The last day of school is drawing near and Tauranga 10- and 11-year-olds are preparing to move on to bigger and better things.
The summer holidays start next week and Tauranga primary schools are hosting their own unique ceremonies to say goodbye to their graduating students who will be moving on to intermediate schools next year.
Greenpark School held their formal graduation ceremony on Tuesday and year 6 students polished their shoes and combed their hair for their big night.
Sam Niles, 11, said he was sad to be leaving Greenpark.
"It's exciting to be going to intermediate and a little bit sad to be leaving Greenpark. You know everyone in school and don't really want to leave."
Sam said he had enjoyed being a year 6 student because there were more opportunities available. He was one of a group of students that travelled to South Korea for a school trip and was also involved in a lot of sports including crickets and touch.
Thomas Denzel, 10, said he could not wait to get to intermediate.
"It's been good at Greenpark, I've had a good six years here and got to put my name down for lots of things. I'm going to miss going to primary school. This year has gone so fast."
Maungatapu Primary principal Sue Horne said the year 6s at her school would be farewelled on Friday with a special leaving assembly.
"It's quite formal. We present 12 trophies and each student receives a personalised leaving certificate from their teacher. Each of the year 6 students are provided with a special yearbook published in town and have a lovely afternoon tea with their parents and teachers."
Mount Maunganui School principal Damien Harris said his year 6s were honoured with a leavers' assembly led by two year 5 students.
"The assembly is a celebration of our leavers' experiences, achievements and contributions to our school. Our assembly features a movie montage of memories from our year 6s of their time at Mount Primary, songs, leavers' certificates and awards."
Papamoa Primary School principal Phil Friar said his year 6s were being farewelled with a special assembly on Friday, which attracted significant attendance from parents and family.
Academic and community awards were presented and the students were given a yearbook.
"It's solely for the purpose of celebrating their achievements, farewelling them and wishing them all the best in the future."
Otumoetai School deputy principal Zara McIndoe said its year 6s celebrated their last day at primary school with a social dance and farewell ceremony last night.