SPECIAL SEND-OFF AT ST KILIAN’S
SIXTH YEAR STUDENTS GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO MARK THEIR GRADUATION DAY A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY
THE 6 th Year students of St Kilian’s Community School, and indeed all schools, have endured many disappointments over the past few months, and it has been an extremely stressful and challenging time for them. The highlight of every school year at St Kilian’s is the 6th Year Graduation but, because of the social distancing restrictions that are in place for the foreseeable future, this event is on hold for the moment.
St Kilian’s was anxious to mark May 21, that date for which the graduation had been scheduled. A ’6th Year SendOff ’ was organised by the Class Tutors, Ms Tracey Brophy, Mr Enda Forde, Mr Brian Duggan and Ms Sinéad Murray working alongside the School Principal, Mr John Murphy. Meticulous planning went into the event, which was held online at 5 pm last Thursday. In the hours prior to the ‘Send- Off ’, a team of twelve staff members made door-to-door deliveries with gift bags for all of the students. Each bag contained a commemorative poster, a customised card, some fancy chocolates and a red rose wrapped in the school colours, wine and green. Students were dressed in their school uniforms for one last day and posed for photos, with their families, at their front doors.
The online event was a tremendous success and was attended by all of the students and their families, along with all of the school’s teaching and non-teaching staff. Ms Brophy acted as MC and sections included the last roll calls with each student’s 1st and 6th Year photos featured, a message from their Year Head, Ms Maeve Taaffe, video messages from the staff, a class song and a slideshow of lots of memories from down through the years.
The students were represented by the Head Girl and Boy, Kayleigh Howick and Oscar Yeoh, and the Deputies, Mya-Kate Mullen and Dylan O’Toole who introduced the Fun Awards. Mr Murphy brought proceedings to a close, wishing everyone well on behalf of the whole school community.
Speaking later, Mr Murphy said that the event had exceeded his greatest expectations and that the feedback from everyone had been unbelievable and the school’s Facebook page had never had more visits. He was very appreciative of everyone’s efforts in making the event a success, and was delighted that the school played some small part in lifting the mood , not only of the students and their families, but of the wider community. It had been a poignant and emotional occasion that had united the greater school community in celebrating a very special group of students. Mr Murphy said that he was extremely proud to be the Principal of a school that could organise such a unique and meaningful event, in such difficult circumstances. Positive relationships and always putting the child first are the hallmarks of the school, and this was never more evident than on last Thursday.