Gratitude and Growth: Celebrations at Commemoration Day

On a bright September Saturday morning, the King’s School Rochester community gathered in the historic Cathedral for its annual Commemoration Day Service. This is always a special occasion in the School calendar — a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the heritage of a school that has stood for over 1,400 years in the heart of Rochester.

This year’s service carried particular significance, as it was the first Commemoration Day for the School’s new Principal. Standing before a packed cathedral of pupils, parents, staff, governors, alumni, notably the Class of 1985 and dignitaries, the Principal opened with these words:

“Bishop, Dean, Chapter, Mayor and consort, distinguished guests, Governors, Old Roffensians, colleagues, pupils, parents, friends of the School: it is a great honour to stand before you today at my first Commemoration Day Service as Principal of King’s School, Rochester.
For centuries, our school has stood in the shadow of this cathedral — and also in its light. These ancient stones speak of prayer and praise, of learning and worship, of the faith that has sustained countless generations. They remind us that King’s is not just a collection of buildings or timetables, but a living community, shaped by those who came before us — and entrusted now to our care.”

The theme of the address was renewal — a reminder that Commemoration Day is not about nostalgia, but about gratitude, growth and responsibility for the future. The Principal reflected on the resilience of King’s School through history, from its foundation in 604 AD to its refounding under Henry VIII in 1541 and its continued ability to flourish in times of challenge and change.

“When we speak of commemoration, we do not mean nostalgia. We mean gratitude. We give thanks for the teachers whose wisdom changed lives; for the pupils who carried what they learned here out into the world; for the families who entrusted their children to King’s; for all those who gave of their talents so that this school could flourish. And we remember, too, that we are stewards of that legacy. The baton is in our hands, for this season of the race.”

The Principal spoke of the School’s call to remain faithful to its traditions while embracing the opportunities of the present age. Renewal, he said, is seen not just in great turning points of history, but in the everyday life of the School: in the kindness of pupils, the commitment of teachers, the affection of alumni, and the shared vision of families and governors.

The message was clear: education at King’s is not just about exam results, but about forming young people of wisdom, resilience, and compassion. The Principal challenged pupils to see themselves as the living expression of the School’s renewal and reminded alumni – the Old Roffensians – that their ongoing presence and support is testimony to the lasting impact of a King’s education.

The service ended with a prayer of thanksgiving and a blessing for the School’s past, present, and future. The Principal closed with a rallying call:

“So, as we commemorate today, let us give thanks for the faithfulness of God through the centuries of King’s. Let us honour those who have gone before us. And let us, with hope and courage, commit ourselves to renewal — to being made new in Christ, to building a school community that is generous, faithful, and flourishing. Floreat Schola Regalis.
May God bless this school: its past, its present, and its future.”

As the final hymn echoed around the Cathedral, there was a strong sense that the School had not only remembered its history but also renewed its vision for the years ahead.