The school organised a special lunch and ‘guard of honour’ farewell this afternoon as our Year 11 transferred their school learning to home study in the coming weeks. Messages of love and support were handed out to students from parents and staff.
The school will be seeing them all again at their Prom, which the school will still put on, whenever that may be. Their maturity and resilience in such difficult times has been exceptional. We wish each and everyone of them the very best.
For those Year 11 students who were not able to attend school today due to being self isolated, we have provided the speech which Mr Mckeon delivered in today’s farewell lunch:
“A few words;
I want you to remember your time at this school forever. You have been dealt an unfortunate blow that is completely out of your or anyone’s control but if you remember anything from this school it is this:
Do not let a barrier stand in your way of achieving your dreams… knock it down, run around it, jump over it or simply smash through it! Whenever you are faced with adversity just see it as the next challenge and rise to that challenge! Don’t feel sorry for yourself, don’t think what if or what could have been… you are in control of your future and it is very bright indeed! I hope throughout your time here we have taught you the value of believing in yourself no matter who you are or where you come from you can achieve anything you want. Do not think any less of yourself because you haven’t had the opportunities others in this life have had… life is there for you to flourish and flourish you will!!!
I always say to students when they leave in year 11, reach for the stars and you’ll hit the roof, reach for the roof and you’ll never leave the basement! Set your aspirations high, believe in yourself and never ever give up!!
I wish everyone of you the brightest future… you were set to achieve some incredible things so don’t let this stop you!! Go out and for the rest of your lives continue to achieve things you never thought you could!!
It has been an absolute pleasure… you will be a year group we will never forget and I wish you all the best! On behalf of me and all the staff we’d like to give you a round of applause and when we have grabbed a bite to eat we will allow you to leave with a staff guard of honour as recognition for all you have done and achieved! Well done!!!
We also have some kind words from your parents /carers and from staff to wish you well.
Good luck and enjoy the food!!
Mr Mckeon