Published on: 6 February 2015




Almost 2000 boys and staff gathered in the Open Gymnasium on Thursday morning for a special assembly to commemorate the School’s foundation and 105th birthday. 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, and School Chaplain Frank Sheehan led the rededication service, attended by Headmaster Garth Wynne, Head of Senior School Roger Bayly, Head of Preparatory School Richard Wright, Senior School Prefects and Prep House Captains.

Father Boyland said it was our duty and joy to remember with gratitude the School’s founder and rector of Christ Church Claremont, the Reverend William Joseph McClemans, along with all its benefactors. After prayers of the thanksgiving and dedication, the torch was lit and carried by School Captain Jack Hawkesford and Prep School Captain Leo Brown, who led the procession across to the School.

Just over 1660 Christ Church boys, from Pre-Primary to Year 12, were gathered in the Open Gymnasium where the assembly opened with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by WA’s longest serving Aboriginal academic Simon Forrest.

In the Senior School Captain’s address, Jack shared the School’s foundation story; spoke of the common journey all boys at Christ Church shared together as Christ Church students and of the School’s unique team culture. The Senior School Jazz Combo provided a musical highlight, performing Jubel, directed by Mr Paul Millard.

Mr Wynne said marking the School’s foundation and birthday offered a rare and wonderful opportunity for the whole school, Senior and Prep, teaching and support staff to come together. He reflected on the Christ Church of then, now and in 2027 when the Pre-Primary cohort would graduate.

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’.