Headteacher John Thorp with, from left: Jacqueline Bruno, Ebony Jacklin, Amy Foote, Natalie Quinn, Lauren Barnes and Hollie Clarke

Les Quennevais School has said a final farewell to the Class of 2009.

Pupils in Year 11 celebrated the end of their compulsory education with a day filled with activities, including a leavers’ lunch, ceremony and ball.

Head teacher John Thorp said that the 135 students had enjoyed celebrating the momentous occasion. ‘This was a wonderful leaving occasion for a very special year group who we will miss greatly,’ he said.

Following the lunch, which was held at La Place Hotel, the students attended a formal leavers’ ceremony at school, where records of achievement certificates were presented by Education Minister James Reed. Other awards were presented by Eddie Gough, who retired from the school last summer.

On Thursday evening the students then returned to La Place for the ball. Mr Thorp said that the Les Quennevais was the first secondary school in Jersey to introduce a leavers’ ball, back in 2003.

‘Looking around that evening at this amazing group of talented, self-confident, cheerful and unbelievably energetic young people I felt very proud of them,’ he said. ‘And proud also to have been a small part of helping them reach this point in their lives.’

Award winners
Art award: Hollie Clarke; drama award: Charlotte Larbalastier and Robert Wilkinson; Musician of the Year: Lucy Le Marquand; HSBC trophy for outstanding sporting achievement: Ebony Jacklin; Alan Hemmings award for creativity in ICT: Ella Tukana; Tom McKeon futures trophy for the best e-portfolio: Tom Le Feuvre; Ann Blampied sports award for the student who has shown service to sport throughout their school career: Dylan Revie and Lauren Barnes; head teacher’s award: Niamh Kearney; home and school association award for the student who has shown effort and endeavour throughout their school career: Katherine Ferrari-Bradley; good neighbour award – Chris Martins.

• Pictures: Tony Pike

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