In recent years, the teachers and I have debated the expense and display that accompanies the matric dance. We witness the tension of the girls, the demands on parents and are cognisant of the economic climate where excess is uncomfortable. In this spirit, our approach has been to manage and limit the fundraising, the décor and general hype around the matric dance, although attempting to maintain the essence and experience for the girls.

“In the best interests of the girls” is the guiding principle for all we do at St Mary’s and it informs all our decisions. I understand that, as adolescents, the girls may not necessarily agree with our decisions or believe that they ultimately benefit them but I remain hopeful that, with time and discussion, we may find agreement.

Last Saturday, our matrics attended their dance and I am delighted to record that it was a happy and celebratory evening. One, which on reflection, I should not like the girls to miss. Their excitement, sense of occasion and sheer pleasure at celebrating this milestone in their education, were delightful to witness.

The girls and their partners enjoyed the meal, they socialised, danced and delighted in the experience – they were young people enjoying a party in the best sense of the word. The Form IV girls, under the guidance of Lynn Northmore and Sarah Rogans, who hosted the dance, were challenged to ensure that the dance ran smoothly and was a success.

At the end of the evening, I left the dance encouraged by the happy atmosphere and with a sense that this rite of passage had been appropriately celebrated.

Deanne King
Head of school