Year 12 Journey Like No Other

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

The new year, 2020, started like any other. There was great promise ahead for our Year 12 cohort about to embark on their last three terms at King’s. Yet, with the life-altering phenomenon that would soon follow, not even our esteemed King’s teachers could predict, what lay ahead. Our 320-acre campus was no match for the wide-reaching COVID-19 pandemic.

However, not all was lost, as 2020 presented itself to be a year of many lessons learnt, seeing The King’s School adapt and grow in ways like never before. Milestone events and activities, quintessential to the King’s experience, were able to be altered and virtually enhanced to ensure our Year 12 students and their families didn’t miss out.

With Cadet Camp called off and the sports seasons in disarray, the boys had no choice but to grow from these setbacks, finding resilience and a newfound sense of gratitude along the way. The Cadets also experienced hope, for when the Passing Out Parade was on the brink of cancellation, the ability to hold a modified event, even furthered their respect for the School’s long-standing military roots and resilence. Sharing with their parents, their hard work and unique talents for so many academic based events, such as the HSC Showcase, was another disappointment the students had to overcome. Yet, our boys showed humility and compassion, understanding the greater community was at stake. To conclude this extraordinary year of many challenges, the Graduation, a symbolic ritual shared by all Year 12 students, turned out to be the most memorable event to date. Held outdoors, on the JS White Oval on a stunning sunny day, the boys were able to share this special moment with their parents – having the official send-off they had earned.

There is no denying the Class of 2020 will have a remarkable Year 12 on which to reflect.

Year 12 Graduation https://vimeo.com/461716997