Informal Valedictory celebrations 
4 October

We had watched it for four years in a row…eagerly standing on the side lines, braving a hail of water balloons and rice and confetti, pointing eagerly: “Look! There’s Winnie the Pooh! And there – that’s Marilyn Monroe…and, and my favourite: Darth Vader!”. But for the Matrics of 2005, our time had finally arrived. Our last celebration. The day when famous movie stars, Disney characters and other unmentionables link arms and march the yellowbrick road – our official walk of fame. You’ve guessed it…the Matric Informal Valedictory!

This year, the freezing cold could not have pleased the numerous lacy-stockinged bunnies and mini-skirted fairies that waltzed in through the gates, but despite it, the matrics braved the chilly weather and early morning conditions (disorientation, puffy eyes, possible bad mood), slapped on make-up, and arrived at school in time for the 7 ‘o clock Valedictory breakfast. This entailed more oohing and aahing, hysterical laughing and photographing than actual eating, but even so, was very enjoyable.

At some point - between the numerous group photographs and chomping muffins…the moment arrived. The event we had all been waiting for. The Walk. This meant that everyone squashed themselves and their outfits through the doors of the gym hall and marched into the cold air, up Cavan Road, took a left up Aliwal Road, and finally reached the school gates. These were promptly flung open and the motley crew of matrics walked courageously forth to the delight of younger spectating grades. As I surveyed the scene, I encountered the faces of 138 girls who have survived together – barely recognisable in the guises of the ever-popular princesses (WGHS is, after all, an all-girls' school); a farmyard collection of cows, rabbits and pigs; Cruella deVille and her Dalmatian; the occasional Grim Reaper; wandering gypsies; pirates; a 1970’s punk; Austin Powers; a bride; and strangely enough…a pair of pumpkins. 

The ‘walk of fame’ arrived at its end far more quickly than we ever remembered it doing in our younger years, but such is life…and the rest of the journey took its cue to continue. After a short wait, the matrics stepped through the doors of the hall, walked up the aisles and took their places on the stage – transforming it into a celebration of colour with their fantastical outfits! 

This year, the matrics stayed true to the tradition of using the informal valedictory celebration as an opportunity to thank the teachers. This year each of our educators received a personalised certificate: each with a mythological Greek theme, the certificates were handed out to teachers amid much highly appreciative clapping, whooping and tears. With our small tokens of appreciation, we hope that we showed our recognition of their love, their persistence, and their lessons – which often extended far beyond the walls of the classroom. The award ceremony was promptly followed by singing – lots of singing. First, the matrics sang their own emotionally- charged song to the school, which was then reciprocated by the grade elevens who sang another song to us all – reducing a large portion of our grade to tearful bundles of emotional uncertainty…happy to leave and step into the other kind of world, but saddened by the realisation of the end of memory making in a place which has been the backdrop for 5 long years.
Thankfully, the teachers sang their own light-hearted version of a song, changing the rather solemn atmosphere in the hall.

Finally came the time for the festivities to end, and for the far more formal part of the celebrations to begin. On the stage, the matrics danced one last time to the tune of Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’, and left after one last sending-off cheer from the school.

Endless thanks must be extended to our teachers – words are not enough. And to the matrics of 2005…this was the last time that any of us had the opportunity to witness our grade together, united in one activity. It is a privilege to hold last images of you in my memory as princesses, rabbits, and oversized oranges…the memories have been priceless.

report by Emma Bryce