The making of memories
The St Augustine’s Priory annual Progression dinner took place on the evening of Friday 16th September; the occasion when our Upper VI leavers return to school to enjoy a formal meal with friends and former teachers. The evening is called Progression as these young women are progressing in life, leaving their school days behind to enjoy all that university has to offer.
Leaving St Augustine’s Priory at the end of Upper VI is the culmination of all that this school strives to achieve, preparing girls for life after school – for their time at university and their careers beyond, sending young women of maturity and full of intellectual curiosity out into the world.
Our Priory 6 (the new Sixth Form) Common Room was the venue for the pre-dinner drinks where the girls were able to enjoy the refurbished Sixth Form facilities available to our current Priory 6 pupils. After this, everyone progressed along the cloister to the refectory where dinner awaited.
Holroyd Howe, our caterers, had prepared an appetizing meal beginning with toasted goats’ cheese sticky fig and red onion tart, followed by cod loin, lentil and bean ragu and a chocolate mousse with a crispy crumb, dehydrated pineapple and white chocolate to finish. Louis, the Holroyd Howe chef, together with his team delivered a delicious meal which garnered praise from all present.
Following dinner, speeches were made by the Headteacher, Mrs Raffray, the outgoing Head Girl, Billie Morrison, and the current Head Girl, Erin Costello. Erin spoke of how brilliant the out-going Upper VI year group were; combining energy and supportiveness they were a great inspiration for the year below them. In her speech, Billie focussed on new beginnings, how, after wonderful years at St Augustine’s Priory, this occasion marked the start of an exciting new phase in all their lives.
Following the formal meal, the girls were in no hurry to leave St Augustine’s! A party atmosphere prevailed with our guests thoroughly enjoying the evening.
As one leaver, Alexandra Baker, said, ‘This was a wonderful evening, full of fun and laughter’.
Progression was a lovely occasion where we were all able to see the wonderful young women the amazing children of yesterday have grown into.
Miss C Sumpter, our recently appointed Communications Officer and a former Augustinian, was present, the event reminding her of her own Progression evening several years ago.
Now coordinating our Alumnae programme, Miss Sumpter is looking forward to the forthcoming Alumnae event on Saturday 8th October. If any Alumnae would like to take part in this event please visit our website to register – we look forward to seeing you. This will be an opportunity to remember the times you spent here, reunite with old friends and make new memories of St Augustine’s Priory!
