25 Years!

HAPPY CHAPPY: Mr. Hardiman enjoys his gifts with a St. Seb's Smile.

OUR SILVER SERVICE CELEBRATION
12.02.09
Edited by Nigel Sayi, Olivia O'Neill and Louange Lubangu.

St. Sebastian's Church was filled to the rafters last weekend, for a very special occasion indeed!

A huge congregation gathered together for a wonderful mass of thanksgiving. The event - a celebration of Mr.Hardiman's 25 years at St.Sebastian's School. Mr.Hardiman- also Head teacher of St.Cuthbert's- along with his family and friends enjoyed a truly memorable mass. At church were past and present colleagues, teachers, pupils, governors, the P.T.A., parents, headteachers: the list goes on and on. There were pupils of both St.Sebastian's and St. Cuthbert's -quite a task indeed to assemble the very many who have been a part of our 'outstanding school' for 25 years!

Everyone was so proud to be there to celebrate our school's achievements and of course those of Mr. Hardiman. During the Mass, extremely talented Year 6 pupils enacted the life of St. Sebastian. Readings were given by representatives of teachers and governors, pupils. We had beautiful dancers, highly talented musicians, fabulous actors singers and even a song especially written for Mr. Hardiman and performed by Y4. A presentation of all the different aspects of school life, our achievements and gifts to Mr. Hardiman were brought to Father Kelly during a very touching Offertory procession. Father Kelly was clearly extremely proud of the community celebration, as indeed were the parishioners and friends who attended.

The Mass ended with words of thanks from Executive Deputy Head, Mrs. Hagan, who organized the celebration, and from Mr. Hardiman who received a warm and well deserved standing ovation from all. Well done, our Sir!

Mrs. Hagan  said: "The celebration for Mr. Hardiman was a wonderful school and community event the church was full standing room only! The reception in the club afterwards for friends and family was a really special joyous occasion"

Mr. Hardiman stated: "The Thanksgiving Celebration was not only a wonderful, but also a humbling occasion and to share it with colleagues, parents and pupils both present and past made it even more memorable. Our present pupils were exceptional and made me very proud to be their Headteacher."

Well, we are really proud of you too, Sir!
Meanwhile, the school is now embarking on further projects to commemorate its 100th birthday.