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The Parnell Holy Trinity Cathedral was filled with guests of the Girls’ School and Preschool last night as they gathered for their annual Carol Service. The Carol Service is a time to celebrate the year that has been and to unite for an evening of service, carols, reflection and joy. This year’s theme was ‘The Ultimate Gift’ that reminded us to be of service to others and to give.
The Girls’ School Kapa Haka Group opened with a beautiful Karanga and the Waiata Powiri – ‘The Prayer – Te Inoi’. Their performance was beautiful and set the tone for the evening. Once seated, Reverend Reuben Hardie gave the call for worship before asking everyone to join in singing the carol, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing.’
Principal, Ms Juliet Small thanked everyone for attending and made special mention of the Preschool who were excited to be taking part in the service for another year. Year 2-4 students, Alisa Draper-Rokurod, Rian Kim and Phoebe Chen gave the first readings, followed by a performance by the Girls’ School Choir, Highland Belles who sang ‘Hine e Hine’. Years 5-7 students, Sophia Evans, Sophia Fulford and Hannah Joyce presented the next readings before the congregation stood together and sang ‘Away in a Manger’.
Readings were given by Deputy Principal, Jill Wahlstrom, Ms Small and Deputy Head Girl, Sophie Yan before the Preschool made their way to the stage to perform ‘All Night, All Day, Angels Watching Over Me My Lord’. As always, the cathedral filled with smiles and giggles as they performed.
Following the Preschool, everyone joined in singing ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’ as the girls presented prepared gifts for the Dingwall Trust. Every year it is a tradition that the Head Girl and their mother present a reading. This year, Head Girl, Mikayla Chung and her mother Lena Chua gave their blessings after Chapel Prefect, Nora Caffery gave hers.
The nativity scene was next, followed by Reverend Hardie’s address. Reverend Hardie is known to give a fantastic address at carol services and this year was no different. Reverend Hardie spoke about many gifts that people can receive and give, from the most expensive being a gold rocking horse, to a homemade gift. He spoke about the gift of giving and invited three students onto the stage – these students were wrapped up as gifts. When he unwrapped the boxes that the girls were in, the words ‘Be the Gift’ appeared. He encouraged the girls to be the ‘gift’ this Christmas and to help around the home and offer service.
The Highland Belles finished by singing the Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Blessing before the Year 8 girls came forward to receive their leavers’ candles. The Middle School Choir Vox Box gave a beautiful performance, singing ‘Light of the World’ as the girls came forward. This was a touching moment for the girls and their families as their time at the School has come to an end.
To finish the evening, Reverend Hardie gave a final blessing before the congregation sang, ‘Joy to the World’ as the girls processed out of the Cathedral ahead of our guests.
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