Wednesday was a big day to celebrate the end of a big year. The graduation ceremony was in the morning and began with a procession of year 6 students holding candles. The hall was filled with year 6 families and year 5 students. Year 6 is one of the larger groups making up 3 classes. After speeches from the principal and the guest speaker, Jake Floros, a junior cricket coach, 64 students graduated. It was lovely to watch Nicholas up on stage receiving his certificate and smiling. This was followed by a slideshow of their 8 years at the school and then singing of the secret graduation song, Back Home by Andy Grammer, by the whole school. It was very sweet. The passing of leadership to the year 5 students ended the ceremony. There was much excitement afterwards at the morning tea with cake and signing yearbooks. Families left and year 6 got a special pizza lunch before heading out for their afternoon excursion at Kambah Adventure Playground where they had loads of fun.
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| From The graduate album |
The long exciting day ended with a special graduation dinner for the students and their parents/carers. The teachers went all out and decorated the school hall. We had a good roast dinner and fun talking to the families at our table. For the last part of the celebration, the kids were led back to their unit for a disco while families stayed behind for more cake. Meanwhile, Catherine had a lovely time with her grandparents.
I've had a lump in my throat the whole day thinking about Nicholas moving on to high school and leaving the safety of primary school. I was a little surprised to find Nicholas hanging back after the last school bell rang. His teacher said he didn't want to go and I found him a bit teary. He gave his teacher a big hug. A friend whom he'll see in high school gave him a hug, exchanged some warm words with him and then a fist bump before he went off. I found myself getting a bit emotional watching all this. Then his good friend this year gave him a long hug and I completely lost it as they were both crying. His good friend is moving away from the city tomorrow. Another year 6 teacher sang a song to the remaining students and started crying. Nicholas went to hug her and went in for a final hug with his teacher. It was more hugs, goodbyes and tears as we walked out of school - the front office manager, acting deputy principal and the principal. They have all been so helpful and inclusive with Nicholas, particularly during his last 3 years.
Nicholas will be off on a new adventure next year. He has come a long way overcoming some struggles with school and friends. We are so happy and proud that this chapter of his life is ending positively.
Yearbook Profile
Favourite Memory: Cooba Camp, the farm
Likes: Gaming, movies and my family
Dislikes: Baby Shark
Quote: Being cool is being your own self not doing something that someone tells you to do
And here's a throwback to his previous primary school moments:
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| From Primary school days album |
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