Bolo Zari (Last Bell)

Today was the last bell for the 12th. grade in both of our schools. The lower grades will have their end of term next month.

For the 12th. grade, it's their last day at school and it is a bitter-sweet day for most of them. Most of the girls dress up for the ceremonies earlier in the day. The boys mostly do not - wanting to appear cool in their normal clothes. Many of the girls at #4 school were dressed in black with a white apron. We believe that these are a hangover from communist days. They look, for all the world like a covention of French maids!


The girls at #6 school opted for white blouses, tartan skirts, matching tartan ties! They made the skirts and ties themselves.


At #6 school, the day started with all the 12th. grade congregating in the school yard for a ceremony. There were speeches and awards and pledges of allegiance (to Georgia, of course).

Ketino and Giorgi

Lali and Anna

We then trooped off to the little local theatre where the 12th. grade put on a show, with songs, speeches and sketches.

Anna led the procedings

Nino, tchkviani gogo.

Some junior children put on a show with folk dancing.

Later in the day, there were parties for the 12 grade, their parents and some staff. Luckily, the #4 and #6 schools held them on different days, so we could go to both. Georgians certainly know how to party. They love to dance and are very good at it. It is not considered "sissy" for a boy to dance. In fact, when, as needed for some Georgian dances, they dance "on point", real athleticism is needed.

#4 School Party

#6 School Party