Going out with joy (and a few tears)

They went out with joy - but there were lots of tears, too, at the Leavers Service for St James School in St James Church this morning.

Each of the 51 leavers shared a personal memory of their time at St James. Paul spoke about making good choices based on God's word in the Bible.

Year 6 children led the prayers and read the lesson at the service attended by the whole school community including parents, teachers and governors.

We said good-bye to the teachers who were leaving and all the children were presented with a Gospel and a photo of the Ascension 'I am with you alway' picture at St James, by our Chairman of Governors, and MP, Simon Hughes.

And we concluded with 'You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace' with the whole school clapping along.

After that there was a picnic in the churchyard for the year sixes with many teary farewells.