This week has been an uplifting and emotional week for our Year 12 students, families, and staff as we bid farewell to our Class of 2023. 

The week involved the final Senior School Assembly for our Year 12s. Our whole School, including parents, attended the final Assembly to show support and appreciation for our graduating class. The farewell speeches given by our 2023 Co-Captains, Ava Colosimo and Flora Du were incredibly moving and inspiring. 

Our annual Valedictory Service was held at Toorak Uniting Church where each Year 12 student received a yellow rose, symbolising her departure from our Senior School in the same way she was welcomed in Year 7.  

The honour guard for our Class of 2023 departure from the Heyington Gates

The Class of 2023 also enjoyed the last day of school celebrations including onsite food trucks, music, and the traditional departure through the Heyington Gates. On Tuesday evening the Class of 2023 celebrated with their families and St Catherine’s staff at our annual Valedictory Dinner.  

The traditions held throughout the final week of Year 12 provide a meaningful way to honour our graduating students and wish them well for all their future endeavours. A new tradition introduced this year is the ringing of the brass bell for each Year 12 student upon completing her final exam or assessment. 

Pia Wilson with Mrs Gina Peele ringing in a new tradition at St Catherine’s School

Donated by the Class of 2021, the bell is situated in the front garden of St Catherine’s School adjacent to the flagpoles. Upon completion of her final exam, every Year 12 student will ring the bell for the number of years she attended St Catherine’s School. 

Marking the new tradition and the official end of the school year for the Class of 2023, Pia Wilson rang the bell to represent her 15 years at St Catherine’s, commencing in our Early Learning Centre in 2009.  

We are so proud of our Year 12s. They have each left an indelible imprint on our School, and we will miss them dearly. 

We wish all our Class of 2023 well in their upcoming final exams. Keep your ear out for the bell as it chimes throughout the coming weeks!