We came as Strangers We Leave as Friends

At the Bright Beginnings Pre-School Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday were front from left: Aaron, Joey, Evan, Ava, Evie, Tadhg and Darren. Back from left: Susan O'Mahony with: Oliver, Isabel, Sam, Pádraig, Catherine Horan, Jessica, Daniel, Anna, Liam, Jay, Ava and Marguerite Egan. ©Photograph: John Reidy — At the Bright Beginnings Pre-School Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday were front from left: Aaron, Joey, Evan, Ava, Evie, Tadhg and Darren. Back from left: Susan O’Mahony with: Oliver, Isabel, Sam, Pádraig, Catherine Horan, Jessica, Daniel, Anna, Liam, Jay, Ava and Marguerite Egan. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Amber Galwey reports on an exciting day for the Bright Beginnings Pre-School Graduates and their families.

The sun shone down on the students of Bright Beginnings pre-school as they celebrated their graduation in Castleisland on Wednesday.

It was a proud day for the many parents, grandparents, siblings and friends that attended this special day. The graduation took place outside due to the fine weather giving those in attendance the opportunity to admire the flower and herb garden which their children had tended to during the year.

The walls were beautifully decorated with pictures and a poster reading ‘We came as strangers we leave as friends’, which highlighted the significance of the day.

Photographs of the pupil’s future wishes lined the walls. The boys hope to be farmers, stuntmen and superheroes while the girls see themselves as princesses, nurses and fairies in years to come.

He's My Brother: Anna McCarthy trying to squeeze a smile from her brother, Tadhg at their Bright Beginnings Pre-School Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday. ©Photograph: John Reidy — He’s My Brother: Anna McCarthy trying to squeeze a smile from her brother, Tadhg at their Bright Beginnings Pre-School Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The student’s hard work and preparation leading up to their graduation was evident on the day as they sang songs and read poems for their proud families. Pre-school leader, Susan O’Mahony explains how special the ceremony was. “It was fantastic- we had done over two week’s preparation. Every child was involved and they all did a brilliant job,” she said.

The staff went above and beyond to ensure that they day was a memorable one for all involved. Susan O’Mahony, Marguerite Egan and Catherine Horan had a slideshow of photos taken throughout the year on display and each parent was presented with a poem after the ceremony.

The pre-school has gone from strength to strength since it first opened in 2009. Starting off with just five pupils five years ago Bright Beginnings now has 19 students, some full time some part-time, on a given week. Such numbers enable the pre-school to provide one to one attention in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bright Beginnings is open from 9.30 to 1pm Monday to Friday and can cater for up to 12 children aged between two years and nine months and five each day. The pre-school works between the high scope and the Montessori curriculums.