Second Class Graduation Speech from the Principal, 28th June 2021

Good Morning to our boys, parents, grandparents, Fr. Pat McManus and teachers. You are most welcome to join us today as we celebrate our Second Class Graduation 2021

It is such a privilege to bear witness to how these fine boys have grown in confidence, knowledge, kindness and faith and we hope that we have laid the foundations to them becoming young gentlemen. 

Today is a celebration of all that is good about our boys, our teachers and our school. I am excited for the future for each of these boys graduating today. 

Seeing the boys before me today is a testament to the love and support over the years from the staff, parents and the wider school community.

Each of you have grown in a way that you should be so very proud of. You are now ready to transition to the next exciting chapter in your lives – starting Senior School. 

This year, especially, we have watched in awe at how you have shown resilience and courage. You have missed out on many rites of passage: School tours, First Holy Communion, Arts Day, Swimming, no after school activities, no ducks in the yard…

You have shown independence and maturity in how you engaged with remote learning. We can reflect on the past year and be comforted in  the knowledge, that while it was tough, it was character building and you boys really stood up to the challenge. Well done!

And to you the parents : 

These young gentlemen before me today are a credit to their families. You are the vital component in your sons’ education. You have helped your son grow. We, the school, value and acknowledge the support of the parent community. Without it, we simply would not have such a marvelous school. 

To the teaching and support staff:

Like any production, behind the scenes there is huge commitment going on, especially, in what has been an incredibly challenging year, both professionally and personally for the staff. Their love and dedication to the boys in their care is commendable and it is a privilege to work with such a strong team here in Belgrove JBS. We remember in particular today the teachers who taught these wonderful boys Ms. Halton, Mr. Rodgers, Mrs. Breen, Ms. Mc Caughey, Ms. Martin, Mrs. Duffy, Ms. Oonan and Mrs. Gray. 

We remember those who are not with us today to celebrate this special day, especially Teresa Lawlor mum of Christian. I have no doubt that she is looking down on us all today. We also thank Mr. O’Sullivan for his leadership and devotion to these boys in their first important years of primary school. 

And to you boys:

You have been a light and a pleasure for the last four years. How proud we are of you all! Good luck in your new school. Remember to be kind, to be a good friend, to look out for others. Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and in the words of Oscar Wilde… “Be Yourself, Everyone else is Taken”. 

Fiona Sheridan

Príomhoide