The 13th batch of IBDP students got a glittering farewell at the Graduation Ceremony held at the SMART Campus in May 2019, in the presence of teachers, parents and peers. 

The Class of 2019 had finished their final exams earlier this year, and are waiting for their final scores which will be announced sometime in July. The graduation ceremony, traditionally held before the results are out, was a glittering ceremony in which students were handed out their diplomas in the presence of their parents, teachers and other dignitaries. 

IBDP Year 1 students had meticulously planned the graduation ceremony for their seniors with various performances lined up for the event as well as a huge cake which was cut in their honour. Student hosts introduced the guest speaker Mr Rajeev Patke - Professor of Humanities at the Yale-NUS college, who shared memories of his student years as well as some words of wisdom for the graduates. He encouraged them to view success as more than just a personal achievement, but as a goal of going into the society to make it a better place. 

SMART Campus principal Ms Melissa Maria also spoke on the occasion emphasising on the everlasting connection between a school and its studens, and the strong bond between alumni and teachers which has always stood the test of time. 

Student bands Nuclear Nation and Far Beyond Space performed classics like The Beatles' 'Hey Jude' and other songs, while others added to the fun by performing dance numbers.

The entire multipurpose hall resounded with applause as students walked on stage one by one in their graduation robes to collect their certificates from the dignitaries. Speeches were also made by students and parents, reminiscing over the wonderful memories they have made over the years at GIIS, and thanking the teachers for having forever shaped their experiences and memories.

Later, the graduating class took their oath delivered by the Diploma Programme Coordinator, Ms Deepa Chandrasekaran. The graduates threw their caps into the air when the graduation was declared by the Coordinator.  They exclaimed with joy and hope for the future as they bid their final farewell to the school that had been their second home, and the teachers who had been their friends, guardians, educators, and benefactors for so many years in their lives.

The night ended with uncountable hugs, farewells and tears; finally, the students — arm in arm — walked out the doors of the campus and faced their future armed with the love, knowledge, and inspiration that they had garnered over the years at their home away from home.