First Goodbyes

On Friday, everybody at school “celebrated” the last day before the summer holidays in Norway. It started with a volleyball competition among the students, went on with the official farewell and congratulations to the pupils leaving school and a few (emphasis on a few) music arrangements. Afterwards they were dismissed from this dutifully something, which was kind of a sad gathering – the ice for free on the way out didn’t make it up either. I didn’t really see the point why students had to come in the first place. But at least I could say goodbye to a few friends that way *sniff* :(

You have to know that Norwegian pupils don’t receive a certificate at the end of the school year – the results can be consulted online, just like nearly everything is done online in Norway. Classes are hold like that, even exams are written on the MacBook and index cards on iPads, which might seem strange to those who are used to paper and pens. And school rules which forbid the use of electronic devices at school, such as the iPhone. Telling students about that really horrified them. Sometimes it is sort of funny to see how dependent Norwegians are on their technical stuff while I don’t even remember where I put my phone (which is – totally unusual in Norway – not from Apple) :D

But back to Friday: After the students left, a celebration for the staff took place and the day developed more to the social gathering that I was expecting. Barbara and I helped to prepare everything in the morning, even if we were not supposed to, but I always appreciated to work in the canteen, so did Barbara. But when the buffet was opened, we sat down with everybody else and enjoyed the food – the cake not so much, to be honest. It seemed like a competition which one is sweeter, has more glaze, holds tons of (butter) cream – and worst of all – contains coffee. I didn’t dare to try them. I already had a sugar shock just from watching ;)

Still it was nice – we could have just skipped the Norwegian speeches (wordy and boring). But at least we were part of them this time and the staff thanked us with a little present for our engagement at the school, which was very kind. Now nearly all my tasks come to an end with the holidays, the canteen, the German class, the knitting group and so much more, except for the dinner driving. Right now I don’t really know what I am going to work in the next time. There are lots of ideas, but no concrete plans. Maybe after the meeting on Monday, we’ll see. The next week will be occupied with the rehearsals and performances of “Elskhug og Eksis”anyway (the open-air performance I mentioned before). I’ll tell you more about it next week :)

Ha det bra,

Alisa