“You will always be daughters of Kentigern and the values that have been instilled in you since you began at the school will hold you in good stead for the future. Everyone sitting here has a common bond. We are all part of Saint Kentigern and that connection will remain with us always!” 

These were words of wisdom that guest speaker and Old Collegian Ms Sharnika Leleni who is currently a Senior Solicitor at Russell McVeagh, among many other hats that she wears, shared with our Year 8 girls at their Graduation Dinner. This message echoed the words of Principal Ms Juliet Small in her speech which was delivered by Deputy Principal Ms Jill Wahlstrom, where Ms Small reminded the girls that they are well prepared for the challenges ahead and to move forward with confidence and enthusiasm to make the most out of the opportunities that lies ahead and to be the best that they could possibly be.

The Graduation Dinner was a beautiful gathering to reflect on time that our girls have spent at the Girls’ School as they ready themselves for the next chapter in their education. We are grateful to be able to bring together students, parents, staff, Trust Board members and invited guests at Sorento in the Park recently to celebrate all that the girls’ have accomplished in their time at the Girls’ School.

Ms Wahlstrom warmly welcomed guests to the Year 8 Graduation Dinner before President of the Old Collegians, Mr Hayden Butler, College Head Girl Xing Xing Lawrence and Ms Leleni shared their messages with the girls.

While congratulating the girls, Mr Butler urged them to continue to strive for excellence in all that they do. He welcomed each of the graduating student to the association and encouraged them to stay in touch with one another. College Head Girl Xing Xing spoke to the girls about going all out in pursuit of dreams and encouraged the girls to seek help and engage those they look up to for guidance when required.

Throughout the evening the Year 8 girls took every opportunity to mix and mingle and get signatures from friends and teachers on their blue and white Graduation Bears. Following dinner, the girls came forward as their names were called to receive their leavers’ scarf to mark the end of their primary school years at the Girls’ School. After receiving their gifts, the girls gathered to watch a slideshow of time spent at the school, including photos that dates to their first day at school.

 Ms Leleni summed it well when she said, “A new chapter in your life is now beginning and you are about to step outside of your comfort zone and make your mark on a new phase of life’s journey. I know that you are probably filled with mixed emotions. Extremely sad that you are no longer a day-to-day part of Saint Kentigern Girl’s School but also excited at what lies ahead including lifelong friends that you haven’t met yet and adventures that you cannot even imagine!”  

It was a wonderful evening filled with plenty of hugs, smiles, and some tears, as the girls, staff and their families enjoyed each other’s company while reflecting on fond memories at the school.

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