For the graduating Class of 2026, the Graduation Ceremony at St. Catherine's British School was far more than a celebration of academic achievement. It was an evening of reflection, gratitude and anticipation, bringing together students, families, friends, school staff, and governors and friends to honour a remarkable chapter while looking confidently towards the future.

As each graduate crossed the stage, the ceremony celebrated years of curiosity, friendship and personal growth. It marked the culmination of countless hours of learning, discovery and dedication, and the beginning of exciting new journeys that will take this exceptional class of graduates to universities and communities around the world.

A Champion's Mindset

The evening's keynote address, delivered by Olympic medallist Sir Lawrence Clarke, challenged graduates to rethink what success truly means. Drawing on lessons from elite sport, he reminded students that lasting achievement is built not on moments of brilliance, but through discipline, resilience and consistency.

"Without commitment, you'll never start. But more importantly, without consistency, you'll never finish."

Reflecting on years of competing at the highest level, Sir Lawrence explained that while not every athlete reaches the Olympic podium, the qualities developed along the way - focus, determination, perseverance and resilience - become the foundations for success in every aspect of life.

Recalling his coach’s advice, "Practice makes permanent," he encouraged graduates to trust the work they have already done. Consistency, he explained, is what enables people to remain calm and confident when the pressure is greatest.

"Why doubt yourself if you know you have done the work? Let others doubt themselves."

Looking ahead to a future shaped by constant change, Sir Lawrence urged the Class of 2026 to embrace lifelong learning. With curiosity, adaptability and the confidence to keep growing, he reminded them that the greatest opportunities are often those they never expected to find.

Leaving the Nest

Speaking on behalf of the Class of 2026, Senate Chair Arietta T. captured the emotion of the evening with a heartfelt reflection on the friendships, memories and shared experiences that have defined the graduates' years at St. Catherine's.

Using the School's iconic owl as a powerful metaphor, she reflected on the journey that began for many more than fifteen years ago, describing the School as the nest that has nurtured each student with knowledge, wisdom and a strong sense of belonging.

"Today, we leave the nest. We leave behind all the nurturing and caring people who supported us through our achievements, challenges and milestones."

Paying an emotional tribute to parents, teachers and classmates, Arietta reminded her fellow graduates that while their paths may now lead them in different directions, the lessons and friendships they have built together will remain with them.

In one of the evening's most touching moments, she encouraged her classmates never to lose sight of the people they have become during their years at St. Catherine's.

"Do not forget the person you have become at school. Do not forget the classmates who made you laugh in the hallways and the moments that you may have dismissed as irrelevant but have ultimately shaped your childhood."

Closing her address with gratitude, Arietta thanked the teachers who had inspired and supported the Class of 2026 throughout their journey and reflected on the friendships that made St. Catherine's feel like home.

"The best part of St. Catherine's was the friendships we all made... Congratulations Class of 2026, it's time to leave our nest."

A Farewell from the Principal

In his closing address to the Class of 2026, Principal Mr Jon Perriss reflected on the deeper purpose of a St. Catherine's education - one that extends far beyond academic success. He reminded graduates that while qualifications open doors, it is curiosity, character and the relationships they build that shape the lives they go on to lead.

Describing education not simply as a journey but as a quest, Mr Perriss encouraged students to embrace the uncertainty of what lies ahead with confidence and an open mind. Every quest, he explained, leads to unexpected discoveries, and each graduate can forge a path that is uniquely their own.

His message centred on three guiding principles: remain curious rather than judgemental, stay grounded in kindness, integrity and humility, and focus on what is within your control. As they leave St. Catherine's, he reminded students that these values will serve them far beyond the classroom.  Above all, he urged them to follow a path that is authentically their own.

"Don't waste your quest living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma, or let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."

In his inspiring farewell, Mr Perriss welcomed the graduates into the School's global alumni community, thanking them for the contribution they have made during their years at St. Catherine's and encouraging them to carry its spirit wherever life may lead.

