ST MARKS West Essex Catholic School held their first leavers assembly for three years on Thursday.

In a packed hall, full of Year 11 students and their very proud families, Headteacher Mrs Elaine Heaphy, Head of Year, Erica Larke and the Year 11 form teachers, all paid tribute to the 150 plus students who had just come to the end of their five year journey.

The close bond was illustrated by the emotional tributes each form teacher made to their year.

Elgar House’s Mr Walker recited a poem.

The Guest of Honour was the editor of YourHarlow, Michael Casey.

Mr Casey, a pupil at St Mark’s between 1973 and 1981 told the pupils about how the school had helped him when he failed his A Levels and worked with him to re-sit and pass all three and go off to university.

Mr Casey said: “I can never thank the dedicated teachers, such as Mrs Pieris, Mr Morson and Mr O’Shea, who gave me so much support.

“Over the years, I have interviewed many many people. I have always believed that interest in people was nurtured in my time at St Mark’s school.

“I told the leavers that they should always be interested in people and always believe in themselves.

“Try and surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and respect you.”

Year 11 student, Abdul Kazeem, delivered a very witty review of their last five years.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Jorens Rakiss and Holli Battelley.