The Graduates

Our six-year old students graduated from the kindergarten program on Friday.  They walked the stage, received their diplomas and took their bows.   Each child had their adorable photos displayed within a velvet diploma case.

In closing, all of the foreign teachers were forced to sing ABBA’s "Dancing Queen," which wasn’t too bad in the end.

On Monday we said our goodbyes to our four and five year olds as well.  Most had prepared cards with priceless messages and illustrations.

We hugged each student and wished them luck.  It was hard to let some students go.

We will truly miss seeing these little faces everyday!

                  ..........................................................................................................................

Thursday was our last official day, meaning another round of goodbyes with our older students.  They gave us more letters, candy, and several pleas to stay in Korea.  I got quite a kick out of one class's response to their most recent writing prompt, a letter to me about the past year.  My favorite paragraph was from one of my eight year-olds:

Dear Norah Teacher,

Thank you.  Because you teach me many words.  You teach everyone.  So you are tired.  Aren't you?  Now you don't need to worry.  I wanted to study with you more.  But it has come to this.  

It was complete with a drawing of a girl waving.  It made my day.   A bittersweet one.  

Later tonight we'll have dinner with co-workers and ship our final items home before our trip.  Reality is starting to set in!