The 2020-2021 school year was a year like no other, as the ongoing global pandemic saw students at Trinity College School learning to adapt to new health protocols, experiencing school life as members of small cohorts and shifting between in-person and online learning. In the face of these challenges, there was much to celebrate as the School hosted a virtual presentation of the Speech Day ceremony on Friday, June 11th.
This year’s event focused on our graduating students, and as he opened the prize giving ceremony, Headmaster Stuart Grainger looked back to their first days at the School: “When you first started at TCS, I welcomed you by congratulating you on your promotion – an instant promotion with the accompanying title of CEO of Self. It was a massive leap towards independence and personal responsibility.” While there have been many wonderful times to “fill your memory banks with smiles and laughter,” the past year has also brought about a great deal of learning, including an understanding of the true meaning of leadership. “In your capacity of CEO of Self, you have put the interest of others more vulnerable than you ahead of yourself. You did the right thing. You did the necessary thing. So there was a significant realization that being the boss of yourself does not mean you get to do whatever you want; being the boss requires you to prioritize others. Welcome to leadership and serving those most in need and vulnerable. You have had a one year intensive course in this regard and you rose to the challenge.”
Prior to the prize giving ceremony, grad families enjoyed a live Zoom presentation of the Leaving Class Chapel Service, hosted by Canon Don Aitchison and Headmaster Grainger, and featuring organist Randy Mills. The traditional hymns and prayers were enhanced by a vocal performance by Grade 12 students Camryn Chalovich and Zoe Fingas, who performed For Good from the musical Wicked; and a rendition of My Heart Will Go On by a group of graduating bell ringers.
Head prefects Addy Malpas and Graham Hall spoke at both the chapel service and prize giving events, sharing some favourite memories and also expressing gratitude on behalf of the graduating class for everyone who supported them in their TCS journeys.
Speech Day was an opportunity to acknowledge the retirement of three staff members: Junior School teacher Colin Powles; Laura Regan from the culinary services team; and Senior School faculty member, football coach and former housemaster, Drew Allen, after 36 years at TCS. As well, Chef Patrick McClean and Senior School teacher Blair Keiser were honoured for reaching the milestone of 25 years of service to the School.
Following the awarding of prizes and announcement of graduates, families were able to enjoy a video tribute to the leaving class, prepared by the admissions team. And a group of local graduating families paraded in vehicles through campus to cap off the day.
As we give best wishes to our graduates, we echo the words of Headmaster Grainger: “TCS will always be here, and will always be here for you.”
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