Leavers' Day a fitting farewell for Year 13s
A significant milestone day in the life of a Bedean, as they transition from student to old boy of St Bede’s.
Appropriately, the celebrations of the day are shared between the college and the Old Boys' Association.
Year 13 leavers kicked off their final day at school in traditional style with breakfast at the Papanui Working Men's Club, with whānau and members of SBC staff. It was a full house with 400 in attendance to start the farewell celebrations for the Year 13 student leaver's on their last 'official' day as students of St Bede's College.
Along with a tasty breakfast, those gathered enjoyed addresses by Rector Jon McDowall and Old Boys’ Association President Matt Ioane (1994-1998), followed by moving speeches by two Year 13 leavers' parent's, old boy Warren Falconer (1981 - 1984), father to Year 13 leaver Charlie and old boy Felix (2018-2022); and Katrina Talanoa, mother of Year 13 leaver Taniela and old boy Jared (2018-2022). You can read both speeches in this newsletter. The Old Boys' Association once again subsidised the event.
All guests departed the Papanui Club and headed back to St Bede’s for the next special part of the day, the Leavers’ Mass.
It was fitting that we gathered as a college to farewell our Year 13s in Mass. Fr Tim Duckworth, old boy from 1968-1972 and Provincial of the Society was our main celebrant, with Fr Allan Jones, old boy 1961-1966 and past staff member con-celebrating.
After communion, the names of each Year 13 leaver were read out by Head Boy Simon Curnow, and each boy received a Leavers’ Crucifix - a reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection and of His constant message to us, of love and forgiveness.
The crucifixes were a gift from the college, as an acknowledgement of the contributions these young men have made over their time at St Bede’s College. The Year 13s then gathered as a group to sing The Galilee Song to their parents – the words poignant for the occasion
Deep within my heart I feel
Voices whispering to me
Words that I can’t understand
Meanings I can’t clearly hear
Calling me to follow close
Lest I leave myself behind
Calling me to walk into
Evening shadows one more time
So I leave my boats behind!
Leave them on familiar shores!
Set my heart upon the deep!
Follow you again my Lord
As I gaze into the night,
Down the future of my years,
I’m not sure I want to walk
Past horizons that I know!
But I feel my spirit called
Like a stirring deep within,
Restless ‘til I live again
Beyond the fears that close me in!
So I leave my boats behind!
Leave them on familiar shores!
Set my heart upon the deep!
Follow you again my Lord
After singing emotional versions of both the College Anthem and Men of Bede, the last time as current students, the 2024 leavers processed out to greet their whānau with the college haka.
The morning then concluded with the Tie Ceremony, in the serene surroundings of the Chapel of St Bede, where students were presented with their leavers' ties.
Firstly, they heard from SBCOBA President Matt Ioane (1994-1998) about what it means to be an old boy of St Bede's and the strength of this community beyond the gates. He invited each and every one of the boys to remain connected through the old boys’ network.
Father Alan Jones SM (1961-1966) was then invited to bless the ties, and the symbolic act, wherein they exchanged their student ties for the distinguished Old Boys' Association tie commenced, symbolising their transformation from student to old boys of the college. This cherished tradition holds great significance for our departing students and continues to flourish, thanks to the generous sponsorship of individual old boys and staff within our community. A BIG thank you for everyone who sponsored a tie this year and made this special event possible.
The heartfelt moments captured in the photos below truly reflect the depth of this meaningful day for the boys and their families.
