Sitting down to a meal is always a special time, whether it be the nightly ritual at home with family, in the dining room with up to 150 other boys or in a restaurant on a significant occasion. At the Year 7 dinner this year we were able to join together as a large Year 7 community to enjoy each others’ company and a wonderful meal.

In the lead up to the night we spent some time with the boys explaining the ins and outs of the evening to ensure that they felt comfortable in the formal setting. We discussed how the cutlery works when there is more than one course as well as other details of formal eating. For example that you take your bread-roll from your left side – not the right side … and certainly not both!

With over 450 guests, it was fantastic to see so many parents attend. We had some travel to Sydney from overseas just for the dinner while many came from rural areas of Australia as well as many who were more local. Seeing such an amazing attendance is an incredible sign of support for the boys and on behalf of all the boys – thank you to all the parents who were able to make it there for the night. For unavoidable reasons, some parents weren’t able to make it and it is my hope that they are able to in future years when the opportunities arise.

The entertainment from Liam Fogarty (Wahroonga) and Charlie Laundy (Strathfield) and his father Craig was great to watch and Chris Thompsett (St Ives) and Luke Hanigan (Coonamble) did an exceptional job as the Masters of Ceremonies.

Hopefully all who attended had a great night, enjoying the top quality food, tremendous entertainment, a few little surprises but most of all the superb company.

Photo: Nelson Kanaan (Hunters Hill) with his mother Shannon.