The Power of Stories, Symbols and Ceremonies in saying Goodbye!
As my network would appreciate, I love working in schools. They are such dynamic places and the sense of purpose and mission in the service of others, especially young people at this time of year is both palpable and inspiring.
Perhaps it is my background in events and marketing, prior to finding my calling as an EA, but I just love the power of the types of events, celebrations and ceremonies that define the graduation of Year 12 students. There is a sense of pride, achievement, poignancy and emotion that pervades these moments for colleagues, students and families to share and reflect on the journey through school.
On a deeper level, these elements create a rich setting for educational leaders to consider what stories they reveal about what is truly important in their organisation. I find it is often the stories that organisations tell about themselves can be most revealing. In this sense, how we celebrate and say goodbye through rituals, traditions and ceremonies highlights values and character, emphasising what is truly deemed to be important. If the emphasis is on pure academic achievement, then those who have not achieved may feel a sense of exclusion that can be easily addressed by broadening the definition of success.
Departures are important milestones, both practical and symbolic, times of celebration and a rite of passage that all graduates experience. The stories and symbols which schools employ around these moments have the potential to both enrich and sustain these special moments. There is a balance though, can schools be too proactive in celebrating the departure of one year group and how many ceremonies, rituals or traditions are enough.
The old fashioned “muck up” day which was perhaps part and parcel of our days at school seems to be making a return. What does it say about character when the final moments of school are designed to disrupt, damage and impact the daily lives of others? There is a fine line between celebrations and disruptions which again can be revealing about school culture. What role can we play in this culture building? I love full immersion in school events and attendance with the community. It connects me with purpose and the celebration of growth of students I first meet in Year 7 departing as mature young adults with the world at their feet.
What happens at your school to celebrate graduation which provide insight into school culture?
