Year 12 Boarding House Farewells

Saying goodbye to our Year 12 boarders is always an emotional experience, as they’ve become like family to us. This year’s farewell celebrations offered a heartfelt week full of cherished traditions and joyful moments as we honoured all that is special about our departing Year 12s.

The farewells started on Monday night with Sing for Supper. It was a night where the entire boarding community came together to bid farewell to the Year 12 boarders. Every boarder and staff member was involved—from creating journals and invitations to decorating the space, singing for their supper, participating in “hip hip,” or making a video. It was a joyful night, months in the making.

There were many tears and hugs, especially at the finale when each Year 12 boarder popped their confetti-filled balloon and sang along to the leaving song. It was an emotionally charged evening that left everyone exhausted.

But just when we thought there would be time to rest, the fun continued. The following day was “P” Day, when all the Year 12 leavers dressed as something starting with the letter "P." Their imaginations ran wild—we had planets, priests, party girls, polony, and more. That evening, we hosted an event at Rambla for the Year 12 girls and their parents. It was a relaxed, fun affair. The night was beautiful, and many photos were taken during the golden hour on the foreshore.

Wednesday night was the Valedictory Dinner, a more formal celebration. Yet the highlight of the week was Flower Day on Thursday—a symphony of colour and fragrance, where every sense was heightened. It was filled with emotion and was absolutely spectacular. Each Year 12 then went their own way for the night, giving them a final moment of freedom.

Over the past two weeks, we have had a dedicated group of Year 12 boarders staying in the Boarding House to study for exams. We admired their grit and determination as they stuck to their study plans, supported each other, and avoided cabin fever. They can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Exams conclude next week and they are edging ever closer to the end of their schooling and leavers.

The boarding community wishes them the very best for their future.