June 16 marked a preschool graduation celebration for 14 Tla-o-qui-aht children ages four and five.
Carol Frank, education coordinator, organized the event which was held at the Tin Wis Conference Centre.
Throughout the school year the children are taught the Tla-o-qui-aht language and to start the graduation off the teachers and the students said a prayer in the Tla-o-qui-aht dialect.
This year’s celebration included a potluck style lunch. The graduates entered the hall though the kitchen, dressed in their blue robes and hats.
After all the graduates were seated in the front row, and to proceed, Carol, Grace George, Gail Hayes and Crystal Curley presented each child with a certificate that was specifically written for each child. The poems were based on the personality and work ethic of each child.
Carol acknowledged the work that the teachers Grace, Gail and Crystal did for the year. Grace and Gail have successfully completed the Early Childhood Education Program, and Crystal has done a four-month course, and will soon complete her training.
The hall was nicely decorated in blue, silver, white and black balloons and streamers, and at the entrance was a table with pictures of each student that was presented to the parents.
Carol would like to acknowledge all the help she received in making the day special and memorable. Going out to Clarence Tom is a kleco for providing transportation, Grace, Gail and Crystal for decorating the hall and to everyone who brought food to share.
