Tears and laughter, the loving support of family and friends, memories and sparkling hope – all were evidenced at our 2019 Leavers’ Service this morning.

The service provided opportunity to acknowledge our Leavers for their time at the College, for who they have become, and to give them our blessing as they move into the next stage of their lives.

We reflected on an excerpt from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 13:1-3,11-13). Of all the things that we have achieved or ever could achieve, the greatest is the ability to love. The famous verses in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 give a description of love that is the foundation of all healthy relationships and communities; it is also a description of the love that God has for us. We have all been given many gifts and abilities, some as yet undiscovered, but these are not just for ourselves. We have been given gifts to use in the service of others – we need to learn to love well.

During the service, our Year 13 and three Year 12 Leavers were presented with a Bible and a named Columba Candle as gifts from the school. Further gifts were given by the Columba Old Girls’ Association. In response, the Leavers presented school with a beautiful set of Columba-themed nesting dolls, hand-painted by Ms K. Field. They also renewed the subscription of flowers for the staff.

A highlight of the service was the Year 13 Video Snapshot, prepared by Sennah Lee, which brought laughter and a few tears as students recalled events of the last 13 years. A waltz by Shostakovich was performed superbly by Tessa Campbell, Isabelle Coe and Angela Fu on the flute, clarinet and piano respectively. 

As these students finish their time as students of the College, we remember that they will always be part of the Columba community.