The spirit of the Class of 2025 can be captured in a single image: a circle. The circle in question happened quite spontaneously on Tuesday afternoon during Year 12’s final week with us. The girls had been asked to gather on the Lawn to open their Year 12 Time Capsules — a simple instruction that quickly transformed into a truly beautiful and real moment.

Without planning or direction, the entire year group instinctively arranged themselves into a large circle on the lawn. They effortlessly moved over for any late arrivals, making sure that everyone was included in the circle. It was the first time this had happened in the 23 years of this tradition, and it perfectly reflected the deep unity of the Class of 2025.

We are united as a year group. We all know each other as friends and have built such strong relationships that are so interconnected throughout the year.

Samantha D (Year 12)

This unity shone through every moment of Graduation Week. From walking hand in hand into the Valedictory Dinner to giving an impromptu standing ovation when Ella E (Year 12) was announced as Dux, the closeness of the entire year group was undeniable. “It’s all your favourite people all together and we get to experience all these last moments together,” Lucy A (Year 12) described, “it’s been overwhelming in the best way possible.”

Graduation Week is made even more special by the many long-standing St Cath’s traditions that take place. The week begins with the Blues Breakfast celebrating girls who have dedicated five or more years to sport, then comes the Year 7 Time Capsules, followed by the Pyjama Breakfast, Year 12 Revue, Guard of Honour and finally the Farewell Assembly, Chapel Service and Valedictory Dinner.

Each tradition helps to bring home what a fantastic milestone it is for the girls to reach the end of 13 years of schooling. As Shoshana R (Year 12) explained, “all these traditions give you something to look forward to through your school years. Then, finally, experiencing all these traditions together this year has really reminded us how close we all are and how important this community is. It keeps the legacy of the school alive.” As Suzie G (Year 12) summarised, “Overall, it has been a great last week together. Some of us have a lot of nostalgia, some of us are ready to go, but we’re all excited for the next chapter.”