Here we are at the end of another school year. We have had a wonderful year and we are sad to see it come to a close. A lot of the credit for our special year together goes to this year's graduates. We have known many of them since they were babies or toddlers. The majority of them have been with us for three years and have had the opportunity to be the youngest, middle and oldest children in the classroom. As graduates, they set an excellent example. They offered their friendship to their fellow students and were always there to provide assistance, guidance and support. All eyes have been on them and they did not disappoint.
Each year, our June Newsletter includes individual tributes to each graduate. Here are photographs of our 2016 graduates, now and then, with excerpts from their tributes.
Our 2016 Graduates
Andrew
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| Andrew |
Andrew's most favourite
thing to do in class is to write stories.
He would write a new story every day if he could! He loves to write about his brothers,
what his parents do after he goes to bed (do work), his friends, and his
interests such as participating in Beavers and going camping with them. Part of the appeal of writing stories is the
opportunity to illustrate them, as Andrew loves to draw. Andrew has drawn many pictures of elaborate
roller coasters that look much too frightening to ride!
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| Andrew with his little brother in October 2015. Both boys joined us in September 2015. |
Daniel
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| Daniel |
Daniel's calm and careful
personality is well suited to his favourite sport, karate. He is very proud of the various belts he has
achieved and brings in medals and awards he has won to show the class. Daniel is very passionate about reading and
is so proud to be reading chapter books.
He is feeling both excited and nervous to start Grade one and he is the
first one to say that if you aren't steady, you go straight to the principal's
office - maybe that's because his mother is a teacher!
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| Daniel and Marco in their first year. |
Esha
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| Esha |
In
the early days, Esha did not say much, preferring to be in the company of her
sister. Esha has truly blossomed over
the years and is now a very confident and knowledgeable girl who loves to learn. She has a very gentle and helpful nature and
is a great friend to all her classmates.
She has truly enjoyed being one of the oldest children in the
classroom. It has been lovely to see her
come forward this year to take care of and guide the youngest members of our
classroom. She has taken a special
interest in two of her friends who will be graduates next year. When asked why she is keeping such a close
eye on them, Esha replied “Because I want
to make sure they are the best graduates next year.”
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| Esha with her big sister. |
Kiana
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| Kiana |
Kiana is always watching and noticing any small changes we make in the classroom. She delights in teaching Mrs. M. how to speak Cantonese, and recently did a Show and Tell presentation with her sister to the class teaching everyone how to count in Cantonese! Kiana is a talented artist who takes her time when completing a picture that accompanies her work. When we have the crayons out at dismissal time, Kiana is not ready to go home until her picture is finished to her satisfaction! She has made many beautiful drawings for her teachers including portraits that she drew last year with very accurate details. She also frequently brings in drawings for her friends, and will give out homemade creations for holiday celebrations.
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| Kiana in her first year. |
Marco
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| Marco |
Marco brings a lot of
excitement to our classroom. He has such a positive spirit
and possesses a wonderful enthusiasm and zest for life. His enthusiasm
permeates everything that he does, whether it is working in the classroom,
reading, drawing or playing outside with his friends. Marco's
excitement for his favourite subjects is infectious. He loves science and nature and will bring in
books from home on his favourite topics to share with his classmates. He loves to recount stories from his life
including family trips to Niagara Falls and Cuba. Marco is extremely friendly and is the first
one to welcome visitors to the class.
When Ms. W. first came to observe at our school, Marco introduced
himself to her and made a lasting impression.
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| A young Marco picking up his older brother from school. |
Michael
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| Michael |
From the moment he arrived at school, Michael has been a little bouncing ball of energy and happiness, bringing joy and laughter to our days at school. The happiness bubbles up from within him and is contagious. Michael is very charismatic. He thrives in social situations and is often at the centre of our classroom happenings. He has the ability to put people at ease and make people feel welcome, particularly new students. His kind, gentle and compassionate ways make him a good friend to all of his classmates. During snack and lunch times, he often has an entourage of classmates who want to sit with him. He is very thoughtful and makes it a point to spend time with everyone. He has such a positive spirit and a heart of gold.
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| Michael in his first year. |
Michaela
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| Michaela |
When Michaela joined our school three years ago, it was as if she was ‘home’. Michaela has never let her age
place limitations on what she can do and achieve. As a new student, we don’t think it ever
dawned on her that she was one of the youngest members of the classroom. She would always be there to help her fellow
classmates whenever she could. She still
does. She has been ready to be a
graduate since she first joined us and this year she actually is a
graduate! As the first graduate girl to
turn six in the full day class, Michaela has a position of prominence. Everyone is watching her. She is a wonderful mentor and friend to all
of her classmates, giving them new lessons, helping them with their work and
helping them to get ready when it is time to go outside. Recently, one of our five year old boys chose
Michaela first when choosing friends to sit at his birthday table. When asked why he chose Michaela first, he
replied “I like her. She is nice to me.”
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| Michaela in her first year. |
Philip
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| Philip |
A
smile is never far from Philip's face and we delight in seeing his beautiful smile
each morning. Philip has continued to
amaze us with his wealth of knowledge. When
he has something to share with his teachers, he will come close to you and
begin with “Can I tell you something?”. Of course!
We love to hear what he has to say.
Philip is quite an expert on sharks, ocean animals, countries of the
world, flags and landmarks. One day,
Philip was quite distraught as one of his fellow graduates told him that
another child was smarter than him. “How is that possible?” asked Philip, “I know all the countries of the world!” We came to the conclusion that we are all
smart as we each know something different.
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| Philip in his first year. |
Sebastian
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| Sebastian |
Sebastian has always been the strong silent type, letting his actions speak louder than his words. In the classroom, he is very observant, taking everything in. When receiving a new lesson, he will often say, “I know how to do that. I watched you teach (insert name here) last year.” When given the activity, he really does know how to do it. Sebastian is a very kind and caring boy. In the classroom, he shows great concern for his fellow classmates. If someone is struggling with a piece of work or a task, he will quietly help. He has a very calming way about him which brings comfort to all. Sebastian is known by many names here at school – Sebastian, Sebastiano, Seb, Sebbie, Sebalicious - yet all of his classmates know him as a good friend.
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| Sebastian in his first year. |
Victoria
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| Victoria |
We have seen a friendly,
confident and helpful Victoria emerge this year. She loves being a graduate. Victoria is particularly sensitive to the needs
of the youngest children in the classroom.
Calm and gentle Victoria has spent time with them, quietly and subtly
guiding them in the classroom. Victoria is a talented artist and has always
enjoyed drawing. Her classmates will sit
around her, watching her draw. They will
often draw something and say “Victoria
taught me how to draw this.” Recently
she brought in an oil painting on canvas of an ice cream cone that she had
made. It was beautiful! It was hanging in a shop and someone had
wanted to buy it, but it was not for sale.
Her classmates were very impressed.
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| A very young Victoria joining her big sister's class for a field trip. |
You're off to great places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So......
get on your way!
