Holy cow! What happened? It’s the end of the year already. Can’t believe it.

This will be a busy week. Grade 8 graduation is happening on Tuesday, which means there are many things to prepare before hand. Grad Dance, Awards, class parties, year-end trips, REPORT CARDS, packages to go home and loads of house cleaning things (i.e. paperwork, textbook collection, etc.).  That’s just the Grade 8s.  Grade 7s go through the same thing after the Grads have left and are on their way.  Then there’s all the behind the scenes things teachers have to get done before they move on: cleaning and packing up the classroom, filing of important documents, taking all personal belongings home for the summer, taking home anything pertinent to planning over the summer (…yes…some of us DO do that…), good-byes to say to fellow staff members, the list goes on.

It’s always nice to see the kids graduate after working so hard (most of them anyway;)). At the same time, it’s kind of sad to see them go. I’ve worked with these students for two years and watched them grow both academically and personality-wise. Because of the type of program I run, the kids and their families get to know me pretty well and I in turn build that bond with them. If I’m lucky, I get to see a few of my former students as they return in the years that follow their graduation. Most of the time, they move on; a new chapter of their lives begins and, being part of a relatively early chapter in their lives, I am not really part of their lives anymore. I often catch myself thinking back to those that I don’t see. Sometimes, I hear tidbits about their escapades and foibles at school or in the neighbourhood. If I’m lucky enough, I get to work with a sibling or meet their parents in the community. After a couple of years with these students, you wish them all that life has to offer. Like your own children, you only want them to find happiness and success.

I guess what I’m saying here is, hey, if you’re out there, drop me a line, would yah? Let me know you’re all alright…