SENIOR SCHOOL
Valedictory Week Celebrations
Week 2 of Term 4 marked one of the most significant weeks of the year for the Senior School , when we celebrated our graduating class of 2020 .
Valedictory Week not only celebrates our Year 12s , but also reflects on and acknowledges the collective effort of the whole School in ensuring we fulfil our purpose to develop students who will go on and become outstanding citizens who contribute positively to a just , loving and peaceful society .
A range of Valedictory events were held , commencing with the traditional ‘ tractor pull ’ won by Harper House , the Valedictory Eve dinner , breakfast at the Boat Shed , concluding with the Valedictory Eucharist . These events allowed members from all areas of the School community – peers , students , staff and most importantly , parents – the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the cohort .
The week was full of significant symbols and rituals , none more so than the Guard of Honour , an emotional walk for our students into the Chapel for the final Eucharist .
In 2020 , social distancing restrictions presented a unique set of challenges for the Eucharist . A revised format included the addition of a huge LED screen and livestream . The live-stream was a resounding success with some families reporting that family members were able to tune in from across the globe !
We were extremely privileged to have as our guest speaker , the 2019 Australian of the Year , Dr Craig Challen SC , OAM . Dr Challen offered broad wisdom and advice to the students and spoke about his role in one of the most widely witnessed events in the world , the rescue operation of a Thai soccer team trapped in Thailand ’ s deep Tham Luang Cave .
A highlight of the week ’ s celebration was hearing from a number of students about the impact their time at the School has had on them . Thank you to our Vice Captains 2020 , Jade Begovich ( 12Sc ) and Lauren Byford ( 12Sc ), for their outstanding Valedictory addresses which wonderfully captured their time at the School .
Thank you to all our Valedictorians for the contributions you have made in your time at Guildford Grammar School , we look forward to seeing what you do next !
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