Kilflynn NS bids a virtual farewell to Class of 2020

THE graduating classes of 2020 will never be forgotten, for the simple fact that they have are missing out on a rite of passage that we have all experienced in our school years.

For their own part, Kilflynn NS were keen not to let the occasion pass them by without celebrating it somehow and as has become the norm in COVID times, they instead took the graduation ceremony online.

With words of encouragment and support from Princial Nora Falvey, PP Fr. O Mahony, Kerry star David Clifford, local sports star Séan ‘Beans’ Weir and Kerry legend Dara Ó Cinnéide still ringing in their ears, it was time for the pupils to reflect on the last eight years in the school.

Sixth class teacher Sinéad Hogan showed off a 15-minute long power point presentation depicting the kids journey through the school.

It was a journey that included such milestones in life such as their first day at school, school tours, concerts, matches, Communion and of course their Confirmation, which they were lucky enough to have right before the start of the pandemic.

As well as spoken messages from the afore mentioned each member of the school staff took part in a video whereby each person held a motivational poster highlighting to the children the endless possibilities that their futures hold. According to Nora Falvey “with these inspiring words, staff are hoping to make the children aware that their futures are what they make of them and their futures look bright.”

Finally, the final step in the Graduation process occurred last Monday, June 21 where children were invited in small groups at an allocated time to come to the school.

On arrival, children were greeted by members of staff and presented with a graduation certificate, a graduation booklet that Ms. Hogan compiled full of photos, inspiring stories, the children’s own school memories and a personal letter to the children from her.

They also received a USB with their slideshow on it, a school crest personalised graduation candle and a special Secondary School Starter pack – full of school supplies from stationary to folders to hardback A4 pads to copies.

And in a final message to their pupils, the school staff simply wished to say:

“We wish them well as they start this new phase in their journey, we know they will do us, their families and themselves proud.”

Graduations took place at a social distance as Kilflynn NS sixth class pupils bade farewell to staff and fellow students.

Pictured at the Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders launch Competition for 2020 were :L-R: John Dillon KHFBC, John Harty Dairymaster and Maurice Harty farm owner & KHFBC. Pic: Domnick Walsh

The official launch of the Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders annual herd competition took place recently at the farm of Maurice & Geraldine Harty, in conjunction with their main sponsor Dairymaster who are international leaders in dairy equipment manufacturing. Photo By Domnick Walsh