Friday, December 09, 2005

Prizegiving

Rongotai College had their prizegiving last night. I love going to this event.

Rongotai is a boys' school, years 9-13, with just less than 700 boys. This number is made up of over 30 nationalities and a huge socio-economic range; we have students from some of the richest suburbs in Wellington, some from old-fashioned 'middle-class' families and we also have lots of recently arrived immigrants and refugees.

This diverse group makes up one of the most beautiful families I have ever seen. We may struggle financially as a school, but the heart and soul is immeasurably rich.

Our departing head prefect talked about that in his valedictory speech last night - the love they have for each other, the spirit that runs through the school. His speech brought tears to my eyes; indeed he struggled to deliver it without breaking down himself. And then, as always, I was completely undone when the school rose as one and performed the Rongotai haka for their leader. An awe-inspiring sight.

They all deserve a prize. Even my ragamuffin of a son, whose carefully cultivated mullet and muttonchops had disappeared for last night's prizegiving. And who looked so grown up on stage at the end, leading the school chants as the teachers filed from the room. As one of next year's senior class, he knows it's time for him to step up to the plate.

So, enough ramblings from a proud mum.

I'm very pleased with my half kilo loss this week, which has probably been one of the toughest weeks I've had, with so many functions on.

And, yes, the one day cricket on Wednesday was the most exciting game I've ever seen. A win would have made it perfect!

6 comments:

Julie's Journey said...

And you said the Black Caps game wouldnt be exciting (or all over quickly)! Congratulations on your loss in a tough week. Your description of the school ceremony brought tears to my eyes too. The end of your childrens schooling is such a lovely and emotional time. Enjoy his last year at school with him.
:o)

Anonymous said...

The prize giving sounded amazing! Your son sounds a young man to be proud off!

Half a kilo loss is fantastic this time of the year!

Yummy Mummy said...

How lucky you are to find such a school... sounds like you are very proud of it.

500g is fantastic - have a good weekend

Ang said...

Bloody Australia! yes the cricket was awesome.

Margaret said...

Your post has reminded me that no matter what age we are there are always so many 'firsts' that we can discover. It doesn't all have to end at childhood. I got goosebumps reading your description of the haka. What fantastic respect.

Well done on your loss this week, you are tracking so well for your Christmas plan.

Have a great weekend :D

Briony said...

Well done on your loss, must be all that training you're doing!
You sound like a very proud mother, and deservedly so!
Bri