Seán’s poem says it best: ‘None of us knew it was going to be the last day’
ARDFERT NS sixth-class students said their final goodbyes to their primary school days in a restricted, but joyous, graduation ceremony held outdoors on Thursday evening.
They were joined by their parents and the staff and Board of Management of the school.
Earlier in the day the children had enjoyed a surf lesson in Banna, compliments of the parents’ association, and it was the first time some had met each other since the school closure on March 12.
On the evening, the children opened proceedings with a song under the guidance of their Choir Mistress, Amanda of Kilmoyley Music School. Then Principal Betty Stack welcomed everyone, and thanked Sixth Class for their wonderful contribution over the years, telling them how proud the whole school community was of them. BOM Chair Martin Ennis congratulated them and wished them well in their secondary school.
Their teacher, Ms O’Connell, reminded them of all they had packed into their year in sixth class, despite the fact that it was cut short. She thanked them for their co operation and dedication to their work. Three students spoke about the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, namely Aoibhin Ferris, Sophie O’Mahony and Ella Fortune.
They told the gathering about all the work they did during the lock-down to finish off the tie dye hoodies which were ordered, and the children then sang as the JEP flag 2020 was raised. Student Seán Power read his poem ‘ The Last Day of Primary School’, which ended with the following lines:
“These are the memories I will have of Ardfert School/Because I can’t remember the last day./None of us knew it was going to be the last day.”
Sean’s poem was published during the lock-down in “Present Day Poetry Kerry” to celebrate Cruinniú Na nÓg 2020, in fact.
Parent Roseanne Daly spoke in praise of the excellent all-rounded education the children received in Ardfert School.
The children received their souvenir booklet, special school medal and their JEP certificate, before enjoying a feast that was prepared by the PA.
Thursday evening’s ceremony was the final part of the poignant goodbye to sixth class. On June 26, the official day of the holidays a ‘Video Tribute’ was posted on YouTube, and that evening a ‘Sixth Class Car Parade’, with cars festooned with balloons, proceeded through the village, finishing at the school where the children received their graduation certificates and goodie bags.
Principal Betty Stack said all in the school were delighted that they were able – despite the Coronavirus – to give the pupils a ‘magnificent’ send off onto the next stage of life’s journey. “Best of luck to them all,” Ms Stack said.