GRADUATION SAT ST FRANCIS’ SCHOOL IN BEAUFORT

“IT’S an emotional day as we look back as well as forward,” is how Liam Twomey, Principal of St Francis’ Special School in Beaufort described the annual graduation ceremony as six students brought their chapter to a close at the school.

The students - some of whom would have spent upwards of 14 years at St Francis - enjoyed a special day with their family and friends and it’s a day that has always ranked highly in the school’s calendar.

Mass was concelebrated by Fr Derek O’Connell – St John of God campus chaplain – and local PP Fr Fergal Ryan. This year also marked the first time the school had its own choir which was richly enjoyed by everyone.

The students then presented a rose to a family member to say thanks for all they have done over the years and this, Liam explains, is a particularly emotional moment as it’s the first time the children give something back to their loved ones as a show of appreciation at the school.

Graduation certificates were then presented, as were certificates for yoga and swimming – the school is fortunate to have its own hydro pool which allows students gain various levels of certification in swimming. Each student was then presented with a special gift from the school.

“It’s a day for reflection as it’s the end of an era for the children as they will now go on to adult services. In that sense it can be very emotional for parents. It’s also a celebration of their time in the school, which is important. One of our posters reads ‘graduation marks a happy ending and an exciting new beginning,’ and we wish each of the students well for the future,” Liam concluded.

RIGHT: Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin David Sheehan at his graduation with Triona O’Neill, Phil O’Shea, Breda Daly, Liam Scully, Amenda O’Shea, Debra O’Sullivan, John Sheehan, Maeve O’Donoghue and Bernie Coppinger. Shannon O’Sullivan at her graduation withher parents Denis and Rena,...

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Rebecca O’Brien at her graduation with her parents Paddy and Maura, sister Trish, grandmothers Nora O’Brien and Kate Casey and family members at St Francis’ Special School, Beaufort.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Noah Sheehan at his Graduation with members of staff Breda Daly, Robert Hunt, Mary O’Riordan and Emma Cremin at St Francis’ Special School, Beaufort.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Georgia Harrington at her graduation withher parents David and Jo, brother Gareth and teacher Caitriona Healy at St Francis’ Special School, Beaufort.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Tara O’Sullivan at her graduation with her aunt and uncle Mary and David Hurley, sister Nicole, aunt Helen Moriarty, Geraldine O’Sullivan, cousins Yvonne, Shane, James and Noah, Brid, Maura and Edwina at St Francis’ Special School, Beaufort.