Published on: 17 October 2024

  • Year 12 celebrations
  • Cadet Parade and Dinner
  • Senior School Art Exhibition
  • Year 12 Boarding Dinner

Last Friday, we hosted the annual Principal’s Cadet Parade and Dinner, special events that highlight the achievements of our Army Cadets over the past year. It is always a pleasure to support our Army Cadets during this event and to present top-performing students with awards and honours. Congratulations to the entire Cadet Unit and all the award recipients for their impressive achievements. If you would like to read more about the event, please click here.

Earlier this week, we proudly hosted our Senior School Art Exhibition, a highlight of the calendar, where the creative talents of our students were on full display. During the event, our Year 12 Media, Production, and Analysis film students were recognised for their exceptional work throughout the year. The theme of this year’s exhibition, ILLUMINARE—the Italian word for “illuminate”—perfectly captured the essence of the evening, as the students’ artworks truly shone with brilliance, creativity, and depth. Each year, I find myself astonished by the incredible range and quality of the pieces our students produce. The level of craftsmanship on display is a testament not only to their natural abilities but also to the hours of hard work, dedication, and persistence they have poured into their art.

Last night, the Walters Boarding Community came together for a special occasion—the annual Boarding Dinner—where we celebrated and farewelled departing Year 12 boarders. For these young men, Christ Church Grammar School has been much more than just a place of education; it has been their home away from home, a place where lifelong friendships have been forged, and countless memories created. It was heartwarming to hear them reflect on their unique experiences, sharing stories of camaraderie, personal growth, and the challenges they’ve faced and overcome together. The evening was made all the more meaningful by the presence of family, friends, and staff who have been instrumental in supporting these students throughout their journey at Christ Church. Surrounded by those who have played a significant role in their development, the departing boarders were reminded of the strong network of care that has nurtured them along the way. For these young men, this chapter of their lives is coming to an end, but the values, friendships, and lessons they’ve gained during their time here will remain with them long after they leave. We wish our departing boarders all the best as they embark on the next stage of their lives, knowing that the spirit of Christ Church and the Walters Boarding Community will always be with them, wherever their paths may lead.

This week marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the end of an era for our Year 12 students, who are completing their formal education at Christ Church Grammar School. To mark the occasion, the cohort enjoyed a celebration day at Mount Claremont Playing Fields, featuring waterslides, inflatable soccer, and other fun activities—a well-deserved break before they head into their exams. This morning, we are hosting a special assembly to honour our Year 12 students, made even more meaningful by the presence of parents, special guests, and staff. Later this evening, the students will gather again for the Valedictory Service where they will ring the school bell for the final time, a further opportunity to reflect on their journey. The Year 12 students, their parents and staff will then enjoy the Valedictory Dinner where all students will be acknowledged and welcomed into the Old Boys’ Association. These events allow us to recognise the achievements, growth, and contributions these young men have made during their time at the School. As they prepare for their final exams, we extend our heartfelt wishes for their success—not only in their assessments but also as they move into the next chapter of their lives. We are confident that the skills, values, and friendships they have forged at Christ Church will serve them well in all their future endeavours.

Earlier this year the School’s ICT Department relocated to the Academic Resource Centre (ARC) above the Main Administration Building. The space previously occupied by ICT is now undergoing renovations to create five new classrooms and an expanded English office. This additional space will provide valuable learning environments that support both our students and staff, ensuring we can continue to offer a high-quality education in a dynamic and flexible setting.

Alan Jones
Principal