Friday, May 24, 2013

Shakespeare Festival and Graduation

I've been too scatterbrained to take my camera along but I hope to procure some pictures from the more conscientious parents. We are blessed that our principal is a failed actress with a love for the Bard because she brings him to the children. Seventh and eighth graders studied three plays -- Romeo and Juliet; Two Gentlemen of Verona; Macbeth -- and then wrote their own modern-day scripts. I have never seen a more comedic tragedy. The kids made their own props and a good time was had by all. I'm so impressed.
 







Today we had a beautiful baccalaureate Mass. I'm the mom who didn't cry when her little boy went to kindergarten or graduated from there. But the tears began to flow as the first young woman came up to thank her teacher for taking care of her. Yes, truly, we've been blessed with wonderful teachers in the various schools we've sent our children to. Some of the children have been together for a decade! And although we were newcomers, we fit right in. It's been a wonderful school year, and I can't believe my young man will be going to high school in the fall ... how quickly they grow up! God bless all our new graduates.

12 comments:

KatieC said...

Ahhh! Congrats :).

Faith E. Hough said...

I am ITCHING to teach Shakespeare--I can understand why your principal has such a passion for his plays. :) Our girls have already seen A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth, and I'm psyched that the free outdoor Shakespeare performance this summer will be Much Ado About Nothing--my very favorite!
And congratulations to all of you--you really are very blessed!

Marcia said...

Congratulations to the graduates! How short the time feels between kindergarten and 8th grade!

Mirka Breen said...

A principal who is a failed actress just cries to be a character in MG, don't you think? ;)
Congratulations to the graduates, especially those holding their first most precious diploma. Love that K photo.

R. T. Freeman said...

Dr. Albert Cullum is one of my FAVORITE pedagogues. From the introduction to his book, Shakespeare in the Classroom—Plays for the Intermediate Grades: "For the past twenty years, Shakespeare has been one of my basic sources for teaching language arts to young students. To retell a Shakespearean story and hear a hush engulf your classroom or to invite students to roll upon their tongues poetic couplets that have enchanted listeners for years are just some of the rewarding joys of experiencing Shakespeare with children."

Vijaya said...

Katie, thanks.

Faith, with your love of Shakespeare, I hope you will get to teach it. We are very blessed indeed. And how wonderful you have these free performances in the summer. A great family activity.

Mirka, feel free to use my principal. She's quite the character. Max looks so grown up in the kindy photo ... serious.

Marcia, time is slipping away, but we have our beautiful memories.

Ruth Schiffmann said...

The years go by so quickly. Congratulations to the graduate (and his Mom) =)

Romance Book Haven said...

Congratulations to the Graduate!

Nas

Unknown said...

God bless them indeed! It was a beautiful Mass, as was this Friday's graduation Mass. Your son gave an excellent speech. He is a talented young man. Congratulations!

Molly/Cece said...

Ah, good times. Congrats! Love this time of year.

Bish Denham said...

Oh my... They are growing up so fast. I bet you'll all have a wonderful summer!

Vijaya said...

Thanks so much. Yes, the children grow up much too quickly. I'm so glad we have a lazy summer ahead.

RT, I confess I have not appreciated Shakespeare very much growing up ... but seeing these children perform made me want to read the plays myself.

Gary, perhaps you'll have some photos to share ... and I'm sending my heartfelt congratulations right back to you.