Pomp And Circumstance 2.0

Tobin and his best friends graduated from Pre-K with a big bang. Although this is the fourth time we are witnessing a graduation play at this school, the productions have grown on so many levels! In 2008, the story was based on a favorite picture book and brought to life with love and imagination. The school has since included teachers with backgrounds in professional theater and music, and productions are entirely planned, written, and brought to life by the children.  In 2009, when Mika and Gaang graduated Pre-K, the class performed their first self-written play. This year’s story was the best i have seen so far: “How the Planets Got in Order” answered the nagging question why Pluto got kicked out of our Solar system – with preschool logic and imagination. It was a bullying story, with Pluto being the bad guy who intimidated all other planets and trapped them in a big cage. Many interesting facts and side stories illustrated the dilemma, but ultimately the sun could melt down the cage and set all planets free. Pluto showed remorse and was allowed to tag along – if he played nicely – on the outer edge of the solar system.

Not one eye stayed dry, especially once the kids sang their favorite songs and received their diplomas. The international parent community brought together another, legendary ‘around-the-world’ potluck buffet, and everybody frolicked in the garden until the sun took over (it was the last full day of the heat wave … 96°F/35°C). We will miss this place dearly, which has been such a fantastic start to both our kids’ school experience.

Here is my favorite song of the 2012 graduation CD – a John McGrew (aka Mr. John) original: Three Little Leaves
[audio:http://www.minitosu.com/audio/04 Three Little Leaves.mp3]

… and of course, Pomp and Circumstance, preschool style:

The rest of the day, Mika and Tobin spent playing with Gaang and Sahn – fellow graduates of 2009 and 2012, respectively. They have known each other for so many years, and now they have a preschool bond for both older and younger siblings. Furthermore, Tobin admires Gaang since he could walk, and Sahn is a huge fan of Mika:

Thanks Sabine for taking our family pic :)