Students, former students, staff and members of the school community came together today to launch Gospel School's Blue Sapphire 65th Anniversary celebrations.
Established in 1961, the school marked the occasion with choir performances and other items by students before unveiling its 65th anniversary logo.
The event also recognised the International Week of Deaf People and sign language, with students from Gospel School for the Deaf taking part in the celebrations.
Former students from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s also returned to reconnect and share memories of their time at Gospel.
Moceiyawa, who is part of the Class of 1997 and is leading the school's 65 Days celebration, says Gospel has always had a strong sense of family and community.
Her connection to the school spans much of her life.
Moceiyawa attended Gospel from kindergarten through to high school, her siblings were also students, and her mother taught at Gospel Primary School.
She says the 65 Days initiative was created to reconnect former students and encourage them to give back to the school in the lead-up to its 65th birthday.
Moceiyawa says school management has identified several areas where assistance is needed, particularly with buildings and facilities.
Some projects have already included renovations to the boys' and girls' toilets, while former students, families and classes are being encouraged to support other projects during the 65-day celebration.
However, Moceiyawa says giving back does not always have to involve large amounts of money.
She says former students can also reconnect with classmates, share their Gospel stories or contribute in smaller ways.
Reflecting on her own school years, Moceiyawa says some of her strongest memories are of teachers who went beyond teaching subjects and became mentors and, for some students, parental figures.
She says teachers gave extra attention to students who were struggling or facing challenges and helped guide them towards a better path in life.
Moceiyawa says that strong sense of family and community is one of the reasons former students continue to return and support the school.
She is encouraging current students to give their best, respect their teachers and take pride in being part of the Gospel School family.
Insert: Moceiyawa on school. 24th Sep 26
The 65-day programme will include a range of activities involving students, former students, families and the wider school community leading up to the school's Blue Sapphire anniversary.
