President of the Old Diocesan Union, David Carter (1958G) penned this heartfelt message to the current matrics. In it he expresses his joy in witnessing yet another cohort of bright and ambitious young individuals embark on their journey beyond the school gates.

He welcomes these 2023 school leavers into the folds of the ODU that has a rich and storied tradition, and also offers them his best wishes and sage advice for the exciting adventures that lie ahead. He writes:

On Thursday 28th October the Matric class of 2023 enjoyed their Matric Dance and soon they will be attending an assembly in the Memorial Chapel when they will be welcomed into the ODU and they will all receive their OD ties. This is an important part of the valedictory process which culminates with the School's final Chapel assembly- a very emotional event. 

The young men whom we will be welcoming into the ODU arrived at Bishops as boys, some 13, some 10, and some 5 years ago, with a few at various stages in between. They arrived as boys, and they are now leaving as young men as a result of the education and nurturing process that is the hallmark of a Bishops education. They will have enjoyed the wide range of facilities offered by the school, each in his own unique way, and they will have formed deep friendships again, each in his own unique way.

Now they leave the umbrella that the School has provided and they will move away from the closeness of the friendships as they move out into the big wide world. I am sure that they will be looking forward to the new and exciting challenges that this change will bring about in their lives.

The ODU wishes all these young men success in their future challenges and wants them to know that as they leave a members of the Bishops campus they are welcomed into the OD campus wherever. It may take a little time before they reach out to the ODU- that is normal for many new OD's- but the ODU will be there for them when they do reach out.

As the graduates prepare to spread their wings and explore the world, the message from the President and support he offers through the ODU, serve as an encouragement as they embark on this next chapter in their lives.