Symbols and Ceremony

Schools have symbols of their culture and it is vitally important that these be recognised and nurtured.  Such symbols are:

• School song
• The school uniform
• The school flag
• The various sporting trophies and awards. (Many are donated by ex students and various dignitaries.)

The ceremonies are:

• Recognition of significant national and state (Provinces in Canada) days 
• Transitions from Primary (Elementary) to Secondary (High) school with maybe extra transitions if there is a Middle School
• School dances/balls
• Graduation from Secondary (High) school

Added to the above are any major performances by the students such as plays and musicals.  So many students can be involved in these and for some it is one important time when they receive wide public recognition.
Celebrating successes such as major sporting wins and outstanding academic performances.  It is important to let the whole school feel the pride of achievement of their representatives.

I think it is fair to say that US schools are tops in all of the above.  In my own Australian culture we have over the years been a bit more reserved, but in contemporary schools I think we would tick most of the above boxes.

An important rider is that teachers also get to celebrate and be recognised.  I recall as a teacher in a Secondary school that the Principal would publicly announce outstanding tertiary study results by his teachers.


May the Force be with you!


GD