The evening of Thursday 10 May saw the celebration of the Thanksgiving Mass for the Year 14s of 2011-12. All students and their parents took a full role in the Mass celebrated by Fr Grant. Senan Magennis’s parents recited the Parents’ Blessing toget

her which was very poignant given that Senan is the last in a long line of Magennis children to have attended Aquinas over the years. The choir and musicians were ably conducted by Year 14 music student, Tiarna Devlin with Patrick Lynch on piano and Catherine O’Neill and Naomi Morris on violin. The Psalm was sung beautifully by Tiarna.

Fr Grant gave a thought-provoking sermon recounting days past with particularly fond memories of the Year group’s Year 8 Mass, seven years ago. Father Colin also reminded the students of the harshness of the materialistic world they were about to enter and the importance of living their lives according to the values of the Gospel.

At the Offertory, each of the Year 14 classes brought their gifts to the altar and their respective tutors explained the significance of the gifts to the congregation. The Mass also saw some of our Year 14 students serving as Eucharistic Ministers during Communion. These students were only recently instituted into the ministry by Bishop Treanor some days earlier.

After Mass, the audience was treated to a Presentation of photographs showing the students as they made their way through all aspects of their seven years at Aquinas. This never fails to raise a laugh!

Finally, the Principal, Mr Kelly made a speech emphasising his genuine fondness for the Year Group. Having taught in a number of schools, Mr Kelly mentioned how impressed he has been by the Year 14s in terms of their care for each other and the good example they have given to other pupils. Mr Kelly also praised and thanked the retiring teachers in the room, Mrs Dolan, Mr McNeill and Mr Devlin (not to mention the retiring non teaching staff, Helen, Anne and Nuala) for all the hard work and dedication they have given the school over the last 18 years.

The evening ended with the Head Boy, Patrick Short and Head Girl, Rachel Goldsmith, expressing their thanks to the school and their fellow peers for all the mutual support received. Gifts were given in appreciation particularly to Mrs McCool the Year Head, Mrs Dolan, Head of School and Mr Kelly.

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed refreshments in the Mall.

Last time as parents in Aquinas, The Toolan family with son Kevin and Fr Grant