Foundation Day celebrates 109 years of history, leadership and community

The Cathedral School community came together on Friday, 24 July to celebrate the School’s 109th Foundation Day, honouring the rich history and traditions that have shaped generations of students while looking confidently towards the future.

Held in the Rock Centre, the annual Foundation Day Service marked the anniversary of the School’s foundation on 21 July 1917 and celebrated the people, values and traditions that continue to define The Cathedral School. This year’s celebration was especially significant as it reflected on the launch of the School’s new strategic plan, Growing Together 2026–2030, recognising the strong foundations of the past while embracing an exciting future.

This year’s Foundation Day guest speaker, Mrs Toni Lanphier (Class of 1970), shared heartfelt reflections from her remarkable lifelong connection with the School. Having been part of the Cathedral community for almost 60 years as a student, teacher, parent, registrar, grandparent and now School Archivist, Mrs Lanphier spoke about the importance of preserving the School’s history and traditions, while encouraging today’s students to appreciate the legacy they are now part of and the role they will play in shaping its future.

A special moment during the service was the induction of the Semester 2 Junior and Middle School student leaders. Standing before their peers, staff and families, each student pledged to lead with integrity, humility and a commitment to serving others.
Congratulations to our newly inducted leaders:

Junior School Leaders
Middle School Leaders

The School also celebrated three staff members who have each dedicated 20 years of service to The Cathedral School. Congratulations to Mrs Sonya Chun Tie, Mrs Renee Neilson and Mrs Kate Stevenson on this significant milestone. Their passion, care and commitment have made a lasting impact on generations of Cathedral students and families.

One of the morning’s most prestigious recognitions was the presentation of the 2026 Toni Lanphier School Service Award. This year’s recipient, Mrs Lyndall Penaluna, Head of Performing Arts (Extracurricular), was recognised for her exemplary and longstanding service to the School. Through her leadership of Cathedral’s music and performing arts programs, Mrs Penaluna has inspired countless students and enriched many of the School’s most memorable occasions.

The Past Students’ Association also welcomed four exceptional alumni to the Wall of Honour, recognising their outstanding achievements and contributions to their professions, communities and beyond:

Music once again played a central role in the celebration. The Vaughan Williams Symphonic Band, directed by Mrs Lyndall Penaluna, provided the processional, concert performance and recessional, while the Contemporary Band, directed by Mr Paul Neilson, performed the School song, Raintrees, written for the School’s Centenary celebrations in 2017. Their performances added warmth, pride and celebration to a service that honoured both the School’s history and its vibrant community.

Following the service, students, staff, families and invited guests gathered around the lagoon for one of Foundation Day’s most anticipated traditions, the annual Lagoon Dash. The celebrations concluded with Foundation Day birthday cake, giving the entire School community the opportunity to celebrate 109 years of learning, friendship and shared memories together.

Lagoon Dash Results

Prep Race

• Winner: More House
Hamish S., Amelia C., George S., Sadie L.

Boys’ Interhouse Race

• Winner: Langton House
Hugh Gleadow (Year 6), Marcel Niemandt (Year 9), Carter Licciardello (Year 12)

Girls’ Interhouse Race

• Winner: Bede House
Abigail Bennett (Year 6), Sophie Bennett (Year 9), Isabella Williams (Year 12)

Staff, Past Students and Current Students Race

• Winner: Current Students
Charlie Hood (Langton), Toby Salmon (Bede), Summer Mason (More), Halle Burgers (Chatham)

As The Cathedral School celebrates 109 years, Foundation Day remains one of the most cherished events on the School calendar. It is an opportunity to reflect on those who have come before us, celebrate those who continue to make our community so special, and look ahead with confidence as we continue to grow together.

Photography: Thank you to Joe Tekopua and Jo Duncan
 

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