MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, hosted a series of socially-distanced events this week to give pupils leaving primary school the opportunity to say goodbye to their classmates.
With children who have just finished primary seven getting set to start life at a new school, the Mayor welcomed pupils from across the district as they joined him in St Columb’s Park House for the celebration that they weren’t able to have earlier this year.
In total, there were 15 one-hour sessions over six days, with small groups in each session following government guidelines including social distancing and sanitisation.
Pupils were given the opportunity to grill the Mayor in a Q&A session, enjoyed entertainment from In Your Space, and got involved with activities like Tik Tok dancing, skipping and football.
Each attendee also received a goody bag with a special message from the Mayor.
Cllr Tierney said it was one of the highlights to date of his time as Mayor.
“I’m really delighted with how our week of P7 events went.
“It was fantastic to see how happy the kids were to get to mingle with their old classmates one more time and to just enjoy a laugh, some entertainment and each other’s company before they start another chapter in their lives.
“Of course, it’s difficult for them under the circumstances to get used to this current way of life, but we were able to get a big tent outside and make sure everyone was kept safe while also getting to enjoy themselves.
He continued: “These children have had to deal with so much over the past few months and now they are making another huge step in their life journey.
“Being able to have an hour where they could just dance, skip, play football, run around and pick up a goody bag meant the world to them and to me.
“The fact that they even managed to get me doing Tik Tok dances shows how much I had fun – even though I faced a few very tough questions in our Q&As! – and I hope that everyone who attended had fun as well.
“Thanks to all the children and their parents, and a big thank you to the team in the Mayor’s office and all involved in putting this event together in a safe way.
“The very best of luck to all of the boys and girls as they set off on a new adventure!”
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