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A liturgy of thanks in celebration of Gemma Irvine and her headship at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Worthing, was held on Wednesday, 8 July.

Attending the liturgy were all the school children, staff, parents, other local Catholic headteachers, Dave Carter from Bosco Catholic Education Trust and Maria Cowler from the Diocesan Education Service. The liturgy was celebrated by Fr Dominic O’Hara.

Fr Dominic spoke of the kindness, friendship and the support given by Gemma to the school and community and how memories of her work there will be cherished.

Dave Carter spoke of the way Gemma has helped the school in their educational journey and of her now passing on the baton to Hannah Hooper, who has been appointed as headteacher from September.

Maria Cowler read a letter sent from Canon Jonathan Martin, the Diocesan Administrator, thanking Gemma for her service and wishing her good luck in her new role for Bosco CET. Gemma was presented with a certificate from the Education Service and a long service medal.