In the final week of Term 3, our School community came together for a moving Chapel service to induct our newly appointed Student Leaders for 2025. Before parents, students and staff, the leaders committed to serving the St Peter’s School community and in response, the School community dedicated to supporting them in their leadership roles. We gathered on the Chiverton Lawns following the ceremony to celebrate this special event. Students, parents and staff commented on the gravitas of the ceremony and how important it was to honour such an occasion with formal proceedings.
This year, we witnessed a remarkable first in the School’s history; sisters stepping into consecutive leadership roles. Mollie Kennett, our new Head Prefect, was inducted by her sister, Daisy Kennet, the outgoing Head Prefect. In another historic moment, Jenna Maione passed on the responsibility of Head House Captain for Kilburn to her younger sister, Lara Maione. We reached out to Anne Daniell, our School Archivist. She informed us that this had not occurred before in the history of the School. The same leadership roles have been held by sisters, and between different generations within families. Still, these two sets of sisters have made history as the first siblings to assume these important positions in successive years. We are proud of the enduring strength of family ties and traditions that have been passed on between multiple generations. This legacy of shared experiences and values truly embodies the spirit of who we are as a School.
Daisy spoke about the significance of this transition:
“As the 2024 Head Prefect of Saints Girls, it is an immense privilege to induct the newly selected 2025 Head Prefect. However, this year the experience became even more special as I had the honour of inducting my younger sister Mollie Kennett, to be the next leader of our School. As the current Head Prefect and her older sister, I could not be prouder of everything Mollie has accomplished leading up to this moment. Watching her transition from the little girl who once performed song and dance routines with me in the living room to now serving the community as the Head Prefect of such an outstanding school has been a truly enjoyable experience. Although we are different in many ways, Mollie and I both agree on the significance that her new role holds and the challenges that await her in 2025.”
Jenna had this to say on what the occasion meant to her:
“The leadership induction is always a momentous occasion. This year was particularly special for myself and my family as I was able to hand over my leadership position to my younger sister Lara. To be selected as a Prefect is always a huge honour that our school recognises, but to have two sisters receive the same role is a privilege. I could not be prouder to pass my duties on to Lara and to continue our legacy as leaders of Kilburn House.”
I wish all families a wonderful start to the final term of 2024. It will be another very busy final School term with the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner, the 130 Year Celebration the ELC Hat Ceremony, the Year 6 and Year 9 Graduations, the ELC Christmas Celebrations, transition programs, examinations, Carols in the Cathedral, and Presentation Night, to name a few. I look forward to seeing you during the term and to celebrating community events with you.
Cherylyn Skewes
Principal