A Busy Time
It is one month before the end of the school year, and the last day of the IB Diploma exams. Yesterday we had an IB exhibition, today a Theory of Knowledge (ToK) presentation, and on both days, Grade 4 sailing trips. Before the summer holidays, there will be all sorts of other events, celebrations and shows. Each one a culminating point of some kind.
So much leads to these points in the year, that this is when the purpose of school is revealed. But school is not like the Olympics, where, whatever went before, the only thing that matters is that once in four year event. Of course, results matter: Grade 12s will be hoping for certain grades to secure certain university courses. But they are not the only thing that matters. The ‘leading-up’ experiences are also meaningful.
One of the many highlights of this week was the Grades 4 and 5 musical. It was a delight to many senses - great singing, great acting, an incredible set, spectacular costumes. It was a privilege to attend. But it wasn’t just the forty-five minutes of the show that were a joy. I loved seeing what a community event it was. The upper elementary students starred in the show, but middle and high schoolers helped with the sound and lighting. The costumes and sets were a collaboration between parents and teachers. Every part of the community worked together to make the show work. How the show was made was as important, if not more so, than the final product.
The final products our students get to share are not so much the purpose of their previous efforts but the expression of them.
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