As the end of the school year is fast approaching, we like to mark this new phase in the children’s lives, especially 6th graders who will make their way to high school. In certain communities, students have a strong sense of belonging and have developed a real bond with their school, daycare and group. As they see the end of the school year drawing near, they seize every opportunity to be together and make sure their experience in elementary school ends with a flourish.

To make the end of this school year even more spectacular, it is important to allow our students to experience something out of ordinary.

Whether it’s having breakfast in a restaurant, hotdogs for lunch, pizza for dinner, or a picnic at the community centre, the important thing is to be together and to share an offbeat experience. As students like to show they are capable and responsible, you can get them involved by assigning various tasks such as decorating, planning the menu, making the invitation list, creating door prizes, etc.

The classic end-of-the-year show is a sure bet! To spice things up during the evening, you can introduce a theme around which the students can build an act. Everyone must contribute to the success of this all-important event: animation, lighting, decorating, music, guest reception, etc. Instead of a show, you can organize a grand finale based on the activities during the school year: a Reach for the Top championship, an evening of improvisation, or perhaps a cosom hockey, soccer or flag football tournament.

To remember the good times during the past seven years in elementary school, why not make a souvenir album with the children? The book can contain photos of everyone, personalized messages, anecdotes, as well as photos of activities. The students can also suggest special pages: my favorite expression, my nickname, my best friend, etc. Keep some room for the adults as well to pay tribute to those who have played an important role at school – management, specialists and educators. And remember to keep some pages blank so friends can sign their names!

If the students want to share their souvenirs with everyone, you can replace the album with a large mural to be put up inside or outside the school; you can also display a roll of honor for all to see.

If photos don’t quite do it, why not make a video instead? Film the students while they deliver personal messages to their friends. You can insert footage of activities or include a photomontage. The end product can be saved on USB keys, which can be slipped inside small boxes or cases; they will make for great gifts!

From a cool dance night with dinner and DJ to an awards gala, the possibilities are endless. To personalize the award ceremonies over the years, awards can bear the names of former students. In a few years, you can invite these students – who are no longer in elementary school – to present to their successors awards that bear their name.

Most students are delighted to come across their former educators in their neighborhood. Many of them, especially those who required the most attention, come back to the school for the fun of seeing familiar faces again – out of a sense of nostalgia, to stay connected, to lend a hand during school daycare week in Quebec, or to do ??oemandatory” volunteer work for the community at their elementary school.

The rite of passage that represents the end of elementary school is highly symbolic for students. They transition from childhood to adolescence – a period of change and transformation. Celebrating the good times spent together and sharing messages of hope for the future will help the students to experience this change in a positive way. No wonder they want to celebrate so much! Let’s make sure this period in their lives is full of fun and surprise!

By Louise Poulin, advisor ASGEMSQ