End of year act 2005
The 2005 school year, like those before it, was concluded with an end of year act. Teachers, students, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, relatives, friends and acquaintances gathered in the church hall. Parents organised a buffet for those who had gathered. After prayer and blessing of the food by parish priest Fr Simeon Kichakov the young and old enjoyed a meal. After that, reports and gifts were presented, which were preceded by an address from Fr Simeon. The joyful disposition, which was brought about by the end of the school year and pleasing results, was upheld by the concert. It was started by junior students. Their New Year themed play brought enlivening and laughter. How could one hold back a smile when a family awaiting presents appeared on stage while Ded Moroz was stuck in a chimney and couldn’t get out. After that, the children performed short comical songs and children's songs whilst the adults in the audience could sing along.
The juniors' play concluded, the hall was enveloped by a slight hum. While the seniors prepared the stage, the lottery was drawn. Winners received a range of prizes.
Then all was silent and the curtains slid aside. On the stage were the seniors. They presented the musical and literary composition which included poems by Russian poets and sections of Pushkin's novel "Evgeniy Onegin". The mood in the audience changed. Until the very end of the seniors' play, everyone held their breath. And when it did end, loud and long-lasting applause rewarded those on the stage and those who prepared the kids for their play.
The act ended, but everyone knew that they are only parting for a little while. The next school year would quickly pass and everyone would again meet in the church hall for the end of year act.