A Day of Goodbyes, Gratitude and a Few Happy Tears
School’s Out!
The final day of school arrived in a swirl of cheers, warm hugs and, yes, a few quiet tears. At the final Whole School Assembly of the year, we paused to celebrate the teachers who shaped generations of Bangkok Patana Students.
Special recognition went to Carol Battram, Mr and Mrs Murgatroyd (a.ka Murgs, Smurgs) on their retirement. Individually they spent 26 years of their working lives, guiding and inspiring young minds. Amongst the other teachers, Yvonne Brown who spent 22 years and Andrew Tatam with 20 years at Patana, were awarded a warm standing ovation. Students came prepared with banners, handmade signs and heartfelt messages—it was the kind of moment that filled the room with both pride and emotion.
Special performances from the Dance Academy and Year 3/4 Choir’s rendition of ‘Kiss the Sky‘ kept the audience moving to the beat. Then, just when everyone thought the morning couldn’t get more memorable, a surprise World Cup quiz from Mr Blundell and Mr Walsh kicked the energy up with eight students winning a new football for their spot-on answers!
Before the assembly closed, Chris Sammons gave a huge shoutout to Year 1 student, Kin who designed the 70th Anniversary logo and left students with a simple but moving thought:
“For 69 years, people have been moving in, through and out of Patana. You might be saying goodbye to teachers and friends, but you can’t say farewell to friendship.”
After a term packed with standout moments—from the The Matilda, Dance Extravaganza, Primary Concert to Busking Day and the Impact Fair—students head into the summer with full hearts and well-earned rest ahead. Be sure to revisit the highlights in the 2025/26 Yearbook and Term 3 Magazine, a reminder of just how much has been shared this year.
Enjoy more photos here:
