TODAY BEGINS MY SUMMER VACATION AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO ENTER SUMMER THAN LOOKING BACK AT THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE LAST 3 YEARS?!
Because we all come from so many different places in the world, I think it is so interesting to see how our own "traditions" look in other countries.... Today's look is at the GRADUATION CEREMONY called "Dimissionsfest" at the Gymnasium level in Denmark. (I love how the 2nd part of that word translates to "party" because it truly is a celebration.)
Herning Gymnasium 2011 Dimissionsfest
Herning Gymnasium Alumni (including some who graduated 60 years ago).... and many still with their RØD HUE (red cap) on their heads!
295 students enter the gym... led by our principal- Søren Brøndum
And here comes my students from 3C.....
(Yes, I had a front row seat!)
And now comes my students from 3R... on video!
And listen to the music that our choir/band plays while all 295 students enter! I love it!
They are all SO happy for the arrival of this day!
Our rektor, Søren Brøndum, welcomes the students to their FINAL "time" (final hour in these chairs....) Even if you cannot understand Danish, it is interesting to listen because you can feel the spirit of what he is saying....
Our Student Council President delivers a congratulatory speech to the graduates.
And then 3 different alum do the same...one from the 1961 graduating class,
one from 1971 and one from 25 years ago.
And then it's official... except in Denmark, they don't throw their caps in the air. Instead, they ask people to sign them on the inside right next to where they wrote the grade they received on their LAST exam...the exam that brought them to receiving the hat!
Most of these students will take what we call a "sabat år" (a year on sabbatical) where they can travel, work, rest or a combination of all three. And then a year later, more than 90% of them will go on to their next level of education--most to the university, but all following the plan that they need to follow in order to achieve the career they want.
So now my summer begins... and so does my planning for my new class of "First years" that will arrive on August 15. I hope they are as incredible as the 56 that walked the journey
with me the last 3 years.....
3 comments:
Ah - what memories! And what great futures for these kids. Good luck to everyone.
Nice! I love that the alumni attend as well.
Awww...you must be so proud!
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