Cambodia: LaValla School celebrates its Grade 6 Graduation as Brothers Darren and Rajakumar attend the Celebrations
On 9 September, the students, staff and families gathered at LaValla School in Cambodia to celebrate the Grade 6 graduation, with two special guests joining the school community for the occasion, Star of the Sea Provincial Br Darren Burge and General Councillor and Oceania Link Councillor Br Rajakumar Soosai Manickam, who was visiting LaValla and Cambodia for the first time.
The ceremony began with the raising of the national flag, followed by the formal procession of the Grade 6 students. Students were called forward in pairs to receive a traditional Cambodian krama from Teachers Chiva and Nouen, before Br Darren presented each graduate with a framed certificate.
Three speakers addressed the graduating class - LaValla Principal Um Sreynan, Executive Director of Marist Solidarity Cambodia, Sokny Leang, and Br Darren.
Two Grade 6 students then gave responses of gratitude on behalf of their class - inf luient Khmer and English.
The two-hour program also showcased the creativity and talents of students across the school. The school band accompanied several singing groups, with students playing keyboards, guitars and drums alongside traditional Cambodian instruments.
One song, in particular, captured something of what LaValla means to its students, “It is through the kindness of you all that we have studied and built a new destiny.”
There was also the customary surprise performance from Grade 2 Teacher Im. This year, younger students performed a traditional Cambodian dance, accompanied by Rado singing a solo.
Br Rajakumar also presented academic awards to students from each grade.
This year we had a greater number of parents and grandparent guardians here joining their children and staying a few days. On Wednesday, the first group of students left for the provinces for the six weeks Pchum Ben holidays.
Five of the Grade 6 students will not return in late October, four will attend local high schools near their families which is a priority and one student will undertake language skills training.
The school community wished all five students well as they take their next steps, while reminding them that they will always be welcome back at LaValla as visitors.
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-Br Brian Kinsella, Chair, Marist Solidarity Cambodia
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