Fifth Graders Celebrate the End of Lower School
June 11 was a celebration of French International fifth graders as they “step up” to a new division and move on to Middle School.
Family, friends, and teachers gathered to celebrate the 36 fifth-grade students on closing this chapter of their academic journey. As per tradition, the festivities began with a parade, with the rest of the school, parents, and teachers cheering on the fifth graders.
The students proceeded into the gym for the stepping-up ceremony. They were presented with certificates of completion, a testament to their hard work and dedication. The parents put together a slideshow of baby pictures alongside current photos to showcase the growth of these students. Aurore presented the fifth graders with certificates of completion to acknowledge their hard work and dedication in Lower School. The students created a video montage of their year to play while performing a dance routine. The ceremony ended with an original song sung by the whole grade.
Many students have been part of the French International community since they were in Maternelle. Completing Lower School is a significant accomplishment as it symbolizes the end of the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This year’s fifth graders have traveled to France, attended field studies in Central Oregon and the coast, showcased their talents during Fête de la Musique, and impacted French International and the Portland community through exhibition projects.
Most of this year’s fifth graders are moving to Middle School at French International, where they will continue their educational journey with new classmates, teachers, and languages. Congratulations, French International fifth graders. We can’t wait to see what you do in Middle School and beyond.