“Last Bell” – 31 May, the last day of the school year. This and “First Bell” – 1 September (the first day of the school year) are big events in Ukraine for students and school children. Every school and kindergarten celebrates.
Words of congratulation and exhortation are given by city officials, guests, the school director and teachers to students and students to their teachers as the school year comes to an end. Special awards and recognition are made to students, teachers, and volunteer workers. As part of the celebration, children and older students demonstrate some of their talents and accomplishments by reciting poetry, singing and dancing. All the children and students present their teachers with flowers.
Three of the Thornton children- Nadia, Timmy and Anna - joined me in going to the celebration at the Kherson orphanage/boarding school this past Saturday morning. The Thornton children and I enjoyed the celebrations – something unfamiliar to us in the States. It was especially fun for them to see their friends from Sunday school – the group of second graders who join us at the Kherson church on Sunday mornings. I’m so grateful to our Kherson church for the spiritual input it’s having in the lives of some of these children, and to those of you who have helped over the years with various needs of the orphanage. Having had an ongoing relationship with several teacher/supervisors and many students since coming to Kherson in 1998, it’s always a joy to join them for this event.
A very nice way to end a school year! I like it!
