The Campbell College annual Burns supper for Heads of School was held on Thursday evening, 23rd of January. The Heads of School from Bangor Grammar School, Bloomfield Collegiate, Belfast Royal Academy, Campbell College, Lagan College, Methodist College, Our Lady and Saint Patrick's College, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Rockport School, Strathearn School, Sullivan Upper School And Victoria College Belfast attended.

The event is designed to say thank you to the young men and women who contribute so much to our schools and to have fun, under the auspices of celebrating Robert Burns.

We began with a little drinks reception, with guests being welcomed as they arrived by the piping of Paulus (Year 13). The Kelly was next, introduced by Taylor (Strathearn School) and Rebekah (Bloomfield Collegiate) by dancing the Highland Fling. Lucy, our annual Ceildh Caller got everyone into a circle and the dancing began. When I look at the photographs, I see happiness and fun - I hope you do too.

Paulus then piped us all into the dining hall where we took our seats, although we had to stand for the reception of the haggis. Then, Mr Morrow (Campbell College) gave the Address to a Haggis with great aplomb - it was assured, clear and engaging. The kitchen had prepared us traditional fayre of scotch broth, neeps and tatties (with some chicken on the side) and cranachan to finish. Two further highlights followed: the address to the Lassies was delivered by our own Thomas (Year 14), who was amazing in his writing; he was more than matched in his penmanship by the sweetly ascerbic Lauren from Bloomfield. The room was delighted with the performance from both. Our special guest, Duke Special (accompanied by Ciaran Lavery) gave a wonderful performance as only he could do. It ended so appropriately with his rendition of the heartbreaking farewell ‘Ae Fond Kiss’.

My thanks to all who made the evening such a success. 

RMR

An Address to the Lassies 

My thanks to the headmaster, for putting me here today!

And all my fellow classmates, who said “Absolutely, no way!”

I sat down to write wondering where to start 

And realized that you lassies deserve a toast straight from the heart.

For it is you, the women who inspire both the beauty and the madness in our lives.

So let us raise a glass to them – our mothers, sisters, friends and wives.

So Burns admired the ladies, he was a father of thirteen

But the only one who caught his heart was his bonnie Mrs Jean.

You see my esteemed guests, he saw her beauty and her grace 

But he knew, as we all do, you’re more than a pretty face.

With your wit and charm you keep us on our toes 

Guiding us wisely wherever life goes.

Although Burns talked of women’s rights, he wasn’t really a forward thinker.

For while he wrote of love and freedom his views could still make us all reconsider.

With brains to burn and clever ways, you lassies often have us beat

But its still our joy to hold the door and offer you our seat.

A fairer group of lassies I’m sure I’ve never seen

When all us lads can manage, is to arrive with shoes and faces clean.

To have you gracing our halls tonight is truly our greatest pleasure 

Lets dance and drink and have our fun, with memories to treasure 

And so you humble gentlemen, please stand and raise your glasses

And make the most welcoming toast, to the brilliant bonnie lasses.