26/10/2026
Mrs Staffen's Prizegiving speech:
"Today we come together to celebrate the achievements of our pupils let us remember that every learner receiving a certificate or trophy today represents a success story — a young life encouraged, a talent recognised and a future made a little brighter. That is what education is about, and that is what St Anne’s has stood for over 143 years.
Today we celebrate 143 years of St Anne’s. One hundred and forty-three years of teaching, learning, laughter, friendships, dedication and countless memories. Generations of children have walked through these doors, each leaving a little piece of themselves behind and carrying a little piece of St Anne’s with them into the world.
Sadly, this chapter of our story is drawing to a close. St Anne’s will soon close its doors for the last time, and it is difficult to accept that a school with such a rich history will no longer be here to welcome future generations. We cannot help but think of all those who came before us — the principals, teachers, support staff, parents and learners who gave this school its heart and soul. Their contributions have built a legacy that deserves to be remembered with honour and pride.
To all our learners, I want you to remember something very important: although St Anne’s may be closing as a school, it does not mean that its legacy ends here. You are part of its history. You will carry its values, its lessons and its memories with you wherever life takes you. The friendships you have made, the knowledge you have gained and the people who have encouraged you will remain part of your story.
Every obstacle has contributed something to the person you are becoming.
Life is not measured only by achievements, victories, or the awards others can see.
It is also measured by the courage to begin again.
By the resilience to keep moving when the way is uncertain.
By the willingness to remain open-hearted in a world that can sometimes give us every reason to close ourselves off.
These quiet acts of bravery deserve to be recognised, too.
There is a special rhythm to the unfolding of life. We are rarely shown the entire path ahead. More often, we are given only the next step.
And perhaps that is enough.
𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱.
𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁.
𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.
So I want each one of you to celebrate the light you have brought into this world; not only through grand things you have done, but through all the small acts of kindness, perseverance, honesty and love that may never have received applause.
Your journey at St Annes itself has become part of its story.
Keep the faith and trust in God who is watching over us and guiding us but always remember the next step remains ours to choose.
To our teachers and staff, thank you for your dedication, your sacrifices and your love for the children entrusted to your care. You have continued to give your best, even in the face of uncertainty and the sadness of knowing what lies ahead. Your commitment to St Anne’s will never be forgotten.
To our parents and SGB members, thank you for your support, your trust and your partnership throughout this journey. A school is never built by one person alone. It takes a community, and St Anne’s has been blessed by many people who have given their time, energy and hearts to ensure that it remained a place where children could grow and learn.
So, as we prepare to say goodbye, let us do so with dignity, with gratitude and with pride. Let us remember St Anne’s not only for the way its story ends, but for the thousands of stories that began here.
May every learner, every teacher, every parent and every member of staff always be able to say:
“I was part of St Anne’s. I belonged to St Anne’s. And St Anne’s will always be part of me.” May God bless every member of our St Anne’s family as we move forward into a new chapter of our lives."
