Dear Parents and Caregivers

It is with tremendous pride and satisfaction that I reflect on a wonderful week of celebrations for St Hilda's 125th birthday celebrations. What a week it was!!

So many moments of reflection, history, gratitude and sheer joy.

It was a privilege to be part of something as momentous as the 125th anniversary of this wonderful school: to share moments with Honor McKellar and our students, seeing their faces reflect the wonder of someone so learned and wise who had walked their path so long ago; the respectful hush of the cathedral service; the line up of roses waiting to be taken home: the noise and hubbub of 500 plus old girls sharing greetings and salutations; the joy of shared collegiality at the staff morning tea; the laughter at shared memories of Tolcarne and the motivation of the Inspiring Women panel - so many special moments, so many varied but connected experiences, so much that reflects on the diverse and rich history of this school.

A very special thanks to the staff and members of the PFA who worked tirelessly over the weekend to ensure everything ran so smoothly. A big thanks to our sponsors who supported the events over the weekend (Craigs Investment Partners - Chris Timms and Peter McIntyre; Roslyn Fresh Choice; Mosgiel New World; Dave Callon - SHARE; Dwelling Architectural Design; Anderson Lloyd; Mercy Healthcare; Gallaway Cook Allan; Mitchell Daysh; Moyles Fresh Choice Green Island, and Rationale).

We are especially grateful to so many of our students who volunteered to be guides on the Saturday and our wonderful Kapa Haka and Sings Hilda Choir who assisted with services and performed with such dignity. Our current students embodied the spirit of St Hilda’s and impressed our old girls with their energy and enthusiasm.

I cannot thank Amanda Burke enough - as Director of Development and a passionate old girl, ex staff member, ex Board member and current parent she has committed fully to providing this wonderful and meaningful experience for everyone who attended. I am so grateful for her professionalism, thorough approach and calm demeanor - and a plan that she initiated two years ago with such wonderful results.

While we all felt slightly exhausted after the weekend, we could also look back knowing that we had been part of something special, - a once in a life time event. Now to the future - we are excited about that too and all it offers for the next 125 years.

Nga mihi

Jackie Barron