On June 27, the “Last Bell” (Posledniy Zvonok) rang out at the Russian House. This school holiday is well known to adult compatriots who grew up in Russia and other post-Soviet countries, but is almost unfamiliar to their children, as Belgian schools do not share this tradition. That is why the “Parents’ Committee” association, together with the Russian House, decided to give families a true school celebration filled with memories, music, and children’s laughter.

The celebration opened with the song “School Years.” And indeed, what could be more exciting than school days? These years are filled with countless discoveries and wonderful events. At school, children learn not only how the world works, but also that it’s not just lightbulbs that can glow—tiny, living fireflies can too.

But first things first.

Six-year-old Anna-Francesca was the first to take the stage. Her mother had already bought her a backpack and notebooks. Does that mean it’s time to go to school? The girl shared her doubts and then solemnly rang a handbell, officially opening the first lesson.

The music lesson began. The performers—mothers and their children—took the stage to sing the famous song “What They Teach in School,” with the audience enthusiastically joining in on the familiar lyrics. Suddenly, nettle sprouts rushed onto the stage straight from a biology textbook and started causing mischief.

Moving from sketch to sketch, from lesson to lesson, the audience journeyed through school subjects, gradually drawing closer to the most anticipated moment of the celebration—the Last Bell.

When the big moment arrived, all participants put on graduate sashes. Yan carried Liza on his shoulder, who was given the honorary mission of ringing the last bell. Liza wore a classic school uniform, a look that instantly transported many parents back to their own childhoods. Mothers and fathers couldn’t help but smile and sigh: “How fast they grow up…”

After the bell rang, the summer holidays were officially declared, just as they should be.

The celebration continued in the exhibition hall of the Russian House. Even the hot weather couldn’t dampen the mood. The children happily played “Rucheek” (The Brook), tried their hand at archery, danced in round dances (khorovods), and took part in other beloved traditional games.

It would not have been complete without a special solemn moment. This academic year was the first full year of operation for the “Parents’ Committee” association, created with the support of the Russian House. On its behalf, words of gratitude were expressed to everyone who helped organize events, supported initiatives, and created a space for Russian-speaking families to connect. Hope was also voiced for future cooperation, new projects, and upcoming meetings.

Preserving language, culture, and traditions begins with simple things—shared holidays, songs, games, and memories that parents pass down to their children.

If preserving the Russian language and cultural traditions for your children is important to you as well, join the Parent Committee (biblio@rushouse.be)—a community initiative run by parents of Russian-speaking children in Belgium. Together, we can achieve even more.