The Final Walk and Leavers Dinner Celebration

Last Thursday was a significant day for our Year 13 leavers. Not only was it the day of the Leavers’ Dinner – read more about that further on - but that afternoon, led by Reverend Greg Worboys and accompanied by Headmaster Dan Reddiex and staff, students took their final walk together from Dilworth to a service at St Mark’s Church, Remuera.
 
This walk and church service were to honour Dilworth’s founders, James and Isabella Dilworth, who themselves worshipped at St Mark’s Church, where Dilworth’s story began. James Dilworth is also buried at St Mark’s. 
 
Reverend Greg Worboys gave more context to the importance of this pilgrimage:
 
“This pilgrimage is one of the great privileges of my role at this school. All of the land that we walked over to arrive here was once owned by James and Isabella Dilworth. The northernmost boundary of their farm ended right behind us. In fact, the church hall stands on land gifted by the Dilworth’s to this church”.
 
This walk is also a time of reflection for our young men as they prepare to leave Dilworth and branch out into the world - many students had not returned to St Mark’s since their junior school years.  
 
Once at St Mark’s students and staff attended a church service.  As part of his sermon Reverand Worboys talked about the vision of the founders:
 
“Today, you sit here as a living embodiment of James and Isabella’s vision - A vision that is realised in each one of you. You are men who are set to embrace everything the world has to offer you. You have been girded by a world-class education -and you have been equipped with the knowledge of a God who loves you, and who has a plan for your future”. 
 
As the service came to an end, the staff moved outside and left the students to reflect on their experience at Dilworth and what lies ahead. Students then performed a heartfelt haka in honour of James and Isabella Dilworth.
 
The walk to St Mark’s is a wonderful experience that honours our founders and marks the journey of each and every one of our Year 13 students.

Following the symbolic St. Mark's Walk, the entire community gathered later that evening for the annual Leavers' Dinner, which was a poignant and heartfelt celebration marking the official farewell of the Year 13 Leavers. It was a special time of reflection for the Class of 2025 and a time to remember their fellow student, Tj Corrin as they prepare to embark on their next chapter Beyond The Green Gates.

A moving moment was the long-standing tradition of leavers passing from the school to become proud Dilworth Old Boys. Dilworth Old Boys Association Chairman Mr Gerry Smutz handed out the pins this year.

The evening also provided a significant opportunity to acknowledge and thank the dedicated staff members who are leaving Dilworth this year. This sentiment was beautifully captured during a special toast by the retiring Learning Support Teacher, Mrs Cathie Hoggard.

As the evening came to a close, in his Headmaster’s address, Mr Dan Reddiex left the Class of 2025 with these heartfelt words:
“You have been an integral part of our progression as a School. You have been a joyful and central part of my life. Our school is a better place for having you here and we are better people for being part of your journey. This is your school and you are always welcome here.”

The organisation of this memorable evening was a credit to departing Year 13 Dean Ms Nicola Riley and those who supported her, not forgetting the outstanding Dilworth Kitchen Team, who truly pulled out all the stops to deliver an incredible feast for everyone to enjoy.

We wish the Dilworth Class of 2025 every success in their future academic and personal pursuits.