Graduating Class departs Chairo Leongatha in memorable fashion

THE GRADUATING Class of 2026 at Chairo Christian School in Leongatha marked the end of their school journey with a memorable series of celebrations.

The festivities began with a vibrant carnival morning, with students sharing a special breakfast with staff members before transforming the campus to reflect their theme of ‘out of the toybox’.

Classrooms and outdoor spaces were brought to life with colourful displays, while members of the class embraced the spirit of the day by dressing as iconic toy characters, including Barbie, Woody and Mario.

The graduating students operated a variety of stalls and activities for younger students to enjoy, including face painting, music, scavenger hunts, magnet fishing, LEGO challenges and squeegee target throwing.

The following day, the Class of 2026 gathered with the campus community for their final assembly, with a highlight being a thoughtful devotional message delivered by the school captain, Meg Stokes.

Drawing on filmed interviews with teachers, Meg reflected on the wisdom and experiences of those who had walked the journey before them and then brought the message back to Scripture and God's calling on our lives.

The assembly also included a touching presentation from a group of Prep students, who gave flowers to each graduate.

This gesture symbolised the journey from a student's first days at school to their final year, providing a poignant reminder of how far they had come.

That evening, students, families and staff members attended the Valedictory Dinner, with guests enjoying a delicious meal and listening to speeches filled with gratitude, encouragement and reflection.

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise the many contributions of the graduates and the support of their families.

The celebrations concluded with students gathering on the dance floor, sharing one final evening of laughter, friendship and celebration before embarking on the next chapter of their lives.

Principal Amy Stork said, “It was a privilege to celebrate as a community with our graduating students; we've laughed with them and watched them grow, and we've seen them embrace leadership and overcome challenges.”

 “We're excited to see where their paths lead next, confident that they will make a positive contribution wherever they go.”

The Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and community spirit.

As they step into new opportunities and challenges beyond school, they do so with treasured memories, lifelong friendships and the values that have shaped them throughout their journey.