ST JOSEPH’S Junior School prize giving, held in the prestigious venue of Launceston Town Hall on Friday June 17, was a celebration of the many achievements of pupils in Year 2 to Year 6.

Year 6 pupils and their parents enjoyed a buffet to mark the end of their time in the Junior School before prize giving began. Mr Gonella opened proceedings by thanking everyone for making his first year as head of Junior School such an enjoyable experience and highlighted how proud he was of all in pupils in his care and their many achievements.

Mrs Warren, chair of governors, delivered an inspiring address before reading an extract from Dr Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, which was greatly enjoyed by both pupils and parents.

The music concert, from such young children, under the expert direction of Mrs Smith was outstanding. The orchestra opened with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Land of Hope and Glory, which even included some audience participation!

Year 2s performance of The Crayon Box That Talked brought a smile to every member of the audience: for five young children to stand on stage and perform with such confidence is truly remarkable. Year 6’s rendition of One Call Away was very polished, and included every child in the year group both vocally and instrumentally. This was followed by the recorder group, who played Annie’s Song with feeling and passion. The audience then enjoyed four choral pieces: firstly, Years 3 and 4 Chamber Choir, who sang The Bare Necessities with much gusto and action, then the Year 5 and 6 Chamber Choir sang their version of Wings; finally all the Junior School were on stage for impressive performances of One and a Million and I’m a Believer.

St Joseph’s school headteacher Mr Scott then addressed pupils and parents, before presenting prizes, cups and certificates to numerous children for excellence in sport, music and the arts, academic performances and citizenship. During this part of the evening, Year 4 also repeated their prize-winning poem from the Wadebridge Arts Festival to much acclaim.

Before everyone joined in singing the school song to conclude the evening, the mayor of Launceston, Cllr Brian Hogan spoke of how impressive the evening had been and how much he had enjoyed seeing the performances and children collecting their prizes.

After the evening, Mr Scott said: “It is amazing to see just what a wealth of talent we have at such a small school. The opportunity to come together as a school community and celebrate the many successes of our children in such a venue is one of the highlights of the year.

“My thanks to the mayor for his kind words, which certainly brought the evening to a fitting end. Tonight really showed St Joseph’s at its very best.”