Monday March 3rd was our 140 Year Celebration Commencement Assembly in the Town Hall. It was a beautiful, joy-filled, reverent occasion with all staff and students (K-12) in the Town Hall, together with notable speeches from Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW and Deputy Premier of NSW and the Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Honourable Prudence Ann Car, MP.

We also hosted former Heads of School and members of School Council as well as leaders of the AIS both nationally and locally, former School Captains, Hall of Honour recipients, Old Andreans, former staff and leaders of associations. We were honoured to have Uncle Allen Madden from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council welcome us to country.

School Captains, Ilia Campbell and Isaac Wong were the MCs for the event, which was structured around a number of drama vignettes re-enacting scenes from key moments of our history: the birth of the school; the war years; moving buildings; the opening of Kirrikee; the start of coeducation and the launch of the book in the 10 year anniversary Gawura School publication.

Hall of Honour recipient Dr Huw Belling (OA2003) composed a commissioned piece entitled 'I will not be Shaken' that inspired us to reflect on the steadfast nature of God through all of the seasons of the school's life.

Year 12 English Extension 2 composed and performed a poem that reflected the School's journey from the past and into the future.

Mr Jim Boddy was presented with the inaugural Legacy of Light award for his exceptional School service.

A choir of Old Andreans and students sung a stunning piece from Les Misérables that was performed in 2007 in Upper Chapter House.

Finally, I led a moment of reflection and prayer for those that have been lost or hurt during the School's history.

Coronial Inquest

The Coronial Inquest into the cause and manner of the death of Lilie James and Paul Thijssen will be held this week.

The State Coroner does not consider St Andrew's Cathedral School to be an interested party. Therefore, the School is not directly involved in the hearing. Some members of the School Executive will attend either in person or remotely.

Due to the Coronial process, the School are not able to provide any commentary or updated information during the hearings. This will be difficult for us all as the media is expected to provide detailed reporting throughout the hearing.

For external support please find contact details below.

• Lifeline 13 11 14 
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 
• 13YARN 13 92 76 
• 1800Respect 1800 737 732 
• Kids helpline 1800 55 1800   

This will be a very confronting time for us all. 

The School's grief at the loss of Lilie has not diminished. She was greatly loved, and we remain utterly heartbroken by what has happened. 

Despite this grief, I am confident that, for the sake of Lilie's legacy and in deep care for our students and community, we will continue to walk forward with courage, calm and conviction. 

Thank you, as ever, for your ongoing prayers and partnership.