Year 12 Final Day: A Celebration of the Class of 2025
Last Friday, 17 October, The Knox School community came together to celebrate the graduating Class of 2025, a milestone filled with emotion, laughter and the kind of energy only a final day can bring.
The day began with Breakfast, where students, teachers and families gathered to share reflections and enjoy some time together before the formalities of the morning. It was a warm and relaxed occasion that set the tone for the day ahead, filled with conversation, gratitude and anticipation for what was to come.
The celebrations continued with the Valedictory Assembly, where Prep students proudly led their Year 12 buddies into the Auditorium, hand in hand, symbolising the full circle of the Knox journey. The atmosphere was a mix of joy and reflection as the Class of 2025 received their Colours and Academic Awards, applauded by peers, staff and families. The event included musical performances, heartfelt speeches and the presentation of the Staff Association Award to Jacquie Ring, recognised for consistently embodying the school’s values.
Head of Senior School Ms Janelle Mathias addressed the cohort with warmth and pride, reminding students that their time at The Knox School had equipped them with skills far beyond exams, such as resilience, empathy and the ability to face whatever comes next with courage.
Ms Mathias also shared a story that perfectly captured the spirit of the day, a story of travellers on a long hike who, through every challenge and triumph, discovered their strength in one another. “You’ve learned things no exam could measure,” she told them. “Resilience, empathy and what it means to belong to a community. The path is yours now. Walk it well.”
Later that evening, the celebration continued at the Valedictory Dinner, where students, staff and families gathered one last time to reflect on the years shared together. Laughter filled the room as memories were exchanged, from early school days to the final weeks of Year 12, with gratitude and affection woven through every conversation.
The dance floor was never empty, and many students made the most of the evening, congregating on the balcony that overlooked the room, sharing stories and soaking in the moment. The night closed with a light-hearted and heartfelt farewell from Career Practitioner, Ms Jacky Burton, who wished the students well in their own lingo, a fitting end to a night that perfectly reflected the humour and spirit of the Class of 2025.
In her address, Head of VCE & Senior Students Ms Tracey Blunden acknowledged the cohort’s humour, kindness and perseverance throughout their final year. “Life doesn’t always go to plan,” she reminded them. “But you’ve shown that how you react will always matter more than what happens.” Each graduate received a personalised Frank Green cup engraved with their name and “TKS, Year 12, 2025”, a lasting keepsake of their time at the school and the community that shaped them.
The evening concluded with applause, tears and smiles as students looked toward the next chapter. Congratulations, Class of 2025.
