A message from the Principal

Last night we had the privilege of celebrating one of the most special events on our school calendar, the Year 6 Graduation. 

Held in our own quadrangle, the evening was nothing short of magical. A group of exceptionally talented Year 5 parents, led with creativity and flair by Rachael O’Connor, transformed the space into a glamorous setting complete with a red carpet, twinkling lights and a sparkling backdrop. It truly felt like a grand occasion befitting the remarkable group of students we were celebrating.

Our wonderful Year 6 teachers, Louise and Ange, led the evening with warmth, pride and an enormous sense of care. They have invested so much into preparing this group not just for graduation night, but for the transition into secondary school. Their work behind the scenes ensured the event ran seamlessly and, more importantly, that every student felt confident, supported and ready to shine.

And shine they did. The students looked incredibly grown-up and sophisticated, dressed for the occasion and carrying themselves with a sense of maturity that reminded us all how ready they are for the next stage in their journeys. 

I was honoured to speak during the ceremony and shared a message about their growth as learners and as people. I reflected on their ability to adapt, to face change with resilience, and the way they have navigated the twists and turns of their primary school voyage. As I said last night, “Your journey at SKiPPS has shown that what matters most is not the conditions you face, but how you adapt, persevere and continue to move forward together.” Their journey has been shaped by both challenge and triumph, and they should feel incredibly proud of who they have become.

Each student was then welcomed to the stage and addressed the crowd of almost 200 students, families, friends and staff. The confidence they displayed was extraordinary. They spoke with humour, honesty and heart, reflecting on their favourite memories, their setbacks and successes, and their hopes for the future. It was a privilege to hear their voices and to witness the pride that radiated from their families and teachers.

We also enjoyed a few surprise video messages that added to the joy and celebration of the evening, followed by a moment to farewell the families whose youngest children are leaving SKiPPS. These families have been part of our community for many years and have contributed so much to the fabric of our school. We thank them and wish them all the very best as they move into the next chapter.

As I reflect on the evening, what stands out most is how beautifully it encapsulated everything that is special about SKiPPS: the deep connections students and families make here, the sense of belonging, the confidence our young people develop, and the way our community comes together to celebrate, support and uplift one another. Our graduating students have experienced a uniquely challenging start to their schooling journey due to Covid, yet they have risen above these early disruptions with determination, optimism and strength. They are resilient, capable and ready to take on the world.

We could not be more proud of this group. They leave us not only with strong academic foundations, but with the character, curiosity and confidence that will carry them through the years ahead. They will be deeply missed, but we cannot wait to see what they do next and how brightly they shine beyond our school gates.

Congratulations, Year 6. You have been a joy to teach, a privilege to know, and you will always be part of the SKiPPS story.

Neil Scott

Principal