Remembrance 2021

The annual St Stithians College Remembrance Service was held this year on Friday 29th October in the Chapel.  This moving service provides a safe space for members of our St Stithians community to come together to remember those they have loved and lost.  Each year a different school on campus hosts the service, the 2021 was hosted by the Girls’ Preparatory.  Dr. Melanie Drake, Rev Marumo and the Girls’ Prep staff and students ensured that the service was meaningful and beautiful. 

The chapel was full, perhaps a sign of the times with all the community has gone through during the COVID-19 pandemic.  There were many staff, students, parents and grandparents who joined together to pay tribute to those we have lost.  The congregation found solace in the opportunity to, comfort one another and many tears were shed.

The lighting of the candles is a significant part of the service which reminds us to keep hope alive, which was made more meaningful with our theme of Hope and Light.  The conclusion of the service is led by the wreath bearers exiting the chapel to the sound of bagpipes playing on the Cheetah slopes.  The congregation follows the wreath bearers up to the Garden of Remembrance where the wreaths are laid at the base of the cross.  This year the wreath bearers were:

Clive Laburn (Class of 1990) in memory of his father Hugh Laburn (Class of 1963)
Gregory Carter (Class of 2007 and current Boys’ College teacher) in memory of Bill Carter (longest serving school Council member)
Petros Dlokwakhe Zulu (current operations staff member) in memory of his brother Andries Dlamini (longest serving staff member)

Once at the Garden of Remembrance, the Litany of Remembrance is said together in closing.  It is a sad but vitally meaningful morning for those who are experiencing the season of grief.  We continue to hold those who have experienced loss in our thoughts and prayers.