Kindergarten is all about learning in a fun and frolic way. Two years of fun and learning and the Upper Kindergarteners are well prepared to step into another realm of their academic journey. They graduate to the first grade and the ceremony is a special celebration, where the lower Kindergarteners perform on stage for them; which marks their annual day.

It takes a month-long practice, and there is a lot of hustle and bustle in Kindergarten during this time. Every child in Kindergarten is encouraged to participate in the program. But the end result of all this strenuous effort put in by the teachers, bear the most beautiful fruits, when the little ones perform on stage! This year was no different, but the theme was a very special one, “harvest festivals of India!” Harvest festivals are celebrated at the end of the farming season, giving a break to the farmers from their normal routine. They rejoice in dance and prayer, when they cultivate the fresh new year crops. Four harvest festivals were chosen from four regions: From the northern region, Baisakhi, the harvest festival of Punjab, Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam from the eastern region, Gudi Padwa of Maharashtra from the western region, and Onam, the harvest festival of the southern state Kerala. “Samruddhi” which means “prosperity,” was the title given to the Annual day, which was conducted on the 12th for IES, Bhavans and 13th for Jack and Jill Nursery.

The chief guest for IES Annual and graduation day was, Mrs. Maxine, Meilleur, an entrepreneur and the chief guest for Jack and Jill, Mr. David Moys, the Deputy head Teacher, Infant department, Kuwait English school. The program began with the Inaugural speech, by the supervisor of IES, Ms. Sushama Joe and Ms. Sudharani R.S. of Jack and Jill, followed by the recital of a verse from the Holy Quran. Then the audience was asked to stand in attention for the Kuwait National Anthem. Lighting of the lamp symbolizes the elimination of darkness and ignorance from our lives. The chief guest, along with the Principal and Vice principals lit the lamp and officially inaugurated the program.

“Upasana,” also called Ranga Pooja or prayer dance was the first performance by the tiny tots of LKG. The little ones of Jack and Jill sang a beautiful song on their graduation day and the pre-KG students also performed on the stage. The welcome address of IES was given by the coordinator of UKG, Ms. Neethu Maria and Ms. Felicita for Jack and Jill. The Annual report for Kindergarten was read by the Kindergarten and Primary Vice Principal, Mrs. Lalitha Premkumar for IES and the Principal of Jack and Jill Nursery, Mrs. Rathi Ravindran for Jack and Jill. The chief guests were welcomed on to the stage to share their thoughts and they definitely were the right individuals for the occasion. Reading and bravery were two of the key topics that they shed light upon. ‘There’s a positive correlation between pleasure, reading and academic excellence. Reading increases curiosity, lowers stress and develops empathy.” Brave persons from India were cited as examples of bravery and India being the only country that awards bravery, that too for young children! All the speakers were children from UKG. The first item to be presented onstage was the “Chaitra Gudi Padwa.” This was followed by a graduation of UKG students. Each child walked on the ramp to receive the scrolls from the chief guest. This was followed by the effervescent harvest festival of Kerala, “Onam Ponnonam.” Every dance program was followed by a graduation ceremony. The next item was the Bihu dance of Assam, “Bihu Bhal.” The next event was “Basant Baisakhi,” the Punjabi harvest festival and the dance called Bhanghra were performed with the same spirit by the little ones. This was followed by the graduation of UKG B, IES and UKG G, Jack and Jill. The last but not the least was the farewell dance by the children of UKG, “Hasta La Vista.” The children danced to the tunes of the popular, “Desapacito.” They ended by showing their love and gratitude to their teachers and it was overwhelming! The confidence with which the little ones spoke was noteworthy and applaudable. They thanked each and every department of the school, the teaching and non-teaching staff and the technical staff for the guidance and support that they extended, all throughout their academic journey in the Kindergarten. Farewell!