For the students at Tiffin Girls’ School, yesterday evoked not only sighs of relief due to it being the last day of term, but also a sense of community, celebration, and competition. As the school’s four houses battled it out throughout the day to win house points and be crowned cup winners, students showcased talents from dancing to maths skills, and cheered as they watched their teammates undergo weird and wondrous challenges. Nothing other than the amazing event that is the School Birthday would call for such an explosion of fun at the Tiffin Girls’ School.
The dance competition was something everybody had been practising for, and when it came to performing, everybody executed with finesse. I have to say it was exceedingly entertaining to watch each class’s self-choreographed dances. And the community spirit was high as ever as everybody took to the dance floor and showed off their moves! But it had to be the school finale in the hall that was the highlight of everyone’s day. This was undoubtedly the time where togetherness and unity were most evident, as each house cheered and rooted for their house representatives. And unusually, this year, out of the four houses, three year 10 forms were chosen to be the stage representatives. This is something that hasn’t happened for a very long time, because it is usually the year twelves of elevens who win. But it made everything a whole lot more interesting, and everybody a whole lot more curious as to whom will triumph.
As the music blasted- everybody sang, as their house representatives battled it out on stage to please the judges. But only two houses, Flavell- a year ten form, and Schofield- a year 11 form, went forth into the dance finale. Which proved to be hilarious, as four of the school’s teachers boogied on stage! When the finale had finally ended the hall was buzzing with chatter about the events. Everyone surged out, their stomachs rumbling after all the chanting and singing, their lunches sitting in their lockers, ready to be eaten.
After a hearty lunch, everyone was back into the hall for formal assembly. Being year 11, we were on chairs, so being uncomfortable was not our concern. The mood was changed completely, everybody was more subdued, and a respective quiet had descended upon the gathering. And that was because of the Kingston mayor, who was due to arrive any second. When she did everybody immediately warmed to her friendly smile, her eyes covered by black glasses due to the fact that she was visually impaired, and her welcoming presence. The candle lighting ceremony was soon underway, with students getting up to light one of the one hundred and thirty three candles adorning all of the cakes at the front. My name was called out for the first time, due to the school’s new pledge to ensure every student has the chance to light a candle before the end of year 11. And I felt so privileged as I walked down the aisle to light a candle, with the whole school’s eyes upon me. Everybody sang their best to please the smiling mayor, who seemed to enjoy our rendition of the school song very much indeed. When she walked out of the hall majestically, we soon followed, and the day was drawing to a close. With final goodbyes to each other in the classroom, we were dismissed. After a day packed with fun, everyone was finally free, with fond memories of the last day of school. Well, for a week until half term’s over anyway.
