The year 2022 has been a memorable one so far, especially for the matric class of 2022, as they get ready to depart the grounds of Penryn college. On the 14th of October, the Valediction ceremony for the class of 2022 took place, where our school chapel was filled with parents, pupils, and teachers ready to assist the matrics in embarking on their new journey as they step out into the world.
Detaching from a place you have grown to love over many years is one of the most difficult things you'll have to do throughout your school career. Preschool, Prep and now high school.
This day seemed to be quite joyous for the matrics, with smiles all around in anticipation of getting to share their accomplishments with the school, getting to share with the school what they had prepared the previous day.
A warm morning mirrored the warm smiles on the parent's and teachers' faces as they entered the building, the Chapel, a place where the matrics had been singing their hearts out along to songs they had learned to love over the years. Every Chapel service this year had been one of their last as a Penryn scholar.
Having to say goodbye seemed like such an easy task mere years and months ago but became a difficult task, another bittersweet end to years spent with people you've gotten to know so well. Friends, teachers, lunch spots, pathways, all the little things.
A place that they have tied to all their fondest and worst memories. Sitting in the middle of the Chapel as did years ago Grade 8s, surrounded by scholars who will only follow after them, falling prey to circumstance, to time.
Surrounded by their buddies, Grade 8s whom they promised to guide but now have to leave to find their way. Guidance only lasts for so long, another goodbye.
One of their very own delivered a piano concerto, a beautiful piece that had the whole Chapel hooked onto every note played. For a moment there was silence, everyone engrossed in the beauty of the piece being played, pride could be seen on the matric's face towards one of their own.
Awards, to acknowledge their accomplishments throughout the years, their highs and lows. The greatest moments of their lives were recognised and shared with everyone present. Parents could help but smile and cheer for their children, their pride and joys.
Following the awards was another performance from the matrics' very own, an emotional performance of the song 'So My Darling' managed to bring everyone to the verge of tears, another farewell to the matric class of 2022.
A group song, a final goodbye to the matric class of 2022, “It’s been a long day…” having been in school together for varying amounts of time, this was an understatement. Farewell to their friends, their favourite teachers and the school they have grown to love, it was not an odd site to see tears in their eyes.
