Trinity College School’s Grade 5 through 8 students celebrated the end of the academic year at the Junior School Closing Ceremony on Thursday, June 16th. This represented the first on-campus, in-person closing ceremony in three years and the smiles on students’ faces reflected their joy in being able to gather with their families and Junior School staff.
The final week leading up to Closing Ceremony saw students enjoying a week filled with fun activities, such as class parties and the Grade 8 Graduation Dinner. Grad dinner was held in Osler Hall and included a “walk down memory lane” presented by students Tristan Merepeza and Sadie McCosh as well as a slideshow compiled by Mr. Steve Murray. These events helped build the excitement in advance of Thursday’s grand finale.
Closing Ceremony honours all Junior School students, and is a chance to specifically recognize our Grade 8 graduates. A last minute change of plans due to inclement weather saw graduates gather in Cirne Commons prior to the ceremony to receive their boutonnieres and to pose for the traditional grad photo. Then they were joined by students in Grades 5 though 7 to process to The Memorial Chapel where family and friends awaited them.
Families were welcomed by Head of Junior School Jennifer Reid, who spoke about the remarkable dedication shown by students and staff over the past year as they have navigated shifting pandemic conditions and maintained their focus on learning, growing and building community. “While the pandemic may have tested us and forced us to alter our learning conditions, what we have stood for and valued as a school community – courage, integrity, perseverance, compassion, just to name a few – have remained untouched and perhaps even strengthened,” she noted.
Closing Ceremony includes the presentation of grade completion certificates to students in Grades 5 to 7, and diplomas to the graduating class. As well, several individual prizes were handed out to recipients. A highlight of the event is the valedictory address, this year given by Grade 8 student Sam Nadurata. Sam spoke about the Grade 8 students’ time in the Junior School and specifically their ability to handle the many changes faced in recent years. He noted that the Junior School students have “always had open arms for each other” and that this sense of community is a result of the caring environment created by their teachers and the staff in Boulden House. As they look ahead to “the next adventure,” he said, “I hope we don’t forget this milestone and the ones that led up to this.”
Headmaster Stuart Grainger spoke at the conclusion of the event, thanking families for the trust they place in the School in sending their children here, thanking faculty and staff for their dedication to students and their collegiality, and congratulating students – especially the grads – on all of their achievements this year. As the ceremony closed, families were invited to Cirne Commons for a reception which featured a special performance by Tottenham Band under the direction of Ms. Emma Crawford. Many photos were taken, hugs given and goodbyes said. It was a perfect ending to what has been a wonderful year in the Junior School.
We wish all our Junior School families a happy and safe summer, and look forward to welcoming our returning students back in September!
Click on the links below for multimedia from Junior School final week events:
