Celebrating our 140th Evening of Celebration and Prizegiving.
Held in the historic Sydney Town Hall, our School community celebrated an unforgettable night of musical performances, speeches and awards.
The evening began outside with a jubilant Guard of Honour for our beloved Mr Jim Boddy – recognising his incredible 44 years of teaching at the School. Hundreds of students, staff, parents, alumni and friends lined up to thank and farewell Jim, for his loyal and unwavering service, cheering and clapping as he made his way from the School to Town Hall.
Once inside, our resident town crier, Year 12 student Isaac Donlevy, made his final witty and wry public announcements.
Gawura School students then led a stirring First Nations cultural dance through the centre aisle. Next, the official party arrived, accompanied by a very special musical processional – composed for the Symphony Orchestra by Year 10 student Christian Lau. Aptly named St Andrew’s Fanfare, it celebrates 140 years since the School’s founding, drawing inspiration from symbols of the School’s heritage.
Pastor Ray Minniecon opened the historic evening with an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a heartfelt welcome from current School Captains, Ruby Buckman and Lachlan Sparshott.
The School prayer was led by Rev Craig Tubman, and attendees were treated to a glorious massed choir performing Gloria in Excelsis, raising the roof of Town Hall.
Chair of School Council Mr Michael Winram (OA1997), delivered a compelling speech, outlining our future direction. Head of School Dr Julie McGonigle, launched the School’s new 2026-2035 Strategic Plan, asking us to “imagine a world where everyone knew they were significant: significant in their unchanging, unearned, infinite worth; in their unique giftings and the purpose for which they were born.”
“Imagine a world where everyone knew they were significant: significant in their unchanging, unearned, infinite worth; in their unique giftings and the purpose for which they were born.”
The awards were interspersed throughout the evening with moving musical performances, leaving guests mesmerised. The talent and hard work of both students and staff, in preparation for the event, was evident in every moment.
The Dries family wowed the audience with a performance of A Gaelic Blessing. The family have deep connections with the School and performed together – a staff member, School parents, an Old Andrean (2023), and Year 12 student and Ultimate Andrean.
Outgoing School Captains, Ilia Campbell and Isaac Wong, then delivered their poignant parting address, leaving the audience speechless.
The evening’s festivities concluded with a rousing musical tribute to Mr Jim Boddy, based on the song Joyful Joyful, featured in the 1993 film Sister Act 2.
Students were awarded, teachers were recognised, community members thanked.
A truly memorable evening for all those who attended and a fitting conclusion to a very special, 140th year for St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
