Wai Kru = Teacher Respecting Day

Hi there. Great to see you today. Fill your empty mug and help yourself to a virtual, no-fat treat. Here in Thailand, we have an annual ceremony towards the beginning go f the school year called “Wai Kru” or Teacher Respecting Day. Yesterday it took place at our school. Thought you might like to see what it’s all about. Students practice for days beforehand, getting everything right. Our event was split into two. 9:30 was Grades 4-9. 1:30 was grades 1-3. We have too many students (close to 4000) to do it all in the same ceremony.

Two students from each class are selected to carry a bouquet of flowers and present it to the Director or one of the dignitaries seated on stage. Since we have 5-8 classes per level, it takes a while. Then about 40 chairs are placed below the stage for teachers. 

Students come forward in waves, kneel down in front of a teacher (some have their favourite teachers so there is much jockeying for position). They bow down to the teacher, present them with a flower or garland and receive a ‘good luck’ wish from the teacher.

Some students who have graduated come back to pay their respects. Other schools in the area send representative students as well. It is quite a nice ceremony.

Then the whole thing takes place all over again at 1:30 for grades 1-3 with a couple of students representing kindergarten classes. We have almost 1000 kindergarten students but they are deemed too small to participate without chaotic results.

Anyway, just thought you’d like to know…oh, and, yes, that’s Nong seated 4^th from the right.

See ya!

Bob