Sunshine with a light breeze provided the perfect atmosphere for this year’s Founders’ Day celebrations on Saturday 27 June.
Following the Leavers’ Service at St Mary’s Parish church, families of pupils across all years gathered at school to celebrate the achievements of their daughters, view the impressive Founders’ Day art exhibition, catch up with friends over picnics on St Prisca’s Field and enjoy the outstanding Music Scholars’ performances over tea.
Prizegiving commenced in its new earlier timing, opening with a warm welcome from Mrs Cate Bell, our new Chair of Governors, who thanked former Chair of Governors, Mr Svante Adde, and his wife, Mrs Annie Adde, for their longstanding and valued service to the St Mary’s community. The proceedings were then handed over to to Head, Mrs Anne Wakefield, who shared highlights from the past year, with particular celebration of the achievements and spirit of the Class of 2026.
Keynote guest speaker, Mr Seb Wagstaff, Google AI specialist, brought energy and inspiration to the marquee, encouraging the audience to think boldly and expansively as she shared examples of Google’s forward-thinking innovations. He left us with parting word of encouragement to ‘think with 10X vision’ and ‘be bold, be you’.
Head Girl, Ada, delivered a deeply heartfelt address with snippets of past escapades of her year group and expressing gratitude for memorable times shared, and friendships made that will last a lifetime.
Then it was onto the prizegiving, announced by Deputy Head Academic, Mr Michael Smyth, highlighting academic achievements and contributions to the Calne school community.
The Class of 2026 then processed from the marquee as Calne newest Leavers to the traditional tune of ‘The Great Escape’.
Picnics on St Prisca’s Field were enjoyed in year groups, with parents of pupils catching up with each other and enjoying the sunshine and relaxed, happy atmosphere.
Thank you to the PGSM for providing freshly made jugs of Pimm’s, a perfect accompaniment to a sun-filled day, that were much appreciated by parents.
The afternoon drew to a close with a delightful Music Scholars’ Concert. Congratulations to all those who performed superbly. A light tea served afterwards finished the day.
Founders’ Day concluded as it began, full of warmth, community and good cheer, an occasion that brought the 2025-26 academic year to a joyfully fitting close.
