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Leavers' Ball 2017
Deer Park Leavers' Ball
On Friday 30 June we were delighted to welcome members of our Class of 2017 to their Leavers’ Ball. Traditionally held at the school, this red carpet event marks the end of their five years with us and it has become an annual spectacle for many in our local community. This year was no exception. In spite of the mildly damp weather, about 300 pupils, family members and friends came up to the school to see the arrivals and our pupils in their finery!
‘There was a lovely atmosphere. It was a privilege to welcome the pupils to the ball and to chat with them in their vehicles and their chauffeurs as they waited for their moment in the limelight! I am very proud of them and wish them every success in the future.’ Chiquita Henson, Head
Our pupils definitely rose to the occasion and there were some imaginative modes of transport. Alongside the sleek cars, were camper vans, buggies and tractors, one driven by a pupil himself! Others chose simply to walk and make an entrance or to ride on more bizarre combinations, wheelbarrows, a bike, tow seat and office chair!
‘It was really exciting to see our ‘Class of 2017’ looking so lovely and mature in their finery. They were very swish in their modes of transport and I really enjoyed greeting everyone as they queued for their moment of stardom. My personal favourite was the Jurassic Park buggy!’ Miss Brace, Assistant Head.
While our pupils had probably been planning transport and outfits for the Ball for some time, in school Mrs Grinnell and her team had, since the last exam on Monday 26 June, set about putting our plans into action to transform our Main Hall into the party venue. This year, following consultation with the tutor groups, Mrs Grinnell ensured she met their requests. This was reflected in the James Bond theme, the furnishing, decorations and refreshments which were available throughout the evening. These, including nibbles and dips, gingerbread men, Bakewell tarts and plenty of ‘Starbursts’, the DJ and a complimentary photo (worth over £12), were all included in the cost of the ticket. Pupils had the opportunity to have studio portraits taken by photographers from Capture Every Moment, as well as those taken outside when they first arrived.
The transformation of the hall was amazing, the freshly hung drapes and chains of linked balloons, the circular mirror bar and the ‘glass’ chairs and table decorations all added to the atmosphere. The team had successfully created the feeling of a Bond-style cocktail nightclub. As a consequence, the pupils, in their tuxedoes and ball gowns, quickly looked the part as they ordered and drank their non-alcoholic beverages. Commendably some had embraced the theme, dressed the part, including some gold lamé, and arrived 007-style! They were soon put at ease as the DJ played popular dance anthems and they took to the floor. Some danced all night!
‘To the very best of my knowledge your outgoing Year 11s had great fun at the ball and 'post ball'! They were a credit to Deer Park. I hope the pupils appreciate how lucky they are to have attended a school where teachers (from the highest position down) are willing to spend their Friday evening standing in the rain to welcome them to their ball with genuine smiles of pride and goodwill.’ Class of 2017 Parent
We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped make this evening a tremendous success but our special thanks go to Mrs Grinnell for her creative vision and the team of staff members who gave up their time so generously to support the event before, during and after the pupils arrivals and departures!
Pupils should remember to order their complimentary photograph direct from Capture Every Moment; collections can be made on Results Day, Thursday 24 August.
We look forward to seeing our Class of 2017 again on Thursday 24 August when they return to school to collect their GCSE results and again in November at our annual Celebration of Achievement.