End Of School

Our kids had a great year at their school, Elmdale.  Joel and Kezia both adjusted to Canadian school in English, even though at times there were tears, questions and wonderings, and a lot of new things to learn.

Joel had a fabulous teacher, Mr. Thiessen who was a very big, jovial man.  He loved Joel's sense of humour and appreciated his helpfulness.  Joel, who was used to very affectionate teachers back in Bolivia, really thrived under Mr. T's friendly and open nature.  Throughout the year, Mr. T expressed how impressed  he was at Joel's advanced math skills and the way that he was helpful with his classmates.  Plus, Joel was always good for a great joke and tease!  Often Carl and I were stopped in the community by the EA's or substitute teachers who wanted to let us know that they really appreciated Joel in the classroom and were impressed with what a great guy he was for them.  That made us proud to hear that he is a blessing to those around him.  He loved being a buddy reader to a kindergartner, wrote a hilarious book about pumpkins, and also had a fabulous time getting to know his grand-partner from the senior's centre.  We're really thankful for Mr. T and Joel's amazing year.  Now it's off to grade 4!!

Kezia also had a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Remple.  She was very mothering and kind, something that Kezia thrived under.  Kezia really missed her profs and compaῆeros back in Bolivia and so she had a harder time adjusting.  But with Mrs. R's gentle manner and kind approach, Kezia found her place in grade 2.  Kezia proved to be an excellent student, especially in reading and writing.  Within a month of being in school, Kezia had already achieved the reading level for the year.  One of her favourite things that they did in school was writing and illustrating their own books.  She loved doing research, writing the book and drawing the pictures.  She even wrote a series about a girl named Cindy.  Her report card always had glowing comments, but more important than grades, Kezia was a helpful and supportive student in the class.  She was continually looking for ways to lend a hand either to Mrs. R or to other students.  We are very proud of her as well.


I had the privilege of  helping on their last day of school during their swimming party.  Though it was a little chaotic being a parent volunteer I was so pleased to be able to be there on Joel's and Kezia's last day.  At the lunch picnic teachers told us they were so disappointed that we were moving away.  "You know that we teachers were all vying to have your kids in our class and a bit angry that we can't have them!".  That brought tears to my eyes.....It's good to have your kids so loved by their teachers.


It's going to be a great summer and in the fall the kids look forward to starting in a new school....plus we have a kindergartner this coming year!