The all too familiar skirl of the bagpipes and beating of drums resounded throughout our Shore Road campus followed by a stream of excited girls dressed in red, blue, green, and yellow tartan. Led by our College Pipes and Drums band, proud parents and grandparents lined up to watch their children delight in the rich cultural history of the school as Girls’ School students, joined by Preschool girls, paraded around their new school at this year’s Flora MacDonald Day.

The procession marked the start of a day celebrating Saint Kentigern Girls’ Scottish heritage. With the perfect balance of formal and fun, the day continued with an assembly where the history of the brave heroine Flora MacDonald was shared by students, on account of her strength in character was chosen as a strong namesake for the Girls’ School. 

Principal Ms Juliet Small welcomed guests before introducing a past Girls’ School student Nikita Mulcahy who is now the College Pipe Major and invited her to share her experience in the role and her band. Year 8 student, Yasmin Baird was then invited to share her family’s Scottish heritage, including memories from her time in Scotland. She mentioned how special it was to be able to celebrate her culture with her friends despite being halfway across the world. The formal ceremony concluded with a blessing by Deputy Chaplain Mr Isaac Williams on the bagpipes. Safe to say, none of the girls nor guests saw it coming! 

With the formalities over, as each house split into their respective clans to continue the festivities with plenty of fun activities. From Highland cattle crafts to Scotty dogs’ hotdogs and stained-glass cookies; Highland games to Scottish dance and drama, the day was filled with something for everyone. It was amazing to watch the senior girls take charge and guiding the junior girls to complete all their activities together, fostering connections and new friendships across year levels.

One of the highlights of the day was the Scottish drama, where girls retold an old tale of the Lochness Monster. Squeals of delight erupted from all who attempted their best Scottish accent. None quite matched the strength and gruff of William Wallace, though impressive attempts, nonetheless. Next door, delicious stained-glass cookies were made from shortbread and placed in an origami box to take home to their families.

The students weren’t the only ones involved in the day. Some very dedicated teachers and parent helpers ran Highland Games down on the turf and put their bodies on the line as they dodge wet sponges from being hurled their way in the sponge fight. Chalmers showed no mercy as they continued dominating the Highland Games and swept the teachers off their feet in the iconic tug of war.

As each clan rotated around the various activities, there was an undeniable atmosphere of joy amongst all involved. Recognising the school's heritage - the why behind daily routines built into the practises at Saint Kentigern Girls widens their lens of the world. Perspective is a powerful tool, one that our girls are fortunate enough to learn from young.  

Thank you to the staff and parent volunteers who helped make this day extra special.

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