Sydney: Valedictory Ceremony for the graduating students of All Saints Grammar, Class of 2024

On Thursday, 19 September 2024, All Saints Grammar in Belmore celebrated its graduating Year 12 students at a Valedictory Doxology Service and Awards Ceremony held at All Saints Church, Belmore. All Saints Grammar was honoured to have His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, officiate the Doxology.

Year 11 students Stella Kaloudis and Michaela Margiankakos ably emceed the Awards Presentation Ceremony, where students were recognised with academic, and special awards.

In a moving address 2024 School Captains Karina Giokaris and Vasileios Manis reflected fondly on their time at All Saints Grammar expressing heartfelt thanks and appreciation of their parents, educators and peers.

“Today marks the end of what has been a very long and wonderful journey, here at All saints Grammar…From the moment we stepped through the school gates for the very first time, to where we are now, All Saints Grammar has given us the values of faith, excellence and respect. Our school motto; ‘Let us stand well’ has taught us strength, perseverance and determination which is carried with us wherever we go. Growing up in such a positive community, we have always been given the skills to overcome and persevere through the obstacles that come our way, and taught to never give up on our dreams,” remarked Katrina.

Vasileios demonstrated eloquence in the Greek language focusing on the people that helped him and his classmates reach this milestone: “Τα κτίρια δεν κάνουν τα σχολεία. Σχολείο είναι ο δάσκαλος, ο υπεύθυνος, ο καταρτισμένος, που μοχθεί καθημερινά, που αγαπά το έργο του, που σκέφτεται και δρα παιδαγωγικά, που μέσα στην τάξη χτίζει το μέλλον της χώρας και της ανθρωπότητας. Αυτούς τους ανθρώπους τους έχουμε στο σχολείο μας και κάθονται ανάμεσα μας εδώ σήμερα και είμαι πολύ ευγνώμον με το γεγονός ότι αυτοί οι άνθρωποι ανέλαβαν την διαπαιδαγώγησή μας. Γιατί χάρις τις θυσίες αυτών βρισκόμαστε σε αυτό το σημείο της ζωής μας. Η ισχύς μας, η αγάπη σας για εμάς.”

Head of School, Elfa Lillis echoed these sentiments, extending her gratitude to parents, colleagues and students in marking the culmination of the Year 12 cohort’s journey through primary and secondary education.

Mrs Lillis spoke passionately about the Class of 2024, among whom is her daughter: “Today …we celebrate not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new one. As we gather here, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude …Throughout your journey, we have cultivated strong character values—integrity, compassion, and resilience. These values have been your foundation, helping you to navigate the complexities of school and life. Each challenge you faced was an opportunity to build resilience, and every moment of support from family, friends and your teachers has reinforced your character. Ultimately you are prepared for the world beyond these safe walls,” Mrs Lillis shared with heartfelt reflection.

“Our commitment to faith, excellence, and respect has been the cornerstone of your journey. Our faith has been a source of strength, providing you with a moral compass and a sense of purpose. We have strived for excellence not just for personal achievement but to make a positive impact on those around us. Your respect for others and their perspectives, has enriched your experiences and fostered a supportive community.’

Mrs Lillis implored each student in the Class of 2024 to approach the future with the belief that they can achieve great things and make a meaningful difference in the world. She concluded: “As we farewell you today, we do so with a sense of hope, wonder, and excitement for what lies ahead for each of you.  I am confident that our world, our society, our community, will be much better off because of the contribution you will make to it.  May God Bless you all.”

The event concluded with a presentation of Graduate Certificates, a Graduation Oath of Thanksgiving and a Blessing.