The day began with the Leavers' Breakfast. Behind the Octagon Muffins, croissants and other tasty nibble were served as teachers and students arrived and sipped orange juice in the sunshine that had decided to give us a rare appearance for the day. Suspicious piles of gift bags, poster tubes and cake tins also began to pile up by the wall of the building, more later on that.
At roughly a quarter past ten Mr Thompson called everyone to order and asked the house captains to bid farewell to their tutors and heads of house. The speeches were heartwarming and sincere, you could tell just how strong the bond was that had formed over the years. Tears flowed freely as tales of exploits and personalities were shared. Boarding captain Daichi thanked Mr Single for all his work within the boarding community of Ashford School and Shanahan and Yana followed this with notes of gratitude to Mrs Williams and Mr Vaughan who Mr Rayner even managed to get a photo of (shhh!).
At Midday came the leaver's assembly, where the yr 13s said their own very special goodbyes to the rest of the school community and also presented special teachers' awards. The leavers' lunch was a lovely buffet, set out by the catering team and the students took this opportunity to take as many selfies as possible with their teachers and friends. Unsurprisingly Miss Dores was a very popular choice for the boarders due to all the help and support that she and the EAL dept have given to them over many years. A big thanks to them! Harris also regaled Mr Thompson and Mr K with tales of his many travels.
The highlight of the day though was undoubtedly the leavers' ball in the beautiful grounds of Westernhanger Castle. It was clear from the first how many hours of preparation had gone into outfits and hair and I'm not just talking about the girls. At a little Pimms reception in Alfred Sky Room (thank you Mr H) the suits were sharper than a Katana blade, but the show stealers were definitiely Gleb's military waistcoat and Shanahan's gold toe-caps. The sound of the limos arriving outside also heralded the coming of the ladies. The shades, shapes and styles were stunning in their variety, Blair and Janice were just two of many who had people's eyes on stalks.
Many of the boarding staff, including Mr and Mrs Rayner, Mr Vaughan, Mrs Single and Miss Swaine, joined the boarders at the meal at which two teachers were seated at each table of students. AIB talked to many that night and was impressed at the confidence, politeness and fun that was displayed by all, especially Terrence, Caviar, Shirley and Zekai who were on our table. As the last of the coffee was cleared away, the DJ started up and students, teachers and parents well and truly let their hair down. Is that you up their on the dance floor, Mr Stoddart? The atmosphere was buzzing and the smiles a mile wide. Nobody would have known these students would soon be entering the most stressful three weeks of their lives.
At midnight sleeves wiped faces ("just something in my eye sir.") and last hugs and promises of contact were exchanged and the boarders all headed back to school in limos and minibuses, tired, a little wobbly perhaps, but all having had a brilliant time. Our thanks must go to Mr Vaughan and Mr Hinton for driving the minibuses, to Mrs Williams who helped Mr V with the organisation and to Mr Single, who missed the night to look after the remaining boarders back in Alfred. Not to mention all the staff at Westernhanger and Mr Thompson for organising the day and for being such a good sport.
The fun it would seem is now over, for a few week at least; now onto the exams, but we'll leave you with some photos from the night (taken by Mr Rayner) just to keep the memories strong. I don't think many people will forget Leavers' Day 2015!
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