Students & Wellbeing

From students to graduates

The departure of the Year 12 class is always a bittersweet moment in the life of a school. After months of anticipation, celebrations, assemblies, final performances, graduation ceremonies and Valedictory there comes a sudden quietness. The students who once filled the corridors with laughter between classes, led school events, cheered from the sidelines at Interhouse Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Mamma Mia! and Battle of the Bands, and gathered in their usual lunchtime spots, are no longer there. Their absence is felt in countless small ways.

Every graduating class leaves its own unique imprint on a school. It lives on in the memories of House competitions, school camps, musical productions, championship victories, fundraising events, leadership speeches, and the everyday moments that never make it into yearbooks. It is remembered in the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, and the traditions they helped shape or the legacy they leave behind.

Yet amid that sense of loss comes an opportunity for renewal. Younger students begin to step forward, often discovering strengths and leadership qualities they had not yet realised they possessed. The student who once admired the School Captain now takes on a leadership badge of their own. The future leaders of the school emerge at the Handover Assembly. 

For staff, graduation is both a celebration and a reflection. There is immense pride in seeing students leave not only with academic achievements but with the character, resilience, and values developed throughout their school journey.

As one chapter closes, another begins. The graduates may leave the campus, but echoes of their presence remain in classrooms, on sporting fields, on stages, and in the stories that will be told for years to come. Their legacy becomes part of the fabric of the school, inspiring those who follow in their footsteps. I would like to thank the Class of 2026 for everything they gave to St George’s. I hope that whatever the future holds you remember your time here with immense pride.

Minimising distractions, maximising learning

As school life continues, I would also like to advise all families of some changes to our mobile phones policy for 2027. 

Firstly, the Yondr Pouches will continue to be used through to the end of Year 10. 

Also, in all classrooms a lockable phone box will be installed. This will be used for all students in  Year 11 and 12 to ensure that they are not disturbed by buzzing phones or other such distractions when their focus needs to be on their learning. . There is much evidence demonstrating the distraction of phones and with a focus on upper school this will ensure that out students give their full attention to their classes during important study time next year. We are already trialling this in a few classes with much success and evidence of renewed focus. If you have any questions, please contact me at school.

Mr Ian Thompson

Dean of Students & Wellbeing