As is typical for any school year and students, regardless of location, as we got closer to the end of the year, kids were more and more antsy, with less patience and ability to pay attention. But us teachers were a little antsy too, so we all understand. Temperatures were also a factor in this, we had some really hot days on and off - I think just above 40C. Luckily, we had some colder days in between.
One interesting twist in our schedule is that the marks and report cards were due (required by the government) Nov 21st, a few days before classes actually ended. Tests, papers, etc, all needed to be done before that. Busy busy the week before, but then at least the last few days we could focus on the program.
Nov 24, a Thursday, we practiced at church for a few hours, with the entire school. On this day I thoroughly regretted trying to sing a song with the entire school. Getting them all lined up, realizing the back half of the choir couldn't even see me!, it was chaos. But we went through all the items for the program, practiced walking in and out, until we mostly knew what we were doing. Each grade presented a dance, song, mime, skit, something. It was very well done.
Sunday, Nov 27 was the day of the closing program. This was a very busy day for me personally, a mission/agricultural group from southern Manitoba just arrived that morning for church. It was absolutely wonderful to see faces from 'back home.' I went out for lunch with them in Pailon after church, then rushed back to get ready for the closing program. The closing program went really well, kids were relatively calm and all the presentations were great. The parents and guests fill up the church for this, so the students and teachers were all in the back foyer. Whenever it was their turn to do something, they would go outside the church, line up, and enter the stage for the doors from outside. Coordination was key.
After the program, it is apparently tradition to have rollkuchen and watermelon at school, so we had a giant buffet of this -- soooooo good! Later on, I joined the MB group at their sleeping place, a nearby guesthouse. It was really refreshing and relaxing to spend time with them.
The grade 12s leading worship to start off the closing program
The entrance of the church, where all the students and teachers sat.
The sanctuary of the church
Kinder class, singing a song
Some of grade 5, finishing up a mime.
The whole school, singing Singabahambayo. The performance day was waaay better than rehearsal.
Us four teachers were leaving, so they gave us gifts and said words of appreciation, I think!
The staff of Villa Nueva
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