Students, families, staff and special guests gathered in The Knox School Auditorium on Tuesday 13 October for the Year 11 & 12 Celebration Evening. As our Year 12 students conclude their final week at The Knox School, the evening proudly celebrated academic excellence, leadership, service, character, and the many ways students have enriched our School community.
The event opened with the entrance of the Class of 2026, followed by School Captains Danu L and Jackson C, who welcomed the community, reflected on a year defined by connection, leadership and community, and offered a heartfelt message to both their fellow graduates and younger students.
“Don’t rush through the in-between. Don’t wish it away. One day you’ll be standing exactly where we are, and you’ll realise the in-between was the whole thing. It was for us.”
In her address, Principal Ms Nikki Kirkup spoke about embracing change, the significance of gathering in the School’s own auditorium, and the opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and impact of our senior students.
Addressing the community, Principal Ms Nikki Kirkup encouraged the Class of 2026 to pause and reflect on their final days at The Knox School.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Take it all in and be proud. Recognise the importance of the journey you have gone on over the last few years, on a personal level and also collectively.”
Reflecting on the graduating cohort, she added:
“Class of 2026, you have made your mark on your community, you have left your legacy amongst us. Be proud, as we are, of what you have achieved on your journey with us through The Knox School.”
Throughout the evening, students were recognised across a broad range of academic, co-curricular, leadership and service areas. Academic Awards acknowledged outstanding achievement across VCE subjects, with Aurelia C receiving the Year 11 Academic Prize. The presentation of Colours also celebrated students who have demonstrated sustained commitment and excellence in areas including music, service, sport, performing arts and academic pursuits.
A number of prestigious awards were presented throughout the evening, recognising outstanding achievement, leadership, service and contribution across the School community.
| Award | Recipient |
| Academic Prize – Year 11 | Aurelia C |
| WB Holly Sports Award | Max W |
| Year 12 Music Honours | Year 12 Music Students |
| Music Excellence Award | Oak T |
| ADF Long Tan Award | Hannah A-H |
| Staff Association Award | Oak T |
| Ampol All-Rounder Award | Max W |
| Principal’s Prize for Service | Ronal W |
The evening was further enriched by presenters and guests from across our community, including Associate Principal Mrs Toni-Ann Bright, Associate Principal and Head of Senior School Ms Janelle Mathias, Deputy Head of Senior School and Student Wellbeing Ms Emma Kenny, Head of Music and Performing Arts Mr Nico Di Stefano, Head of Sport Strategy, Programs and Pathways Mr Nathan Bower, and 2025 Dux Linda He, who returned to share reflections and words of encouragement with the graduating cohort:
“My time at The Knox School taught me to look and leap, even if the jump seemed treacherous at first. Because learning happens even when you don’t expect it.
At the start of this year, I mentioned that the hardest thing I had to do was accept my failures. What I didn’t mention is that the setbacks which once reminded me of how much work I had left to do eventually became reminders of how much I had grown.
So, to all the students today: Learn as if you know nothing and perform like you know everything.
Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
Complementing the presentation of awards was a vibrant program of student performances that showcased the creativity and talent of our Senior School students. Volante Strings opened with Allegro from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Chanson de Nuit, while Year 11 student Cooper G delivered a memorable performance of My Way. Later in the evening, Oak T captivated the audience with Thick, before the TKS Big Band brought energy and excitement to the celebration with I Want You Back and Caravan. Together, the performances reflected the passion, dedication and artistic excellence that are such a valued part of life at The Knox School.
A particularly significant moment saw the formal handover from the 2026 Student Leadership Team to the students who will lead The Knox School in 2027.
Incoming School Captains Aurelia C and Aran N, alongside School Vice Captains Natalie D and Fredrick L, were inducted before addressing the community for the first time. Speaking about their vision for the year ahead, Aurelia and Aran highlighted two themes that will guide their leadership: belonging and possibility.
“We believe that belonging is about more than simply being part of a community. It’s about finding your place within it, and knowing that you have something meaningful to contribute. We want every student at The Knox School to feel a sense of purpose, and to recognise the difference they can make, no matter how big or small.
And with belonging comes possibility. The possibility to challenge ourselves, to embrace new opportunities, and to discover strengths we never knew we had. We want 2027 to be a year where students aren’t afraid to step outside their comfort zones, where ambition is encouraged, and where we inspire one another to achieve more than we thought possible.
Because ultimately, it’s not just the milestones that define our time at The Knox School, but the moments in between. It’s the friendships we form, the challenges we overcome, and the opportunities we embrace. Each of us has a different story to tell, but it’s these shared experiences that shape who we are becoming.”
Students were also introduced to the full 2027 Prefect team, who will lead across academics, wellbeing, music and performing arts, sport, sustainability, social justice, houses and community, and media and marketing.
| Role | Name |
| Music and Performing Arts | Sophia W and Cooper G |
| Social Justice, Diversity, Inclusion & Languages | Avleen C and Yuki L |
| Sport | Kaylah P and Caio M |
| Houses and Community | Arien M, Ryan Y, Josh H and Leah N |
| Student Wellbeing | Aliyah H and Belle C |
| Academics | Eric L and Crystal L |
| Environment and Sustainability | George Y and Reya P |
| Media and Marketing | Ruby L and Su san H M |
The evening concluded with the procession of the Class of 2026, celebrating all 76 graduating students and recognising the unique journey each has taken during their time at The Knox School. Joined by staff, parents and peers, graduates were acknowledged individually before the community came together one final time to sing The Knox School Song.
As the Class of 2026 prepares to conclude its journey at The Knox School, the Year 11 & 12 Celebration Evening was a joyful celebration of all they have achieved, contributed and become. From academic excellence and service to leadership, creativity and community spirit, the evening highlighted the many ways our Senior students have enriched school life and left their mark on the School. Congratulations to all students recognised on the night, and to the Class of 2026 as they prepare to embark on their next chapter.
