Chapel Matters

There is something very special about gathering together as a school for St Hilda’s Day. Not only do we have our immediate “family” of students and staff, but we also have Board members and – for the first time – some distinguished alumni who are being honoured. The span of years that our gathering represented this week is over 100 years and thus a testimony to the strength of our school community, our shared heritage, and the legacy of our founders. St Hilda herself would be very proud, I am sure, to know that our school is named after her. She had a passion for education and for inspiring faith in those around her, so we honour her in our gathering together in this way.

I hope that by being in the sacred space of our Cathedral our spirits were lifted by the beautiful music and singing thanks to our choir, Madrigali Rouge, the kapa haka group, and the performance by Hannah Lawrence. I hope our hearts and minds were both challenged and encouraged by the words of wisdom from “old girl” (and former teacher) Rev Barbara Dineen and the Dean, Tony Curtis, as well as from the intercessions led by the Prefects and the leadership of the Sacristans. And I hope our souls were strengthened as we partook in communion together, receiving the grace and forgiveness available to us from God through the bread and wine. Joining together to sing, pray, take communion, listen, watch, and learn in such a sacred space is very special indeed!