Year 11 Celebration

Year 11 Celebration Day

Thursday, 11 June 2015

 

Year 11 had been so excited for this moment for so long and when it arrived what at truly momentous and emotional celebration it was for students, staff and the 225 family members that joined our community on this special day. Our liturgical theme was ‘’Called to be Saints’’ as three of our year group, Millie Bell, Courtney Willis and Alice Brown had developed and produced a beautiful piece of textiles banner which embraces everything our school community and year group represents. Our celebrations began with the most important part of our day Mass, which was concelebrated by our deanery priests Fr. Dennis Tindall, Fr. Michael Ryan, Fr. Simon Weymes and Fr. Michael Whalen who’s inspirational sermon reminded us about being a ‘smiling community’.

After a spiritually uplifting celebration, with music from our school choir, each tutor had the privilege of presenting each individual student in their group their St John’s School certificates, to always remind them that they have been and always will be part of our school community. It was a pleasure and honour to have the town Mayor, Councillor Lee Brownson to make these presentations along with the Fr Towers Award, for contribution to school life over the last five year. It was a great honour that this prestigious award went to Jack Race and Alice Brown, two students who are extraordinary individuals and outstanding role models to other young people within our school and local community.

Steven Taylor received the “Bishop Auckland Youth Awards Outstanding Achievement 2015” for never missing a day for his entire school career during his time at St John’s and Etherley Lane Primary.

After spending some time with family and friends, over a buffet lunch, the students returned to the Fred Wilson Hall to be welcomed by the beautiful voice of Demi Robinson singing the well-chosen and apt song ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield. This was followed by several ‘Alternative Awards’, as voted by the students, along with some big thanks and cheers for the tutors and key staff who have supported the Class of 2015 in so many different ways. These presentations were broken up by the very talented ‘The MARRS’ with some amazing short sets including a great cover of The Undertonnes ‘Teenage Kicks.’ Band members included 3 of our awesome Class of 2015, Lennon Campbell, Joseph Kinsey, Jabie Day and Jake Kinsey, from Year 9.

After all the selfies, tears, laughter and most importantly celebration of our time together it is important to always remember Class of 2015 the words of St John Bosco, “Do your ordinary duties, extra-ordinarily well”. So, listen to your hearts, as you are off to great places! Today and everyday is your day! Your path is waiting, so get on your way and do extraordinary things - “He has called you by your name”!