St Andrew’s Cathedral School celebrates record number of Ultimate Andreans.
In the year St Andrew’s Cathedral School celebrates its 140-year anniversary, ten graduating students stand out for an extraordinary reason. Known as the Ultimate Andreans, they are among the rare few who have completed their entire school journey, from Kindergarten to Year 12, at our School.
For many reasons, the number of Ultimate Andreans is usually small. Families move, circumstances change and the path from K–12 is long. That is why this year’s group of ten is remarkable. It is the largest in recent memory and, in its own way, a reflection of the School’s enduring identity. A place where students can grow, discover themselves and belong for the full span of their schooling.
For Orlando Lennon, the journey has been defined by music.
“I’ve been a chorister at St Andrew’s Cathedral for my entire time at the School,” he reflected.
“I’ve loved being involved in that unique aspect and I’m grateful for all the staff and teachers who have supported me through my time here. It feels very special to graduate on the 140th year of the School, which was originally formed to educate choristers.”
“I’m grateful for all the staff and teachers who have supported me. It feels very special to graduate on the 140th year of the School, which was originally formed to educate choristers.”
His story captures the deep connection between the School and its founding purpose. Established in 1885 by Bishop Alfred Barry, the St Andrew’s Cathedral School followed the English choral school tradition of providing education for Cathedral choristers. Out of the first 27 students, 22 were choristers – embedding music and worship into the fabric of the School. That tradition continues today, making St Andrew’s Cathedral School the only Cathedral Choir School of its kind in Australia.
The ten Ultimate Andreans began Kindergarten in 2012 when our Junior School had only recently expanded to include K–2. Their classrooms were bright, open clusters that encouraged collaboration, with teachers introducing Smart Boards and iPads to nurture creativity and problem-solving from the earliest years. At the same time, Gawura School was growing into an established part of the community, reminding all students that education is both personal and cultural. Outdoor education, through early trips to Kirrikee, pushed these students to build resilience – cooking on campfires, sleeping under the stars and abseiling down sheer rock walls.
At the Junior School and Gawura School farewell to Year 12 this September, the Ultimate Andreans were each presented with the Ultimate Andrean Medal. In that moment, thirteen years of memory was distilled into a single symbol – silver, engraved and heavy with meaning. For Aliyah, the medal also carried an acknowledgment of her Gawura School journey, weaving her cultural story into the broader tapestry of the School.
Other students, like Dennis Cosmetatos, reflected on how leadership shaped their years.
“My time at St Andrew’s Cathedral School offered me lots of opportunities to try out things I never thought I would,” he said.
“A highlight for me was being the Captain of Salisbury House. This gave me a window into what is involved in leadership and challenged me to grow.”
“My time at St Andrew’s Cathedral School offered me lots of opportunities to try out things I never thought I would.”
For Connor Nelson, his memories of his time at the School are infused with deep gratitude.
“I have adored being a student here. Growing alongside my peers, with amazing teachers and communities to support me, has been incredible. I am so thankful for all that St Andrew’s Cathedral School has done for me. I’m confident that legendary teachers like Mr Wu, Mr Body and Dr Collier will have their legacy continued by the next generation of staff, spearheaded by Dr McGonigle, who has embedded the phrase ‘you matter’ into an entire generation of students. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this school such an incredible place,” he said.
“I have adored being a student here. I am so thankful for all that St Andrew’s Cathedral School has done for me.”
Ten students. Thirteen years. One School. In its 140th year, St Andrew’s celebrates not just its history, but the people who carry it forward. The journeys of the Ultimate Andreans reminds us of the enduring light of a St Andrew’s Cathedral School education.
