Rites of passage: graduating to the next phase of schooling at St Stithians
In mid-October our Boys’ College and Girls’ College matriculants and staff experienced moving valedictory ceremonies – in the chapel, in Mears Hall and at formal dinners. As the setting sun lit up the west window of the Chapel, the Girls’ College Head Students lit a candle, passed this on to the incoming Head Students of 2017 who, in turn, led the lighting of candles held by each Grade 11 standing on the steps behind the altar and below the east window. A pool of candlelight in front of each Grade 11 symbolised both individual and collective hope and responsibility on the threshold of their Matric year and all its leadership opportunities.
The Boys’ College Bezants to Knights ceremony in Mears Hall included a personal comment of appreciation written by each boy’s House Director, read publicly as the African Knight memento was handed to him. The emotions of the Boys’ College Valedictory Service were intensified by the very sad news of the sudden death of Cameron Conlon just hours before.
The final commemorative act of the departing Matrics involved the ringing of the bell – for the boys in the chapel and for the girls at the Memorial Bell Tower.
These Matric school-leaving ceremonies were echoed six weeks later at the end of November for the graduating classes of Grade 2, leaving the Junior Prep, and Grade 7, leaving the Preps. Through rites of passage which include the ringing of the chapel bell, school gatherings and leavers’ dinners, our younger Saints reach milestones on their Saints Journey.
In our Thandulwazi Maths & Science Academy, the closing ceremony in the Tree Quad of 1 100 Teacher Development Programme participants was a colourful and joyous occasion, enriched by the rhythms of the Boys’ Prep and Thandulwazi Teacher marimba bands.
It is my privilege as the Rector to participate in all these rites of passage, the global overview providing an inspiring vista of young people enjoying the educational phases of St Stithians, and of the impact of the Thandulwazi Academy beyond the College’s gates. I gain similar insights as I attended each of the end-of-term chapel services. Each school has its own character, related to the age and gender of the students, and the shaping leadership of the Head of School and the staff. Together and yet distinctive, One and All, Saints Synergy.
Gallery photos by Phillip Gardener, Didi Imbriolo, Mel Morrison, Quintell Schoeman, Ruth Everson
