Baccalaureate

Almost before we know it the end of the year is upon us, with the two main events of Baccalaureate and Graduation as the obvious highlights. It's a time much anticipated, but somehow still unexpectedly soon for the graduates, parents, friends and staff. After, in some cases, twelve years at Woodstock, suddenly there's just the final celebrations and good wishes, then it's down the ramp one final time, and down the hill to the future.

Along with the hymns and the readings, we have in recent years established a new Baccalaureate tradition: three representative parents and their children have a chance to reflect on what Woodstock has meant to both, and what their feelings are on leaving. Sharon Seto and daughter Dorien, both of whom are leaving the school after ten years as student and staff member, talked about collecting rocks as a metaphor for collecting memories, and advised the students to take many memories with them, but leave space for new ones.

Tony Malik and daughter Taniia shared a fast-talking double-act which reflected on the class name, "Intrepid". Their conclusion was that life itself, much like Woodstock, was a preparation for something greater, and that both life and eternity could be contemplated free of fear if our lives are open to God. Finally, David Jeffery, Principal, and son Tom reflected on how Woodstock had fully prepared the graduates to move on and to deal with whatever came their way. Graduates are entering a world of privilege; they should never forget that most of the world did not share those privileges, and they should seek ways to share what they have. Above all, by committing our ways to God, we give him the opportunity to direct our paths towards what is good.

In his address, Dr. Jim Henderson built on that theme. His desire was to pronounce a blessing on those leaving; but it would be dishonest to speak anything but the blessing that Jesus himself spoke: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God; blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they shall be filled". Success in life will not be measured by the weight of your purse, but by the extent to which you have cultivated an inner hunger and thirst for God, and discovered the true significance which only he can give.

The orchestra of staff and locally-based students played well, both in the entry and departure of the students and for the two hymns (Morning has broken and Make me a channel of your peace). Chaplain Brian Dunn led the staff advisors and the students in a responsive reading which affirmed the good promises of God. Everyone present must have felt that this was a solemn yet joyful occasion, and one which indeed left the senior class under a blessing.

Click here for the Graduation report