The end of the academic year at Trinity College School is a time for reflection, but also an opportunity for students and staff to look ahead to the future. At the annual Closing Ceremony, on Thursday, June 13th, our Junior School families had the chance to rejoice in all that has been achieved since September and all that is to come!
In the days leading up to Closing Ceremony, Junior School students all had a chance to celebrate. On Monday afternoon, each grade was invited to the home of one of our Junior School families for a party. Thank you to the McCarthy, Lowry, Dainard and Evans/Simpson families for being wonderful hosts! Then, on Tuesday, our Grade 8 families put on their fancy attire for the graduation dinner at Dalewood Golf Club. Everyone enjoyed a lovely meal and presentations, including reminiscences shared by student presenters Sam VanEsveld, Kate Kennedy and Crystal Ding.
After one final day of classes on Wednesday, it was time to say goodbye to the 2023-2024 academic year. Thursday’s Closing Ceremony began with the annual Grade 8 graduating class photo, before each homeform processed to the Sue Burns Gymnasium to be greeted by family and friends.
Mrs. Jennifer Reid, head of the Junior School, welcomed everyone and, in reflecting on the past year, spoke about how the Junior School moves beyond imparting knowledge and skills in its quest to develop “great humans”: “On a daily basis, our students are learning to be the leaders of tomorrow. In the classroom, at assemblies, in chapel and through our allies groups, students are exposed to different perspectives, they engage with care in pressing social issues and they participate in service learning projects. Our students are not just preparing for their futures; they are actively shaping them.”
The emphasis of Closing Ceremony is to recognize all students, as each one contributes something unique and valued to the Junior School community. For this reason, grade completion certificates are presented in Grades 5 through 7, in addition to the Grade 8 diplomas. Awards were bestowed to some students who had gone above and beyond in terms of their achievement, leadership and dedication in academics, co-curriculars and school life.
Throughout the event, the Tottenham Band provided beautiful music, including an energetic performance of Ryan Meeboer’s Western Fair, one of the pieces that won the band a gold medal at MusicFest Canada this year.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the valedictory address by Grade 8 student Julia L. She imparted memories her classmates had shared with her about their time in the Junior School, and the lessons they had learned: to persevere, to work together to find solutions to problems, to embrace new experiences and to live in the moment. Of the graduating class, she remarked: “Even though we are a group of 35 individuals, over our time in Boulden House we have grown together, and learnt together, to become the strong young people that we are today.”
The day concluded with a social gathering in The Lodge Garden for students, staff, family and friends.
Congratulations to all of our Junior School students and staff, and in particular to our Grade 8 graduates. We wish you all the best – and look forward to welcoming our returning students back to TCS in September!
