Last Day of the School Year

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It's over. School year 2009-2010 is over (at least for my pupils). After  months of seemingly endless requirements and examinations, their journey as fourth graders has finally come to an end. And as a neophyte adviser, I made sure that the last days are as memorable as the rest of the school year.

We thought of having a closing party. During our two-part celebration of good-byes and happy endings, they delivered their farewell speeches. Even the shy students were encouraged (or coerced) to say their final message for the class and for their teachers.

Most of them were apologetic for their naughty behaviors, talkative disposition. But they were also thankful to everybody who made their fourth grade experience extra-enjoyable.

During lunch time, we ate together what they brought. I told them that they could bring any food that they feel like sharing to their classmates and teachers. Fortunately, two students brought a chocolate-chiffon cake and packs of fruit juice. I also allowed them to  bring their cameras. mobile phones and PSPs  for taking pictures.

As a tribute to their teachers, I gave them blank papers in which they would write their message for each teachers.

Since there were two sections in grade four, we agreed to have some short program in which the pupils would  showcase their talents by group. There were different acts which we have witnessed. Dancing, singing, jokes-cracking, role playing and other "uncategorizable" talents.

The program ended with the personal message of selected students for me. My co-teacher and also grade four adviser was the one who facilitated this. It feels great to hear your students talk about things from their hearts. I was so proud as teacher when they were thanking me for not giving up on them, for including games and fun activities in our lessons and for simply teaching them. There were emotional pupils (yes, at their age) who activated their lacrimal (tear) glands before they could have spoken.

For the finale, I gave my speech while on the verge of breaking into hysteria. Tears of gratefulness, indeed. I thanked my pupils for being (so) cooperative and willing to learn from me. I thanked my co-teachers for being the wind beneath my frail wings. I thanked and  am still thanking God for making me a teacher.

When the other section left our classroom, we proceeded with the raffle of the things we have in the room. Subjects'corners, designs in the room, quotations on display, books and some personal things like knick-knack boxes which I had brought to school. This was a great way of getting rid of the trash things which I need to clean afterwards.

Last 30 minutes of class. We reminisced about the past school year. The songs they memorized for the different programs, the dance moves they rehearsed and the fights and peace-talks they had. We also played "Paint Me a Picture" in which the scenes that they painted were about the different activities we did.

For the final prayer of the year, I prayed a short sincere prayer. (This time I didn't cry anymore.) Then, the boys  and the girls had their group hug. And finally, as a class we hugged each other. I was at the center of the throng. Then we jumped ten times. 

I bid them good-bye for the last time. And they answered back in their sweet voices,"Good bye and thank you Teacher Jerson". And one by one, I hugged them and said my final advice to them.Then, they walked out of the door.