Celebration Day

Pupils and parents had a great deal to celebrate on Wednesday evening as the school held its annual Celebration Day.

The formal proceedings were preceded by a reception at which pupils, parents, guests, friends of the school and the teaching staff mingled and took the opportunity to meet and chat. The Art & Design Centre was also open and guests were able to see the many excellent pieces of work on display.

On this important occasion we celebrate the achievements of our youngsters, be they academic, sporting, social or cultural; we applaud those who have worked hard and those who have given service to the community. This year our chief guest was Dr Malcolm McVicar, Vice-Chancellor of UCLan, who presented the prizes and helped us to celebrate another successful Arnold year.

The School was privileged to welcome several representatives of the local community who had interrupted their busy schedules to be with us, particularly their worships the Mayor & Mayoress of Wyre and the Mayor of Fylde. It was also a pleasure to welcome back to Arnold the Chief Executive of UCST, Sir Ewan Harper.

After an introduction by the Chairman of Governors, Mr Jerry Wooding, the Principal gave his report on the last twelve months. In an amusing and illuminating speech he drew attention to the many and varied achievements of the pupils and staff and paid a tribute to those members of the common room that are moving on at the end of term, especially Mr David Summerville who will retire after 26 years of service to Arnold.

The Principal's report was followed by a musical interlude which featured a superb rendition of Romanza by Carl Maria von Weber played on the clarinet by Alexander Card of Year 9.

Dr McVicar then presented prizes and in a hugely enjoyable and thought provoking speech encouraged the students to seize the opportunities available to them both at school and in later life. The Head Boy, Joseph Fleming, then gave a vote of thanks to Dr McVicar and the Head Girl, Sophia Bayjoo, presented Dr McVicar with a memento of his visit to Arnold.

An extract from Denise Deegan's comedy, Daisy Pulls It Off, came next, which was superbly performed by Lydia Bourhill as Daisy and Amy Clark as Trixie. The full production will be staged in October.

After the National Anthem parents, guests, staff and pupils congregated in the foyer for refreshments and coffee and to simply to enjoy the occasion.

Posted by: CFD White
Date: Thursday 10/07/2008