God bless & farewell

End of term and the whole school poured into church for our Leavers Service.

It was time to say a fond farewell to our Year 6 leavers (left) before they go off to secondary school next term.

Bibles ready for the Leavers

A school year book, a CD of photos, and a Youth Bible (paid for out of the School Governors fund) were presented to each of the 72 leavers by Chair of Governors, Sir Simon Hughes, who made it very personal as usual, by saying a few words of encouragement to every child individually.

This year, very sadly for us, Sir Simon himself was one of the leavers, because after 24 years as a governor of St James's School, and 23 years as chair, he is standing down, as he takes up other responsibilities in the community.

It was our chance to say a very big thankyou for our devoted Chair of Governors and friend of St James's School, and the whole school showed its warm appreciation and affection for Simon with prolonged applause.

Simon then made a brief farewell speech (left) where he drew attention to the true meaning of the word 'educate' and referred to the Bibles the children had been given, urging them to read regularly this, 'the most important book in the world.'

So, thank you Sir Simon, and God's blessings to all our leavers, and best wishes to staff, pupils, and governors for a restful and relaxing holiday.