Current students, families and staff were joined by those with historic connections to the School to reflect on the past 100 years of the Claremont educational institution.

The centenary event celebrated the School’s milestone and its contribution to the lives of many men and the wider community through prayer, music and drama.

A ceremonial torch, which was blessed and dedicated earlier this month by the Anglican Archbishop of Perth Roger Herft, was passed from School Captain Denver Stove to the youngest boy in the School Ted Woo.

Headmaster Garth Wynne said the Torch of Learning ceremony emphasised the symbols inherent in the School’s motto – deus dux doctrina lux (God is our Leader, Learning is our Light) - taking the School forward into the next 100 years and beyond.

A series of vignettes, played out in a This is Your Life format, told the story of Christ Church Grammar School and honoured its founders and benefactors.

The Anglican Archbishop of Perth Roger Herft gave his blessing to the School while the Governor of Western Australia Dr Ken Michael congratulated the School and read a message from Her Majesty the Queen. Also in attendance was the Dean of Perth  the Very Reverend John Shepherd and Federal Member for Curtin Julie Bishop.

The ceremony was directed by the Emeritus Director of Drama at Christ Church and founder of the Midnite Youth Theatre Company Anthony Howes. After 24 years at Christ Church, the thanksgiving ceremony was Mr Howes' final production for the School.

The ceremony is one of many events planned to help celebrate the School’s centenary year. The Centenary Exhibition: 100 Years of Learning and Light, a collection of photographs and memorabilia of school life over the past 100 years, is on display at the Old Boys’ Gallery. It will be open to the public throughout the year from Monday to Thursday, 9.00am to 4.00pm.

• Centenary photos by Matt Didcoe and Jovana Taylor