St Michael's Church, was packed when pupils, teachers, learning assistants and other staff from Shap C of E Primary School were joined by parents and families for the annual Leavers' Service.  Everyone was welcomed by Head Teacher Lois Whittaker, and the hymn 'Moving On' was sung.  Chairman of Governors, Elizabeth Grose presented prizes for Positive Attitude, Progress and Outstanding Achievement to pupils from each class, and she also presented attendance certificates to pupils who had achieved 100 per cent and 99 per cent attendance.

 The hymn 'Reach for the Stars' was sung, then Mrs Whittaker explained that the school badge that shows a golden eagle soaring over Haweswater, and the motto 'A branch from which to soar' shows how the pupils are like eaglets being prepared to leave the nest and fly on to the next stage of their education and life.  Pupils from Years 6 who were leaving told everyone about their special memories of school, and placed a stone on the table to make a cairn of memories.  The leavers were given memory books with messages and photographs and enough space for them to write their own memories.

 Prayers were led by Revd Beverley Lock, and the organist was Janet Wood.

A presentation was made to Sian Billington who has taught Mardale class for the past year and who is leaving for the time being; she received flowers, wine and chocolates.  The school also bid farewell to the Tooke family who are moving from the village.

 During the final hymn 'One more step along the world I go', the leavers with their teacher Gill White and learning assistant Pat Mann processed around the church and then stood in the porch to greet everyone as they left the church.