The final week of the 2014-2015 school year was full of traditions and celebrations for the PYP students, faculty and staff. There were many opportunities to celebrate the school year.
It began on Tuesday with the traditional 5th grade versus faculty and staff kickball game. Students in Miss Berkel’s and Mrs. Rooney’s 5th grade class have been excitedly waiting for the game, practicing in PE with Mr. Mike and at recess. Their practice paid off for the students, beating the faculty and staff in front of cheering Junior Kindergarten through 4th grade students. The JK through 4th grade students also played in a variety of field games led by parent volunteers, including the “dress in Mr. Ross’ clothes” relay, a ping pong/spoon race, a hula hoop team challenge and a 3 legged race.
Wednesday was another traditional event for 5th grade students, the “Moving Up” ceremony attended by family and friends. The celebration began with the oli, led by Kamaile. PYP Principal Mr. Ross and Head of School Mr. Teramae shared speeches to honor the students. Students Timothy, Dana, Charlie, Zaheer, Chloe and Madison shared stories and memories of their time in elementary. Each 5th grader received a certificate to commemorate the occasion. The ceremony closed with “The Navigator Song.” After the ceremony, students were presented with lei by family and friends and all enjoyed a potluck lunch together.
During the last week of school, each grade level class comes together to celebrate their eventful school year. With help from families, students in JK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 4th grade picnicked and played games at Kapolei Park. 3rd grade students visited the Honolulu Academy of Arts and ended the week watching “Charlotte’s Web,” the movie based on the book they read together as a part of their final Unit of Inquiry. 5th grade students visited Wet “N Wild.
On the last day of school, the PYP ‘ohana came together one last time for an Aloha Assembly. Mrs. Momi led everyone in the school’s oli. The faculty and staff surprised and entertained students and families with a music video produced by Kumu Makana. Because 5th grade won the the kickball game, the faculty and staff performed the obligatory “Chicken Dance.” The assembly concluded with everyone singing “Hawaii Aloha” and “The Navigator Song” one last time with accompaniment by the Ukulele Club. What a fitting way to come together as a community and end the school year!
