Prizegiving Day

Friday was the last “official” day of school, which is called Prizegiving in Samoa. It is similar to what we would consider a graduation in the US, but this is for the whole school, not just the seniors.

Sister Pele gave a report of the school year, talking about all of the major events and challenges. They then started going into the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd places in each class and subject. Each student that got a placing went to the front to get their certificate and trophy. On their way down, they were greeted by family members and friends with candy and flower lei’s. The student that got 1^st place overall was greeted by the entire year 13 class as well as many friends and family. By the time she was finished getting kissed and laid by all, you could barely see her head!

It was emotional for some of the girls – especially year 13, but surprisingly it was also pretty emotional for the students that are coming back next year. One student came up to me all teary-eyed and gave me a hug saying that she was grateful for my teaching her and when I asked if she was coming back next year, she said “yes”. Hmm….quite different than us Americans. It made me start thinking that we so often assume that we are going to see people soon and therefore don’t tell people how much they mean to us when it is the right time. Too often we say “I wish I would have told him/her…”

Sister Pele ended asking all the students to come to school next Wednesday through Friday so that they could start to prepare for the Golden Jubilee celebrations (the week of the 11^th). That is why even though we are officially finished, we are not really finished

After the prizegiving I went to town to run some errands. I had to get a couple gifts for family and friends for when I go home in a couple of weeks. I then stopped by Kirstin’s office to chat with her and because she has AC!! I went to Jane’s Travel Agency and got my plane tickets home. It is now official…I’m coming home for Christmas!!!!!!