Year 6 Graduation

M graduated from Year 6 in December. The ceremony was held in the intermediate school hall—students sat in rows, families filled the back.

Each class took turns. A class representative came forward to give a short speech about their primary school years, then students from that class walked up one by one to receive their certificates. As each child's name was called, two photos appeared on the screen—one from Year 1, one from now. The contrast was striking. Round faces had stretched into longer ones, missing teeth replaced, small bodies grown tall. The soft-cheeked five-year-olds had become composed eleven-year-olds standing on stage.

After the formal part, a short photo time was given for families. We gathered outside to take a family photo. M also took many photos with her friends before and after the ceremony—it was the last week with those who would be going to different schools.

Then came the graduation disco. Lights, music, kids dancing in their dressy clothes. Only Year 6 students and school staff gathered inside; families scattered.

I picked up M later that night at 9:30 from the school hall. Year 6 art projects were displayed on the wall—self-portraits merged with abstract colors, each student's photos tucked beneath. We took photos in front of the curtain with the graduation message.

Walking out that evening, I noticed our shadows stretched long across the pavement. She's taller now. Intermediate school starts soon.

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