Looking Back, Moving Forward – Year 8 Graduation Dinner

As the looming question of "what's next?" edges closer to reality for our Year 8 students, the school days seem to pass more quickly, and those final weeks vanish in a blur. Amid this rush, the Year 8 Graduation Dinner offers a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate their journey together.

Held in the Guinness Ballroom at Ellerslie Events Centre, the evening began with heartfelt remarks from Thomas Steel, President of the Saint Kentigern Alumni Association, Amorangi Malesala, Alumni Association representative, and Principal Marianne Duston. Each shared their reflections and congratulations, offering unique perspectives from their own journeys. Thomas and Amorangi welcomed the graduates into the alumni family, acknowledging that while many will move on to the College, others will begin new chapters elsewhere. Marianne spoke fondly of this cohort, who led the school during her first year as Principal.

The keynote address came from former Black Ferns captain and current Massey University professor, Dame Farah Palmer. Through humorous anecdotes and meaningful insights, she shared the twists and turns of her life – switching from netball to rugby, and pursuing a career in academia. Her parting words left a powerful impression: “If not you, who? If not now, when?”

The evening concluded with the presentation of graduation gifts: a leavers’ scarf adorned with the symbols of Patron Saint Kentigern – fish, bell, tree, and ring; a bear to be signed by friends; a Celtic Cross necklace; and a rose. Finally, a photo montage of their years at school brought laughter, squeals, and tears as the girls relived memories of their younger selves and celebrated how far they have come.

To the Class of 2024, we wish you every success. Fides servanda est.