Speech Given at Grad…We Are So Proud of Her!

Every year Mr. Lopez and I get to work with amazing students who achieve great things. This year, we are proud to share one of these success stories with you.

We have watched this student grow from a quiet, reserved and shy person into a young woman who isn’t afraid to tackle challenges head on. Academically this student has achieved great personal success, consistently proving herself as adaptable, hard working and motivated. She has become a keen self-advocate, ensuring she gets what she needs in order to succeed. This student isn’t afraid to speak up and have her voice heard, particularly when she is passionate about an issue. Through her role in Gr. 7 as SCL rep and her involvement this year with several athletic teams, this student has gained self-confidence, which has ultimately found it’s way into the classroom. This student has also discovered that she possesses a keen wit and isn’t afraid to use it.

This student continues to achieve her personal best time and time again, then push herself beyond. Whether it is on the track, the soccer pitch, baseball diamond or lending her talents in the creation of podcasts and blogs that are heard and read around the world, this student always works to the best of her abilities.

No longer quiet and shy, this young woman has become the embodiment of determination and strength. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are very honoured to present the award for most improved student to DD.

Can This Be It Already?

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…

Baby Borges # 2

Alright, here’s the big news.  We are expecting our second child in December of 2009. I have recently begun to share this with staff and students and, just like the last time, the students have so many interesting and often wonderful things to say.  Their reactions are priceless.    

I have always been open about my home life with my students and have eagerly shared anecdotes about life with a toddler.  Most of my students have had the opportunity to meet both my wife and my son on several occasions.  So when I told them that we were expecting our second, it brought about much happy wishes and coy smiles, not to mention some giggling (love those Health classes…).    

When my first son was born, my wife would bring him into the school once a week.  In fact, my son was only 5 days old the first time he visited the school.  This was a wonderful experience for both the kids and me.  It was interesting to watch the kids interact with the baby and they had so many questions.  Many even had advice to offer as they themselves had baby’s in their homes.  Over the year that my wife was off of work, the students had an opportunity to watch my son grow quite literally from a new born to when he was walking.  

I am happy for a second chance to share this part of my life with my students and look forward to introducing the little one to them.    

One More KIVA Entrepreneur Found!

We’ve added another $100 to our KIVA account and have decided to assist one more person. Here is some information.

Jeannot SENGHOR’s workshop is in the Gadapara district of Kolda. He makes beds, chairs, armoires, and art objects, principally out of ebony. He is unmarried but supports his family and helps cover the expenses, thanks to his work in this trade. He would like to have more wood in his inventory in order to address possible work orders and thus to increase his revenues.

The ROM Trip

Oh my goodness.  We had what amounts to the best class trip I’ve been on, ever!  Our class went to the Royal Ontario Museum and we had the best time.  We traveled by public transit and then did a self-guided tour the whole day (there were only 17 of us). 

We saw some pretty amazing things including the Dinos, mummies, an honest-to-gosh Book of the Dead, African art and cultural artifacts, Aboriginal artifacts and so much more.  We pretty much saw the entire museum.  The kids were awesome and asked amazing questions.  One student wrote down so much; things he wanted to search online later, we were told.  He walked around with his mouth open in awe.  Most of them did.    

The kids were talking about it on the way home.  For all, this was the first time they have been to the ROM.  For most, it was the first time they were on public transit.  For many, it was their first trip “downtown”.  I love being able to provide these kids with such opportunities.  This is what teaching is all about.