Our journey as a grades class began in 2013 and, as with so many things in life, it has been a winding path with many twists and turns. Some of you started in preschool (even parent and child), some in kindergarten while others joined our journey along the way. Some of our friends branched off onto other paths while some explored other paths but returned to this one (and I’m so glad you did!).
It is amazing to reflect on how much we have learned on this journey. Many years ago you were bright-eyed Grade 1 students, so eager to read, write and do math calculations. We have learned and grown so much since then, not only in academics but in all our capacities.
Each of you has contributed your own unique strengths and weaknesses, your character and personality along our journey and each one is valued and precious.
We have filled each other’s lives with joy, laughter, challenges and tears. Our perseverance, our support and love for one another has helped us move forward through good times and difficult times.
You have been with me and helped me through one of the most difficult things I have ever had to face in my life – the loss of Mikayla. The support and love you showed me and my whole family was a healing balm when the wounds were deep. Thank you.
I have pushed you out of your comfort zone – some more than others. And you stuck with it. I hope that there was a mutual understanding that this was in your best interest. If not, then at least understand that I thought it was in your best interest, and I hope that it always was in your best interest! If you feel it was not, then I hope you can forgive me.
There were many other people who supported you along the way and who were a great help to me. In the first year together it was just us (a small group of 11). The second year our class grew significantly (group of 20). In Grade 1 & 2 combined we had Miss McCrone, and Emily Ormerod. The following year brought us the enthusiastic, committed, and creative Miss Elise and the even keeled, calm, steady Miss Sibylle who journeyed with us as a class for three and four years respectively. We grew in so many ways through their love and support. Thank you Elise & Sibylle. They were both called to work with younger children Elise as the Grade 1 teacher and Sibylle as a preschool teacher. Maybe they were trying to escape before we hit the hormonal phase! haha
As this significant change in your life came, the precarious years, onto the stage came the brave Louise. Louise with her sense of humour, her enthusiasm for drama, her striving to help teenagers through these turbulent times. Thank you the support of the teachers and me!
There is another group of people who have helped you, the grads and me along the way and that is the parents! Parents, thank you for the great love and guidance you gave to your children… thank you for raising such amazing and wonderful human beings. And thank you for trusting me so whole heartily and for all the support you have given me all these years – thank you my friends. Your support has encouraged me to teach these students to the best of my abilities, to help them to unfold their skills and capacities
Grads, you have developed capacities of imagination, creativity, intelligence, courage and fortitude and with these you have the ability to manifest what you desire and are ready to take on new adventures.
It is with great hope, inspiration that I look into the future and see great success for all of you. Going off to a new school, or distant learning for some, may feel a little uncomfortable, unsure and at the same time exciting and adventurous. Be courageous and I know you all have that courage. I have seen it (many times), have perseverance to get through difficult times (like a muddy portage – if you can get through a muddy portage you can get through anything!). Be determined. Be hopeful and above all be kind.
You can’t do it alone. Be open to collaboration, open to find new friends and good teachers. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, who will support you and bring out the best in you.
It is with great appreciation, pride, joy and a little sadness that I wish each of you all the best as you go off in different directions to continue your journey. Thank you for the gift of all these years we had together; they will always hold a special place in my heart.
And now I have a gift for you which I hope will put a smile on your face and bring back good memories.
In putting this [yearbook] together it sure put a smile on my face!
~ Miss Christine