Starting our final year at TKS feels exciting, emotional, and a little surreal. Walking into School for our “Last First Day” was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how special this year is going to be. As Danu reflected: “When I walked through the gates of the School that once felt big, I was reminded of how this was my last year of school.”
While everything felt familiar – the classrooms, corridors, and faces we’ve grown up alongside – there was also “an undeniable shift in the air,” marking the beginning of a year full of lasts. We began Day 1 with breakfast together in the newly renovated Community Café. It was our first time seeing the space, and it felt like the perfect way to start the year: relaxed, welcoming, and full of conversation. Sitting together, catching up, and easing back into school-life helped everyone feel connected and ready for the week ahead.
Later that day, we worked on creating our Senior Boxes, which was a meaningful way to reflect on memories, goals, and what this final year represents. Aryan described the experience as “surprisingly fun and relaxed,” explaining that “spending time making and decorating memory boxes was a creative way to start the year, and it helped ease us into what’s going to be a big final year.”
It served as a reminder to slow down, enjoy the moment, and start making meaningful memories early on.
We also spent time with the Year 7s, helping them feel welcomed into the TKS community. Sunny shared that “the first week of Year 12 felt strange but exciting at the same time,” especially while spending time with the younger students.
Seeing the Year 7 students’ nerves and excitement made it clear that we’re no longer the new kids, but the seniors, ready to step up, look out for others, and make the most of our final year.
As the week continued, the energy around the School kept building. One of the highlights was the Swimming Carnival, which brought everyone together through House spirit, teamwork, and friendly competition. Jackson described it as “a great way to set the tone,” adding that reconnecting with friends after the break was refreshing, and made him excited for “what’s hopefully a strong and positive rest of Term 1.”
Throughout the week, classrooms were filled with conversation, laughter, and motivation as we eased back into routines and began setting goals for the year ahead.
There was a shared confidence across the cohort, knowing this is our final year and wanting to make the most of every opportunity. Being back at TKS encouraged reflection on how much we’ve grown, not just academically, but personally, and how this final year will be one to remember.
Our last first week reminded us that while this year will go quickly, it is also full of moments worth appreciating. From shared breakfasts and School traditions to new beginnings and familiar faces, the week set a positive tone for what’s to come. If this first week is anything to go by, our final year at TKS is going to be a memorable and meaningful one.
Sonali & Liyara, 2026 Media and Marketing Prefects
