Question B

Evelyn Clinton,
Woodlands,
Santosha,
Rathdrum,
Co. Wicklow
St. Gerards School,
Thornhill Road,
Bray,
Co. Wicklow
14th of September, 2015
Dear Mr. Roland,
As chairperson of the Student Council, I have been asked to write a letter in which I
express the students dissatisfaction of the decision to not hold any graduation ceremony.
The Leaving Certificate class of 2015 disagree with your announcement of the
cancellation. This is because it is a tradition in St. Gerards to hold a graduation ceremony. It
would be unjust for the earlier years to have had the ceremony and for the 2015 class not to have
one at all. It is a right of passage. It is a time to celebrate all the hard working students.
The graduation ceremony also sets an example for younger years. It gives them a goal to
want to achieve. If the Leaving Certificate Class of 2015 arent given this celebration, it then sets
a terrible example for say, the 5th years. The 5th years, not only are aiming for the high marks
but for the congratulations of their hard work. they would slow down their past efforts because
they wouldnt be recognized. Therefore, holding the graduation ceremony would set a good
example for the students of St. Gerards School.
The final reason I am going to give is that, we must uphold parental expectations. The
parents put a great deal of work and effort into raising the money to put their children into a
school such as St. Gerards. They want the best education for them. Without the graduation
ceremony parents arent able to visualise what they have worked for. Sure they can observe test
results, however they cant see their kids growing up and become young, smart-sophisticated
students. The ceremony gives them a chance to be proud.
As Chairperson of the Student Council, I wish to ask you on behalf of the Leaving
Certificate Class of 2015, do not cancel the graduation ceremony.
Yours Sincerely,
Evelyn Clinton