Grade R Welcome Chapel Service

February 17, 2023 | Junior Preparatory

On Friday 3 February the Grade R children were officially welcomed into the St Stithians family with a rite of passage bell ringing service. It was made extra special as the parents were there to witness this beautiful ceremony.

As per the Saints tradition, the ceremony was opened with a prayer and thanksgiving by Rev Thandeka. Each class walked into the Chapel, led by their teacher, and rang the bell which symbolised the beginning of their journey through the College.

After ringing the bell they walked down the aisle and were met with smiling faces from their parents and visitors. There were waves of excitement and smiles on the faces of the children.

The Boys’ College Head Boy, Ethan Gondo, and Girls’ College Deputy Head Girl, Liyakhanya Ndamane, were guest speakers for this special occasion. They each gave a heartfelt speech and you could hear laughter in the audience as they told tales of when they were young and in the seats where the children were sitting and of their journey through the College.

The Chapel was filled with angelic voices as the children sang the songs they had practiced, which the audience loved.

Each child was filled with joy as they were presented with a Saints teddy by our Head of the Junior Prep, Mrs Harris. The smiles on the faces of the children upon receiving their teddy lit up the Chapel.

They hugged their teddies, sharing giggles with their friends as they showed them to each other. Some of the teddies ‘ joined in singing’ the final Blessing song.

The children were happy that their loved ones were able to share this special moment with them.

As in the words of the College song, may the children never forget “That here our ship once anchored and here its course was set”.