As is always the case on the last day of Term 2, our School came together for one of the most anticipated events on the calendar – Gala Day – and this year's celebration was even more special given it was the same day as our 140th birthday celebrations. 

Gala Day has been a fixture in the life of the School since the 1980s and has taken place on the final day of Term 2 since 1996. Every year, it brings together students and staff for a joyful day of fun and friendly competition. 

This year's activities included everything from volleyball matches and dance-offs to a banner design contest and LEGO displays, ensuring there was something for everyone.

Celebrations kicked off early with our very own version of a morning show: SACS Sunrise (watch here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ea7l_gQtCQ). Broadcast from 7.30am on school screens and social media, the show delivered top stories, weather, traffic updates and a preview of the day ahead. 

Throughout the day, Houses faced off in a range of competitions – chess, debating, sporting challenges and more – all earning points towards the Dean Pitt Shield (Secondary) and Rod Macqueen Shield (Primary). Congratulations to Hereford (Secondary) and Canterbury (Primary) for taking out this year's titles! 

 A special highlight was the announcement of winners in the 140 Year LEGO Competition, where students and families were invited to create a build on the theme: What St Andrew's Cathedral School and Gawura School mean to you. With heartwarming and imaginative entries, winners included Ashwin, Riley and Aiden, along with the Hooper family – Robin (Kindergarten), Edward (Year 3) and their dad, Michael (OA1996). Their creativity was outstanding. 

The LEGO excitement continued with the arrival of our limited-edition 140 Year LEGO minifigs, distributed across the School to mark this historic milestone. 

At the end of the day, we held our official birthday celebration. Accompanied by a band of student musicians on French horns, saxophones, clarinets and trumpets, students, staff and parents sang Happy Birthday before sharing a spectacular birthday cake designed in the shape of the Yarn Wrap pillar. 

And of course everything finished on a high with the much-anticipated reveal of the School's new mascot: Andi the Gargoyle. Streamer cannons filled the air which was a fitting end to our Gala Day and birthday celebrations.