A Reflection on End of School Celebrations

AISV, Media Release, 23 October 2009

As the school year draws to a close, celebrations are held to mark departing senior students’ next step in life as young adults and individuals.

The celebrations are important, helping each student to build a positive self-image that encourages responsible behaviour and individualism. Instilling these qualities is not only the task of schools and teachers. Parents are responsible for their children’s values, and the community needs to set an example that provides support for the adults of tomorrow.

Rites of passage are not new. They provide a way of honouring individuals as they pass through different stages of life. For the great majority of schools and final year students, the celebrations are happy and memorable. Schools ensure that the last week of the year is structured so parents and students are aware of the end-of-year program and expectations of the school.

Many schools follow the same format each year to establish ‘a tradition’ and to reduce the opportunity for out-of-hand creativity by students. One school has church services where every boy is introduced to the congregation and in 30 to 60 seconds recalls a memorable moment of school life or thanks a particular teacher. Often the Year 11 students take part as observers so they know exactly what to expect when their turn comes.

Occasionally there can be problems. But compared with the number of schools around the country, multiplied by students in their final year, the numbers of farewells that go wrong are few.

While one example of bad behaviour is too much and is distressing for all concerned, there appears to be fewer incidents than a few years ago, despite today’s unrelenting media coverage. All schools are concerned for the safety of students and do not want to see them leave school with their reputation impaired.

Bad behaviour cannot be excused. Young people must be protected from themselves and others. We can do this with rules and regulations but we will be much more successful if we demonstrate to the students our belief in their integrity and goodness and nurture their confidence and optimism so that they can continue to achieve high personal and community standards.

– Michelle Green, Chief Executive
Association of Independent Schools of Victoria

 

 

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