Letter to Family and Friends

Dear Families,

One of the great privileges of working at Pilgrim School is getting to know our students and families, and watching our children grow and flourish in so many different ways. Each year, as Term 4 draws to a close, I find myself becoming a little sentimental.

When I look at our Year 6 students, I remember many of them as babies or toddlers, when their parents were first exploring schools for the future. Some weren’t even born when their older siblings began their Pilgrim journey! I recall their first days of school - some excited to be 'big kids', others clinging tightly to their parents’ hands, uncertain about what lay ahead.

There have been so many milestones along the way - first excursions, first times speaking at Worship, sporting carnivals, camps, and countless small moments in between. I remember the shy requests at the Front Office for a new pencil or hat, the tears from grazed knees and sprained ankles, and the laughter we’ve shared along the way. Many of our staff would have similar memories.

What stands out to me most is the growth - not only in knowledge, but in resilience, confidence and character. I particularly love our Graduation Service, when our Year 6 students reflect on their years at Pilgrim and share what they’ve loved most. It’s always a special night, as we see how those once-timid students have blossomed into young people ready to take on new challenges with courage.

For many years, the staff have sung a song to our Year 6s at their final Worship. It’s always a mix of fun and a bit of silliness, but also a heartfelt moment to reflect on how much our students have grown during their time here. Pilgrim has many beautiful traditions that mark this season - and perhaps a few new ones that will begin this year too. It truly feels like a significant rite of passage as our students prepare to leave primary school and step into a new community for their secondary years.

To our Year 6 students - congratulations on reaching this milestone! As you prepare to move on, remember the 'firsts' you’ve experienced here, and the courage and curiosity with which you faced them. Remember, too, that you are known and loved here at Pilgrim School - but even more importantly, you are known and loved by God. Take that truth and confidence with you into the next chapter and the new 'firsts' that await.

To the parents of our graduating students, as you release your children to this next stage, know that they are well prepared. You have partnered beautifully with us in shaping them into capable, compassionate and faith-filled young people.

To the families of our younger students, know that your ongoing partnership with Pilgrim School is sowing seeds of confidence, character, and belonging. The challenges you may face in each stage of your child’s journey will pass - new ones will come, and they too will pass - but your faithfulness and investment now are making a lasting difference in their lives.

And to our families with children starting at Pilgrim School next year, graduation may feel like a long way off - but it will be here before you know it! Enjoy each moment of the journey. Support your child, stay connected with their teachers, ask for advice when needed, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Every stage brings its own joys and challenges, and before long you’ll look back and marvel at how far your child has come.

Blessings,

Kristen Heath

Administration Coordinator, Registrar, Marketing Manager