Day 78: Last day of school

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela

Project 365: # 78

Last day of school today! Not only last day of the school year, but last day of school in Germany. It is certainly a day of mixed emotions.

This has an unbelievable rollercoaster journey. When we arrived here, our hearts were not in this school. We had left behind our beloved Collegiate and South Africa, and nothing would ever be able to compare or live up to the standard. However, last night, while I was listening to the performances at the year-end concert, I had time to reflect. I so enjoyed the primaries performances, and wondered where the time has gone. I remember being one of those parents in the front row, over-enthusiastic and taking hundreds of photos. Now, I am watching the second half of the show, with the children all grown up, and one of my daughters performing her own composition!

We have had the benefit of both schooling systems, a traditional South African school, and a truly International School. The values, discipline, and excellent work ethic instilled in the girl's primary years have truly benefitted them here. They have taken all they learnt previously and applied it to their new school. There was definitely some adjustment, but the advantages have strongly outweighed the disadvantages. The girls have become independent, tolerant, forward-thinking, problem-solving, critical-thinking, compassionate, and empathetic. They have embraced friends from all religions and cultures, and  everything German. I am grateful for this experience and their dedicated teachers. I am confident that they will truly be able to overcome anything that life throws at them, and I do believe that this education has equipped them with skills that they can use to change the world for the better.