Page 10 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2017

10 NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE

LEAVERS’ DAY

FRIDAY 26TH MAY 2017

1

The final day at Ratcliffe for the Year 13 students took place on 2
Friday 26th May. For those students who began in the Nursery,
this was a day that was fifteen years in the making. It started
in style, with Tilly Wheeler (17) and Billy Kaul (17) leading a
thoughtful and amusing reflection in a whole school assembly.
The assembly came to a triumphant conclusion, with the whole
year group, all wearing their coloured ‘Class of 2017’ hoodies,
performing a version of Rusted Root’s ‘Send Me On My Way’.

From 11am, lessons came to an end. Students received their
yearbooks and spent the late morning writing messages to each
other before the lunchtime festivities began. They then enjoyed
a barbecue and various activities, including zorb football. After
lunch, there was a special Leavers’ Mass, which was prepared
by Paul Michel, the School Chaplain, in conjunction with the
students. Christian Waters (17) led a wonderful homily reflecting
on his time – since the Nursery – at Ratcliffe. After the Mass, the 3
President of the Ratcliffian Association, Sam Bird (98), and the
Headmaster, Jon Reddin, presented each student with a gift: an
Old Ratcliffian tie for the boys and a solid silver charm engraved
with the Ratcliffe crest for the girls. The Mass and presentation
symbolised the students’ transition from being Ratcliffe College
pupils to being Old Ratcliffians. The day marked the start of a
new beginning for everyone.

The Class of 2017 will be remembered fondly for their
contribution to the Ratcliffe community. As testament to their
true character, they led by example when facing adversity and
provided unconditional support for each other. They are an
inspiration to the current students in Year 13, to the other pupils
at Ratcliffe, and to the staff. I am sure that, amongst the year
group, friendships have been formed which will last a lifetime.

Michael Newman 1 The Class of 2017 2 Enjoying a drink at The Woodies 3 President,
Sam Bird (98), presents gifts from the Assocation to the students
Head of Year 13

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