Sixth class drive-by gives pupils a fitting send-off

The current crisis has denied so much to young and old alike. One treasured stage in life is ending the first level of education. It might generate mixed emotions of sadness and joy.

But it is something that primary schoolchildren will always remember. Sixth class pupils of Saint Francis School were in danger like most of their contemporaries across the country of being robbed of that memory or something by which to remember that milestone.

The restrictions and lockdown imposed as a result of Covid deprived them of the final precious weeks in their primary education journey, saying goodbye to teachers and friends and all that went with it such as a ceremonial graduation.

That will hopefully take place at the end of the summer, with it tentatively planned before they enter secondary college.

The boys and girls leaving the school without some recognition concerned teachers and parents that there would be nothing to mark the time they spent there.

One parent came up with a suggestion that saved the day and really made it a parting that the pupils will savour perhaps more than in normal circumstances as they continue the path through life.

It provided an answer to a crux that was welcomed and embraced by parents and staff who turned out along with nearby residents to wave the 29 pupils off on what was to be their last day at the school on Friday, June 26.

The staff were joined by other parents outside the school gates and nearby residents on the Rock Road and from Gort na Glaise stood on the roadside and acknowledged as the sixth years drove past slowly in their parents cars.

The joyous cavalcade with balloons and teddy bears displayed out windows and the pupils cheering and clapping travelled then down the Golf Links Road, with all the very best wishes for a very happy next phase in their school journey starting in the autumn.

The group will be largely split up as they have applied and been accepted to different colleges in Dundalk.