Fifth formers bid farewell

Maria Assumpta Girls' Secondary, Hamrun, recently organised a ceremony to bid farewell to this year's fifth formers in the presence of their parents, relatives, staff, ex-teachers and other friends of the school.

The programme included a Mass said by the school's spiritual director, Fr Maurice Mifsud, speeches by head girl Graziella Vassallo, assistant head girl Deborah Fenech, and school head Ray Vella, and an informal spectacle of song and dance performed by the girls.

As a tribute to retiring assistant head Anthony Buhagiar, who was a strong and popular presence at school among students, staff and parents alike, the students dedicated a moving Powerpoint presentation featuring photographs of his work among them during the past seven years.

The fifth formers had also raised money to buy souvenirs and other mementos but decided instead to donate it to the fund for the Naxxar victims. Mr Vella commented that the school was proud of the spirit of solidarity characteristic of its students.

Mr Vella, Ms Vassallo and Ms Fenech reminisced on experiences of the 2003 - 2008 school group and expressed the hope that the students would be furthering their studies.

The spectacle of song and dance brought out the students' talent, elegance and poise. With all the students on stage in tears and embraces, Valentina Desira had the privilege of singing the last farewell.

The occasion also enabled parents and their daughters to get together socially with the school's administration and staff to thank each other for their mutual support and the positive school experience.