Yesterday evening (16th July), The Bluecoat School, in Stamford, held a memorable Gala Dinner to mark the end of the Year 6 pupils’ primary school journey. As part of Meridian Trust, the school welcomed parents, staff, governors, and trust representatives to share in the celebration and thank the wider school community for its continued support.
Throughout the day, the Year 6 children worked closely with food education specialists Roots to Food, preparing and cooking the meal they then served to guests and families. Key attendees included Chris Barrett Governor, Rhys Thrower, Associate Executive Principal (Primary) of Meridian Trust, and Chrystal Taylor from the school’s PTFA. Other VIP guests included members of Stamford’s Christ Church. The event, which ran from 6 to 8 pm at the school, also featured table service, napkin folding, and a performance of the pupils’ leavers song.
Year 6 pupil, Hannah Trayford, said: “I really enjoyed cooking with Roots to Food and serving the guests, I was made head waitress, and I loved the responsibility. It made me feel proud to give something back to the school community.”
Fellow pupil, Isla Dedynski added: “I loved the whole thing, it was fun and I got to serve my mum. I was nominated as head chef which was a really important role in preparing the food.”
Following the meal, the pupils took to the stage to sing their Year 6 leavers’ song and share some fond school memories with the guests.
Antonia De Pinto, Year 6 teacher and organiser, said: “This dinner gave our Year 6 pupils the chance to take responsibility and say thank you to everyone who has supported them. They worked hard preparing the food and running the event, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate their time at Bluecoat.”
In a closing speech at the end of the event, Rhys Thrower said: “I want to thank all of our Year 6 pupils for such a fantastic evening. What you have achieved with this gala dinner is truly unique, and it’s something you will remember for years to come. We are all so proud of you – it’s these special memories and experiences that you’ll take with you from primary school and carry forward into the future.”
