It was a day of traditions and mixed emotions for the girls and families of the 2022 graduating class as their time as students drew to a close, and they commenced their next chapter as Glennie Old Girls.

Amongst the laughter, tears, smiles and warm embraces, there was a sense of accomplishment and reflection as the book closed on this monumental chapter of their lives.

The morning began with the girls and their families partaking in a beautiful Eucarist service at St Luke’s Anglican Church, before heading back through the Herries Street gates for one last occasion as students.

For many girls, today marked the end to 14 years of being a Glennie girl, but for all, it was their first day of being a Glennie Old Girl, and for all of the families present, this shared journey has been a very special one.

The day wasn’t just about our Glennie graduates, as our youngest Glennie girls joined us to get their first experience as to what it means to be a Glennie girl, and the wonderful journey ahead of them. 

With flower in hand, our girls in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2  joined their older ‘sisters’ with smiles from ear to ear, as they chaperoned our graduates into the ceremony. 

In their final address to the community, 2022 captains Tanvi Chand and Isabella Shelton mentioned ‘As a cohort, we decided that in 2022, we would strive to “be the ones to go beyond”. At Glennie, one of the main pillars that supports our strong sense of community is compassion. 

The reason we chose this theme is because one thing we have always loved about Glennie is the awareness that everyone is running their own race and respecting that this looks different for each individual person at this school. 

Going beyond does not need to entail some grand gesture or achievement — although it may for some. Going beyond is about the culmination of unique and personal efforts. Although the payoff for a theme like this can be difficult to distinguish, sometimes knowing that you tried to go beyond is sufficient enough’.

As a cohort, we decided that in 2022, we would strive to “be the ones to go beyond”. At Glennie, one of the main pillars that supports our strong sense of community is compassion. 

TANVI CHAND & BELLA SHELTON (2022 SCHOOL CAPTAINS)

There was a palpable sense for all of these young women, that as Glennie graduates they are standing on the shoulders of giants. Principal, Ms Mary Anne Evans reminded the girls on what it means to be a ‘legend’ and the many women who have forged such a path before them. 

Ms Evans then introduced guest speaker, current parent and Glennie Old Girl, Jade Gardiner (GOG1997), who gave an inspirational speech to the cohort, reflecting on her time as a boarder at Glennie. 

Having gone on to forge a successful international career in accounting, Ms Gardiner was quick to remind the girls that the journey to where she is today, has not always been an easy one, having spent many an evening living off spaghetti and grated cheese to get by. But by believing in herself, being dedicated and taking risks, Ms Gardiner has realised the fruits of her sacrifice as a young employee, working hard to make something for herself and her family. 

Ms Gardiner reflected on her many memories of being a student; from laying amongst the gardens in the sun with her friends, not being the best at Maths and her love of Accounting with Mrs Sinnamon (current teacher), through to the shared traditions of the pool jump at the end of her own journey as a Glennie girl.

Ms Gardiner gifted the graduating class with several life lessons, including some inspirational quotes by American civil rights activist and a passionate defender of women’s rights, Maya Angelou:

  1. ‘If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.’  Maya Angelou
  2. ‘Nothing will work, unless you do.‘ Maya Angelou
  3. In the years to come, you will realise how much your experiences, opportunities, and friendships at Glennie have shaped you. 
  4. The importance of the Glennie motto “All She Can Be” and her belief that the door for all graduates to be all they can be, has been opened during their time at Glennie.
  5. Be brave, believe in yourself and you will be all you can be.

With the formalities now concluded, our young graduates made their way through a guard of honour, navigating the sea of panama hats and cheers which lined the walkways, Centenary Garden, and came to a halt atop the Glennie hill. 

Hand in hand the girls charged down the hill as countless Glennie girls had done before them. Making their way out in front of the clock tower, the girls linked arms as they jumped into their final rendition of their war cry. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 (GOG2022).