As we wrap up 2024, we reflect on an incredible year at the St. Paul’s Foundation filled with memorable milestones, inspiring moments, and growth. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from this remarkable year:
Events
This year, we hosted the second edition of the St. Paul’s Foundation Quiz Night for Old Pauleans. Over 100 attendees—including alumni from various generations, parents, and supporters—joined us for a night of fun and games, strengthening our bonds as a community.
Another standout moment was the International Day, a cherished tradition at St. Paul’s that celebrates the diversity of our community while supporting charitable causes. This year, the Foundation became the main charity beneficiary, and for the first time was responsible for coordinating ten activities with the help of over 70 volunteers.
To cap the year, we also held our Annual Cocktail, a fundraising event that brought our community together for a fun and meaningful night. The timing of the event coincided with Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to inspiring generosity. Our community embraced this opportunity to make a significant impact, with all proceeds raised during the event directly benefiting our Scholarship Programme.
Our scholars
Our pupils accomplished outstanding feats this year:
- Claudia and Mariana, two of our scholars, stepped into leadership roles as prefects, leading initiatives that enhanced our school community.
- In June, we celebrated the graduation of Elisa, Gregorio, and Antonio, who completed their time at St. Paul’s and embarked on new journeys in higher education, both in Brazil and abroad.
- Prize Giving saw 18 scholars recognised for their academic achievements, showcasing their hard work and dedication.
- During the school holidays, some pupils attended prestigious summer courses in institutions across America and Europe.
This academic year, we also proudly welcomed 15 new scholars, bringing the total number to 40 scholars across Senior School. This milestone brings us closer to our goal of 50 scholars by the school’s centenary in 2026. The traditional Welcome Barbecue ensured a warm reception and helped foster integration among new and existing scholars.
Throughout the year, scholars participated in various activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, music performances, Model United Nations conferences, and community service projects. One remarkable highlight was Enzo’s recognition as a Rise Global Winner of 2024 for his inspiring social impact project “We,” aimed at combating hunger and poverty.
The year concluded on a high note, with 14 scholars participating in the school play, taking on roles both on stage and behind the scenes.
The selection process
In February, we opened applications for the 2024-25 selection process, receiving an incredible group of 160 applicants. Many of these applicants advanced to the Assessment Day and interviews with the leadership team, and 27 moved on to the first semester of the Prep Course. This experience enriched participants academically and personally, preparing them for further steps.
As we enter the second term of the course, a selected group from this cohort will deepen their studies through classes three times a week in various subjects at St. Paul’s. In parallel, a new selection process opens for applications from 3rd February to 18th March, 2025.
Looking ahead
2024 has been a year of community spirit, growth, and shared achievements. As we step into the new year, we remain dedicated to expanding opportunities, fostering talent, and transforming lives through a world-class education.
Thank you to everyone who made this year possible and so special. Here’s to an even brighter 2025 together!
A “Thank you” note from our scholar
We often receive heartfelt messages like this, and today we’d like to share a special “thank you” note from one of our scholars.
The foundation pupils face a huge transformational journey through the Scholarship Programme, achieving new milestones year by year. Mariana, our Upper Sixth scholar, shared a touching message mentioning her last achievements and thanking our supporters for their continuous contribution, and we happily share it here to represent all scholars’ gratitude towards the community.
As the year draws to a close and the holiday season begins, I’d like to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me on my academic journey. This has been a phenomenal final year for me. Navigating the IB program and engaging in various school activities has been both rewarding and transformative.
This year, I was honoured to be entrusted the role of Science Prefect, which gave me the incredible opportunity to engage with and contribute to different parts of our school community. Additionally, I am thrilled to share that I have received three university offers so far and am eagerly looking forward to embarking on my studies abroad next year.
None of this would have been possible without your generous support, for which I am deeply and eternally grateful. Thank you for believing in me and helping me achieve my dreams.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a Merry Christmas!
Warm regards,
Mariana E.