Graduation Ceremony from Middle School (Grade 8) of our daughter Nidhi was a year after we set foot in Canada. The very first question that came to my mind was – “Is this all necessary?” We became poorer by a few hundred Dollars in terms of her dress, visit to the beauty parlour and the florist.
“Is this all necessary?” Why do we think so? On analysis I realised that as children we were never appreciated for anything. In case you obtained 93% marks the question on everyone’s lips was “Where did the 7% go?” No one appreciated or complimented me for obtaining 93%. The story took a different turn in case Susikutty, our neighbour’s daughter scored 94%. Everyone played the same track “Look at Susikutty! See how she is focused? Learn to work hard like her….“
On landing in Canada, I realised that one was being appreciated for even little things like holding open the coffee shop’s door. That was when it dawned on me as to our rationing of compliments, even to our children, let alone subordinates or people unknown. The belief that was drilled into me was that in case you appreciated someone, his performance would go down, but in case you ‘rebuked’ him, he would try and do better. What a myth?
A Captain in the Indian Army who served with me asked me a question “Sir, in case you come back to command our Battalion, what changes would you bring in?” I said, “I will appreciate everyone for all their deeds, how insignificant it may appear to be.”
Grade 8 Graduation Ceremony may be bit more laid back than formal high school ceremonies (commencement,) but the move from junior to senior high school is still a monumental occasion that needs to be celebrated. Many schools in Canada do not insist on students wearing caps and gowns for middle school graduation but is mandatory for the High School Graduation. The students must wear dress clothes for the occasion – suits for boys and gowns for girls.
Many of us forget to give graduation gifts to our children. I did not for our daughter’s Grade 8 Graduation as I was unaware. Our daughter participated in her High School Musical Drama in a lead role and after the play I found every Canadian parent gifting their children for their outstanding performances – mostly bouquets and chocolates. I felt small as it was past 9 PM and I could not have procured any at that time as the shops had closed. After the event we went out for a family dinner to celebrate her performance.
After our son’s graduation after middle and high school where he was the valedictorian, I ensured that I did not repeat the mistake. I was ready with the gifts.
Giving Graduation Gifts to Middle School students is very important. A card filled with age-appropriate humour, or contain motivational or inspirational graduation sayings, or simply a message of congratulations is the minimum. You may also gift a small to moderate amount of money, school supplies the student might need for high school, journals or scrapbooks, favorite teen books, a watch or an item of jewelry, a cool backpack, or other carry-all, gift cards for movies, or other fun activities, etc.
REJINCES 