Emotional farewell video to students from staff of St Aidan's Cootehill Comp

The staff at St Aidan’s Comprehensive have created a YouTube video to connect with students.

A spokesperson for the school outlined the motivation to create their special video in the week that traditionally students would have been finishing up for the summer break and others getting ready for State exams.

"Over the past few months of lockdown and isolation, it became very clear to staff and students alike that school actually isn’t all that bad! In fact, it is sorely missed. In recognition of the fact that we could not communicate in real life and that online connections only go so far, the staff of St Aidan’s came together to produce a video montage of images that delivered a powerful message to all of the student body. "Each member of staff involved expressed some words from the message below. The levels of enthusiasm and creativity were terrific!"

To co-incide with the release of the video, the school also issued a statement to its student body.

"To all of you from all of us in St. Aidan’s. We really do miss seeing you all in the classrooms and corridors, in the office and on the pitches. Online teaching and learning just isn’t the same and we look forward to returning to school.

"But we can do this together and grow stronger. Reach out if you need us. Don't forget to take care of yourselves and others, be kind and supportive. Keep active and fit, enjoy the beauty of nature.

"And finally, a special message for the 6th year class of 2020 - It’s so sad saying farewell from a distance. We are proud to have played a role in your education and know you will do yourselves and us proud in the future. Be safe, be well, be happy."