Final chapel service in academic year for Class of 2021

The Class of 2021 met over Zoom for their final chapel service of the year.

The virtual gathering of reflection and celebration on May 20 was attended by many faculty and staff members, including Head of School Kevin McHenry.

Mr. McHenry acknowledged the school year has been challenging and praised the Grade 12 students for their perseverance and positivity during their last year at SAC. 

“I’m optimistic for the fall,” he told the grads, who are preparing for post-secondary school, sports commitments, or a gap year. “I feel good about what your experience is going to be.”

The chapel service was hosted by Dave Stewart, Coordinator of Student Engagement and Wellness. 

He reached back into the SAC archives to share an excerpt from a 1917 sermon given by Rev. D. Bruce Macdonald, Head of School at that time: “You’ve come to your last chapel service. To some of you, I’m speaking in chapel for the last time. Thoughts of pleasure you experience as you contemplate release from present restrictions and I doubt not there is a tinge of sadness in your hearts. …You are about to face new tasks and enter into new surroundings, the scene of your life’s battles about to shift.”

Mr. Stewart showed a photo of Memorial Chapel on the screen, with a rosy sunset behind the steeple. “Like so many St. Andrew’s kids who have come before you, this is your Memorial Chapel,” he said.

He reminded the 117 Grade 12 students that graduation isn’t the end of their association with St. Andrew’s, and they are welcome back on campus anytime.

“You will come back to the school frequently,” Mr. Stewart continued. “The chapel is one of those special spots where some of you may even get married. Some of you may attend weddings here. And, sadly, some of you will attend funerals here.”

As the service was wrapping up, Mr. Clements played a favourite Andrean hymn, Amazing Grace, on the piano in the chapel, and the boys sang along at home.

Head Prefect Alex Ventin took control of the Zoom call to end the service as he stood alone at the podium in the empty chapel. “In a typical year, we’d have one last ‘gangwa.’ I’m here by myself…” Still, Alex led his fellow grads in a spirited chant:

“Gangwa Gangwa Gang-wa-wa, Saints, Saints rah-rah-rah, Maple Leaf, Thistle Leaf, Cross on White, Saints Saints Fight-Fight-Fight!”

Story by Julie Caspersen
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