THE outgoing head boy and head girl at John Kyrle High School have been praised by their headteacher as “excellent ambassadors” during such a difficult time.

Elin Havard and Dominic Croad held their final school council meeting last week at the end of an “extraordinary year”.

School head Nigel Griffiths said: “Elin and Dominic have been excellent ambassadors for the school in unprecedented times.

“They follow a long line of notable head prefects, which includes Helen Bolt and George Miles who are now middle leaders at JKHS.”

The pandemic meant that Elin and Dominic sadly missed out on the opportunity to participate in some of the school’s showcase events because of Covid restrictions, such as open evenings and prize-giving, where the head boy and girl play a central role.

Nonetheless, they represented the school by laying a wreath for Remembrance Day, and in March, alongside local church leaders and school governors, the pair helped plant a tree of remembrance for those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

Elin and Dominic also joined Mr Griffiths and his wife Jan at a recent service at St Mary’s Church to celebrate the life of Prince Philip.

The students further worked alongside fellow sixth formers in organising a Christmas box scheme, providing gifts to children in the developing world through a local church, and organised charity quiz events and a pool competition.

At the end of term there is also a leaving celebration which they have set up with the sixth form team.

Elin said: “Despite the unusual circumstances and the level of uncertainty that has followed us this year, it has been a great experience and such an honour to represent the school.

“I am so proud to have been a part of such a hardworking year group and have enjoyed every event both me and Dom have organised and participated in.”

Dominic added: ”I am grateful to have had this special opportunity.

“We achieved quite a lot, during what was a very strange year!

“Now Elin, myself and the rest of the Year 13 students are ready to move on to the next step in our lives, bidding John Kyrle a very fond farewell.”

Mr Griffiths paid tribute to the students and thanked them for all they had done and on behalf of the school wished them every success in the future.