Celebrating an outpouring of blessings, success, and cherished memories? This is what the wonderful spirit of “Pasalamat” reflects in my school community.
Pasalamat is a Cebuano word that means giving thanks or gratitude for infinite blessings received throughout the year and at the same time celebrating achievements and treasuring precious memories with my students for the school year 2023-2024.
It was not just a simple Pasalamat event but as well as having a Grand Ball Theme and awarding of Certificate of Attendance during the 1st Quarter Convocation program of the school year, of all students who were never late nor absent from August 2023 to November 2023.
My students prepared a lot for this. They were so creative and resourceful. Even if we do not have a real red carpet, they utilized a red cloth so the atmosphere will become so fancy and charming.
They wanted this event to be memorable. As their teacher, I must say that I am so lucky for having so responsible and cooperative students who just worked on their own without being told so. They had the initiative to make the event colorful and elegant.
They had prepared a lot. Part of the events are the Red Carpet Walk in which a sash for Prom Prince and Prom Princess will be worn. And then a floral bracelet for females. I was so happy of the products that they have made even in a short time of preparation.
We have adorned the classroom with a combination of silver, gold, white, and black. Moreover, white and black balloons were used as borders for the event, as well as the Merry Christmas letter balloons for the dining area on the other portion near the board where all the foods were displayed.
My classroom turned into another world with a Grand Ball theme. My students chose this theme and it seemed that they all turned into young ladies and gentlemen. They were all handsome and beautiful in their attire.
Even if the First Quarter Convocation was done last time, a separate day for the giving of Certificate of Attendance was held during the Pasalamat 2023.
And here are the students who were never late nor absent for the first Quarter as well as awarding the Certificate of Honors for the athletes who were not present during the awarding on stage the other week.
The program started with a prayer followed by the Red Carpet walk. All of my students were in pairs. And the last one to walk on the Red carpet was me. After we all walked on the Red carpet, we had a class picture together.
Meanwhile, we had a friendly dance so everyone was on the red carpet with their pairs. When I said that they would exchange partners, everybody then went to their other classmates as quickly as they could so they could have an opportunity to have a friendly dance with all their classmates.
And then, later my students asked to dance with me. They were all happy and excited as they were dancing with each other. The “Lover” song by Taylor Swift was played during the Friendly Dance.
And when our School Principal arrived, my students were having an intermission. My students requested that she dance her favorite dance, and indeed she was a dancing Queen.
Everybody was so happy when she arrived. My students did not expect that she would be coming. And so, everybody had a photo opportunity with her. Here are some quick shots as she visited are classroom.
After the photo opportunity of each group, we all decided to have our lunch. We all gathered in front of the table as we all offered a prayer while thanking for the outpouring of blessings.
My students were so happy that we had the chance to be with the School Principal for lunch. My students brought various potlucks. And I also bough macaroons, cheese sticks, and the lechon belly.
After we had our lunch, my students and I played Parlor Games. Even with their formal attire, they still enjoyed playing various games as they also received prizes. Here are some stolen shots while they were playing inside my classroom.
And then later, the Prom King and Prom Queen were selected. All the students in my classroom voted as well as voting for the Best Teacher in their 8 subjects.
I was lucky to be chosen as their Best Teacher. And here is a snapshot of the Prom King and Queen. I am happy that I have influenced their life and chosen me at the best teacher that they had.
And of course, the most awaited part was the exchanging of gifts. They were all excited since we only used code names so no one knew who was their Kringle. And since it was the last day of school, they were even more excited for the Christmas Vacation.
All of my students were so happy when they have received their wishlists. I have also received gifts from my dear students. The program ended with thank you messages from everyone. Perhaps it was one of the memorable Christmas I had with my students.
As we all reflect on the journey of 2023, it was not just about reaching several milestones but also enjoying all the memorable moments that have molded my students and everyone in school into a resilient, collaborative, and united school community.
And that, I am always grateful to the ever-supportive parents and guardians of my dear students for their unwavering support. Here’s to more outpouring of blessings and boundless possibilities ahead for the coming years!
Disclaimer: All texts and pictures are my own unless otherwise stated.
