Leavers' Chapel

The last chapel of the academic year is traditionally devoted to saying farewell to staff and students who will soon be leaving Woodstock. Of the 450 or so people gathered there (grades 6 - 12, plus staff) more than one hundred were participating in their last chapel at Woodstock.

Chapel usually begins with singing, and the students in the worship team were invited to choose their favourite songs for this last chapel. The team this year has consisted of three singers (Tanya, Pratiksha, Neeti and Miniona, with a violin (Grace) and flute (Jun Min). Backing was provided by Mr. Wildman on acoustic guitar and Mr. Shishak on piano, with the addition for this last chapel of the jazz band drummer, Kabir. Well-balanced by the AV crew, the whole group sang and played beautifully.

The main part of the service is always the opportunity for a few of those who are leaving to say their farewells. Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm and June Shepherd were first, with a story from Malcolm about how he scared the wits out of some coolies by claiming that the biology lab skeleton was the remains of someone who asked for too much baksheesh, and a confession from June that over the years she had grown to love Woodstock!

Miss Jenna Gareis, seniors' homeroom teacher, managed to complete her farewell without too many tears, although, having been with this group right through High School, it was a very emotional occasion for her and her students. She claimed that nobody would remember what she said, but they might remember her emotions and desires for the students, and her one lesson: you have to let go of some things for God to replace them with better things.

College Counsellor Mr. Kevin Van Zee talked about an influential colleague he once worked with who started every day with excitement and expectation: "Happy Tuesday, Van Zee!". He encouraged the students and staff who are leaving to face life with the same attitude.

Bible readings were from the book of Psalms, notably Psalm 139: Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there! If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me. (verses 7-10). Prayers were said, and the chapel finished with a pictorial sketchbook of the graduating class.