"It is now time to step off the wheel and into the world."

Celebrating Excellence

The Graduation Ceremony also recognised students whose achievements exemplified the values, talents and aspirations of the St. Catherine's community. From academic excellence and intellectual curiosity to leadership, citizenship, sport and the arts, the awards celebrated the many ways in which students of the Class of 2026 have enriched school life and inspired those around them.

International Baccalaureate Values Awards

• Care – Lowri K.
• Integrity – Filippa P.
• Curiosity – Alexandros G.
• Dedication – Lazaros P.

International Baccalaureate Academic Awards

Special Awards

• IB Brigadier Stephen Saunders Award – Georgie L.
• Gordon Ball Award for Exceptional Effort and Progress – Sofia A.
• IB CAS Award – Aspasia G. and Nikolas P.

Academic Excellence Awards

• English Literature – Arian M.
• English Language & Literature – Odysseas K.
• Modern Greek – Dimitra A.
• Modern Foreign Languages – Leo M.
• Business & Management – Melina D.
• Geography – Kristin U.
• Economics – Stratos C.
• History – Ariadni Tomas
• Psychology – Valeria L.
• Biology – Riaz Q.
• Chemistry – Junxi Z.
• Physics – Hippocrates D.
• Sports, Exercise & Health Science – Stephanos P.
• Computer Science – Vasilis L.
• Maths Analysis & Approaches – Ioannis P.
• Maths Applications & Interpretation – George F.

International Baccalaureate Achievement Awards

• Debater of the Year – Philip S.
• MUN Award – Ileana G.
• Eileen Porter Memorial Art Award – Evelyn M.
• Vangi Burbidge Performing Arts in Theatre Award – Orestes G.-M.
• Performing Arts in Music Award – Jerry X.
• Citizenship Award – Arrieta T.
• International Baccalaureate Sports Awards
• Sportsperson of the Year – Vasilis P. and Kristin U.
• Volleyball Award – Junxi Z. and Arianna K.
• Tennis Award – Meti P. and Arrieta T.
• Basketball Award – Peter T.
• Stavros Hadjiyiannis Football Award – Spiros D. D E. and Athena H.

Looking Forward

As the ceremony ended, a common thread emerged from every address: graduation is not an ending, but the beginning of a new quest. Through the Principal's reflections, Sir Lawrence Clarke's inspiring lessons and Arietta’s heartfelt farewell on behalf of her classmates, the Class of 2026 was reminded that while the future may be uncertain, they are exceptionally well prepared to embrace it.

They leave St. Catherine's with far more than academic qualifications. They leave with the confidence that comes from consistency, the curiosity to seek new opportunities, the resilience to overcome challenges and the character to lead with kindness and integrity. As Arietta so beautifully reflected, they may now leave the nest, but they will always remain connected to the place, the people and the values that shaped them.

This connection was instantly palpable as the formal ceremony gave way to celebration on the Upper School rooftop. Marking a proud St. Catherine's tradition, the Class of 2026 made a memorable entrance to the sounds of Sweet Disposition, sparking an evening filled with music, dancing, and laughter. Surrounded by family, friends, and the staff who guided them, it was a poignant final opportunity to capture photos and lasting memories before the Class of 2026 truly leaves the nest.

“Celebrating the graduating class is always a highlight of the year and a reminder of the incredible impact St Catherine's makes as we send our successful graduates into the world,” shared Lauri-Ann Robertson, Head of IB and the event’s orchestrator.

“The Class of 2026 is exceptional in many ways. They will be fondly remembered by their teachers for their open-hearts and open-minds. They are supportive and connected like no other graduating class. I anticipate with great pride witnessing their next chapter as they go out into the world to make a positive difference as St Cats alumni.”

The graduates of the Class of 2026 now join generations of St. Catherine's alumni making their mark across the world. Wherever their individual quests may lead, they carry with them the enduring spirit of St. Catherine's - Care, Curiosity, Dedication and Integrity - ready to shape the future with purpose, compassion and confidence.