Podium

The format has changed little over the years. Typically, the day begins with a Chapel service for teachers, grads and their families. This is followed by lunch and then folks move to a ceremony in the Kaye Gardens where the grads receive their diplomas and speeches are made. The day ends with sharing delicious treats and exchanging teary goodbyes.  

 

Sometimes the usual routine was interrupted by events beyond the control of organisers. For example, in 1923, it was reported that the Prize Day was an "informal affair, owing to the presence of measles in the School, and we entirely dispensed with the celebrations which usually attend the last day of the Summer Term." 

 

During COVID-19, the students didn't come back to campus after Spring Break. Grads were invited back for Closing Day, and a few were able to come, but because they were not able to gather as a whole group, they met in their House “cohorts.” The following year, June 2021, the current format was introduced, which shifts the prize-giving to the week before Closing Day so as to include the whole School before Grades 8-11 leave on the Friday, reserving Saturday for Grade 12s and their families. The day ends in the Houses with refreshments and farewells.  

 

For members of the Graduating Class, the Closing Day ceremony marks the end of high school, and the beginning of a brand new adventure. From the podium, the Head typically offers the grads a last piece of advice, such as that given by Douglas Campbell in 1985, which concluded as follows: “As a source of personal energy and hope, there is nothing quite as effective as caring and affection for others. Relationships with people; personal integrity; service to others; caring and compassion – these will be the true measures of your future success.”