St Anne’s School in the Curragh celebrates graduates

THIS YEAR’s graduation celebrations at St Anne’s Special School in the Curragh was described as being deeply emotional for staff and students as they said farewell to a group of fantastic students.

School Principal, Adeline Wall, spoke about the recent event and highlighted the role of Deputy Principal Paul Kelly and the school’s graduation committee in delivering what she described as a memorable send-off for students.

“He did a great speech and really looked after the entire ceremony,” Ms Wall said. She added that the fantastic committee, made up of teachers and SNA’s, ensured the event ran smoothly, including presentations where students received graduation hoodies and a special lunch held for those leaving.

Among the highlights of the week was a school-wide farewell event where graduating students were brought out to wave goodbye to the wider student body on Thursday 25 June.

The emotional occasion included music and had the added bonus of the beautiful weather the country’s been so blessed with the last week.

She also pointed to a wider programme of end-of-year activities, including sports and fun days, which contributed to what she described as a “special overall week” for the students.

Ms Wall paid particular tribute to the school’s graduation committee who begin planning the event a year in advance. She said they meet outside school hours to organise everything from décor and photography to tickets and family arrangements.

“They really have such a passion to make sure every child gets a really good send-off,” she said. “They are the ones that make it special.” She added that the graduation represented a significant milestone for students and staff alike, noting that some pupils had been part of the school community since early childhood.

“These children have really grown from babies right into adults,” she said. “Their final send-off is such an emotional moment for everyone in the school.”