symbols that signify specific events in the life of Saint Kentigern; the tree, the fish, the bell and the bird.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Saint Kentigern Old Collegian and recent Olympian Kirstyn Goodger who shared her journey and the struggles she faced in pursuit of her goals. She gave the girls advice on how to deal with obstacles in life and encouraged them to face their challenges head on and take advantage of the connections they build along the way.
The Year 8 students were also greeted by the President of the Old Collegians, Hayden Butler who welcomed the girls to the ranks of the Old Collegians via a video message.
The ceremony concluded with a slideshow of their time at the Girls School, for some with memories from their first day in Year 0.
Following the formal ceremony, the girls were presented with their leaving gifts and enjoyed a lovely lunch by the Coran House lawn. They received a Saint Kentigern bear, a necklace with the Saint Kentigern Crest from the Old Collegians and a prayer bookmark.
Conversations and laughter filled the air as the Year 8 students mixed and mingled, seeking signatures on their white and blue Graduation Bears. Tears, laughter and smiles were shared as the girls spent the afternoon enjoying the company of friends and teachers and having photos taken as memories that they will cherish forever.
