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St Andrew's College Dublin St Andrew's College Dublin

Opening Service

Academic Year 2023/24

This year's Opening Year Service took place on Tuesday, 19 September at a whole school assembly for students from K1 to 6th Year, members of the Board of Management, Board of Governors, parent representatives and all staff.

The service was opened by Mr Michael Styles (Religious Coordinator of the College) who welcomed everyone to the new school year and introduced this year's theme of Community. Acting Principal Mr Rob Micallef, then spoke about change and the significance of change as K1 students commence their educational journey, P6 prepare for their transition to senior school and 3rd and 6th Year students prepare for state examinations. Mr Micallef expanded on the subject of change connecting it to community by highlighting the recent visit to the school by past pupil Group Captain John Hemingway (Class of 1937).

Hugh Brownlee (Head Boy) and Amelia Flanagan (Head Girl) read bible readings that shared the same theme of respect for others and taking responsibility for ourselves and for others. A wonderful rendition of ‘Waving Flag’ by K'naan was sung by the Senior School Choir with 3rd Years and the Junior School Choir. Eabha Rae Morrison (sax) and Sean Addison-Smyth (piano) played a beautiful duet of ‘Feeling Good’, by Nina Simone.

Jasmine from P6 recited the poem ‘Help build confidence in others’ by Catherine Pulsifier and Reverend Alastair Dunlop reflected on the readings and prayed for a healthy and happy new school year.

Mr Styles closed the service by thanking everyone who made the morning possible and for all the hard work that was entailed.

Opening Service Photos