Governor General visits St William’s

St William's Primary School, Grovely

Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove with Year 1 students and teacher Kathy Holston at St William's School, Grovely​

GOVERNOR General Sir Peter Cosgrove paid a surprise visit to St William's School, Grovely, during what could be his last visit to Brisbane before his retirement later this year.

The Governor General and Lady Lynne wanted to see where their grandson Max attended school.

Acting principal Roycelyn Wilden, her leadership team, Parish Priest Father Nigel Sequeira and an excited Max greeted the Governor General's entourage at the school gate before inviting them to visit his classroom.

On the way to the classroom the Governor General spoke to a couple of Year 6 leaders folding the school flags, commending them on their leadership at the school.

He told the two excited students that he hoped one day his grandson Max, who was in Year 1, would be a leader at the school just like them.

When he arrived at the designated classroom Sir Peter explained to the excited students who he was and the job he did in Canberra.

He also explained how he was Max's grandfather.  

When he enquired about what they were doing the students were eager and happy to show off their talents.

After one or two students read to him, he presented their teacher with some pens to give to the students as a memento of his visit.

He also presented the school with a beautiful plaque to remember his visit.

The students presented the Sir Peter with a St William's umbrella which he said would get great use in rainy Canberra.

They also presented him with a huge card that everyone of them had signed.

Then then belted out a song for the special guests.

Sr Peter said he was very impressed with the way they had conducted themselves for his visit.

He told them he looked forward to returning to the school as a “normal" grandparent along with all the other grandparents.

Roycelyn said it was a privilege to welcome the Governor General and Lady Cosgrove to St William's.

“We always feel honoured when any grandparents can be a part of our community," Roycelyn said.

“However, it was very special to welcome a set of grandparents who as the Governor General stated, have a special job in Australia.

“Our Year 1s loved preparing for the formalities of the visit and I believe handled 'your excellencies' with great energy," she said. ​

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