After almost ten months, the school year in the Agios Markos primary school finally came to an end. For both, children and teachers, that’s an exciting and emotional moment which is why every year on the last day there is a big celebration involving the whole school. In the weeks before everyone was busy preparing this important day by rehearsing plays with the children and preparing creative material. As a volunteer, I was always there to support the teachers during this process. Together with a teacher I painted a ship in stormy waters on a big canvas and attached it to a wooden frame to create a background for the play of the third class. Furthermore, I collected the music files from all of the teachers and copied them to the school’s laptop.
On the 15th of June the day of the celebration had finally come. We prepared the school yard by arranging chairs for the guests and making the requisites for the plays ready. The children were very eager to help us and it was a great feeling to see the whole school working together. I also installed the sound system and checked that everything was working correctly. Around 9 o’clock parents and grandparents started to arrive to see what their children have been learning during the year. Due to the COVID-19 restriction this event couldn’t take place in two years so this year everyone was particularly looking forward to the celebration which is why the whole school yard was crowded with the audience. Some classes were singing songs about cooperation and diversity that they had practiced in the English lesson. Others were presenting their ETWINNING project or performing a traditional dance. The 3rd class performed a funny play about a Greek myth where they used the background that I had previously prepared. In the meanwhile I used my camera to capture some funny, memorable moments for the future. Then, the performances were over and the director thanked everyone for their attention and help. Eventually, we wished each other Καλό καλοκαίρι -happy summer and the children could start into their 3 months of summer vacation!!
In the evening there was another important event to come. The parents union had organized a graduation party for the 6th class that the teachers and me were also invited to. At 8 o’clock everyone gathered at “Ormos Lo”, an old harbor that nowadays serves as a swimming pool and hosts the local youth club. More and more parents and teachers arrived until the celebration could finally begin.
First of all, each child presented a little speech where they thanked the teachers and talked about their years at the primary school. Then the boys and the girls were each presenting a dance that they had practiced in the PE lesson. The parents were really proud and it was great for the community of the class to present something together. I was seated together with the teachers which was a great opportunity to reflect about the past year. I also got to try a cold almond syrup which is a typical beverage for celebrations on Chios. Then the memory video, that I had previously created, was played on a big screen and the children found it very funny to see the younger versions of themselves. Later each child got a DVD with the video and a t-shirt from the school. Then, the whole class was singing an English song about their journey in the primary school and the celebration came to a surprising end. The whole class jumped fully clothed into the water which was a nice symbol for starting into a new chapter of their lives.
Eventually, we all had delicious Greek food that had been delivered from a nearby restaurant. The children started to dance all together and everyone had a great evening. Soon it was already time to go home and to say goodbye to the children. Especially saying goodbye to Michaelis, with whom I spent the most time, was an emotional moment. I wish all the children well on their journey and hope they have a great time at secondary school!
