It was a big day for the island’s 11-year-olds when they finished primary school last week.

To mark the occasion, the Mayor of Douglas, Jon Joughin, and the mayoress Angela Joughin visited Manor Park School in Pulrose.

’It is days like this that make me feel very proud to be a headteacher,’ Tuyet Ramzy said.

She even wrote a poem to mark the occasion.

What a year it’s been for you, my lovely, little crew!

We had plans and intentions and a lot of things to do.

Yet, as you’ll often find in life, we were put to the testâ?¦.

A weird, abnormal quest.

We were sent into lockdown and school was closed for most.

Of all our priorities, your safety was utmost.

Your world was twisted sideways; your life changed overnight.

Yet, acting for the greater good, you did what’s just and right.

It’s been so hard - I know that.

I’m proud of what you’ve shown when facing such diversity unlike we’ve ever known.

We’re in a time in history that will be on the shelves: a tale to tell our grandchildren that’s greater than ourselves.

A spell when you were children and you had to leave your friends to keep all your loved ones safe and bring this to an end.

They’ll look at you like heroes- the sort I know you are: you’re bright and dazzling stars.

And, though we’ve had to part now, in unexpected ways, we still have all the memories of countless fun school days.

Remember cheers at Ardwhallan and other trips near and far.

Remember class assemblies and playing on the bars.

Remember all our playtimes and running on the grass.

But most of all, remember how you’re valued in this class.

As I look back in future,

I’ll think of you and smile;

The kids who showed resilience and went the extra mile.

So, though it’s time to say goodbye, just know it’s not the end.

We’ll live on in your memories as special year six friends.