Published on: 8 February 2013



All 1,610 Christ Church boys from Pre-Primary to Year 12, along with staff, gathered in the Gymnasium Precinct this morning for a special assembly to mark the 103rd birthday of the School. Prior to the assembly, the official party lit the Torch of Learning at a service held at Christ Church Claremont.

Father Peter Boyland, rector of Christ Church parish, led the rededication service along with Headmaster Garth Wynne; Deputy Headmaster and Head of the Senior School Roger Bayly; Head of the LW Parry Preparatory School Richard Wright; School Chaplain Canon Frank Sheehan; Assistant to the Chaplain and Director of Service Learning and Leadership Richard Pengelley; School Captain Simon Swan; and Preparatory School Captain Richard Paganin.

Father Peter said it was our duty and joy to remember with due gratitude the School’s founder and rector of Christ Church Claremont, the Reverend Canon William McClemans, along with all its benefactors. After prayers of the thanksgiving and dedication, the torch was lit and carried by the two school captains, who led the procession across to the School.

Father Frank opened the assembly and thanked Father Peter for the beautiful service at Christ Church Claremont.

In the Senior School Captain’s address, Simon reflected on being a Prep School boy and being inspired by the senior boys. He said while each boy was at a different stage in his Christ Church experience, they all take the journey together and affect each other along the way. “Remember, we are all here to help each other and to have fun,” he said.

The Senior School Jazz Combo provided a musical highlight, performing Comin’ Home Baby. In the Headmaster’s address, Mr Wynne referred to the ensemble as a metaphor for the diverse community and support the Christ Church community provides. He asked everyone to reflect on the virtues of the readings, Parable of the Good Samaritan and Letter to the Colossians, and to take these forward in 2013 to enhance themselves, the School, their family and the community.

The Torch of Learning was created in the School’s centenary year as a symbol of the motto ‘God is our Leader, Learning is our Light’.