Monday was Deb's retirement. Debbie Guglielmin is an amazing teacher and mentor. She either came to Blue Willow the same year as me, or the year before. She was a grade three teacher and I taught her class music. She's so great to talk to. She moved from a homeroom to the library and she also worked as a literacy lead, helping other teachers build their language programs. The retirement party was so lovely. It was a lovely celebration with lovely tributes. One of the teachers re-wrote the words to Let It Go, and we sang it to Deb and made her cry. It was so fun to see former colleagues and friends. Working at Blue Willow has brought so many, many amazing people into my life.
Tuesday was grade eight graduation. I have had a lot of fun with the grade eights this year. They are such a great group of kids. The graduation was at Chateau Le Jardin event venue. It was an incredibly beautiful location. The graduation ceremony itself was held in a huge room, with a huge ceiling. It was really very grand. I should have taken a pic. I presented the English and History awards because one of my friends and colleagues was on bed rest with a torn meniscus. (You could hear the kids responding with surprise when I was called to present the English award.) And of course I also presented the music award. I love graduation. It is always such a great night, such a great celebration of so much hard work. I have been so blessed to work with so many great kids!
Sarah-Jane, Me, Gisella
Me, Dineshree
The Graduates after the ceremony posing on the stairs.
The Music Award Winner, Dominic.
Two boys from band with an enigma in the middle, Kairav, Rishabh, Eddy.
My lunch girls. Alexandra, Hana, Parmis, Dora, Dua.
Students and friends. Dua.
Kate and Mme Mudahy
Kate and Miss Rakivi
Alice, Ms. Fayaz, Ms. White
Ms. White, Alice
Alice and Sue
Fiona and Miss Abbey
Fiona and Miss Amber
Fiona and Miss Sheryl
Thursday was the last day of school - a half day for me, a full day for the girls. We clapped out the grade 8s, there were lots of tears and lots of hugs. We teachers had a brief meeting and then we were able to work in our classrooms for the afternoon. It was supposed to be the staff party after school, but I just didn't want to go. I wanted to be home and be with my girls, so I skipped the staff party. I picked up the girls, said goodbye a second time, gave hugs a second time and we met Ken at Lone Star to have a celebration dinner. The girls report cards were awesome. We then went to Toys R Us to buy a celebration toy. It was a really fun night.
Friday. I didn't want to get up. I didn't want to do anything. It has been a great year, it really has, but it has been a LONG year. So much driving, so much hustle and bustle. I was feeling so very empty yesterday and felt almost like I was going to burst into tears on the way to work, but it was okay. We had meetings and they weren't too bad, then the afternoon to tidy up. I left the school right about 2:45, picked up a piece of Fortino's Mediterraneo pizza and headed home. (Confession, I've had this same slice of pizza three times this week - so good. It has mozzarella cheese, olive oil, roasted red peppers, eggplant, zucchini, goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, balsamic drizzle.) The drive home was slow - even though I took the 407 - can you say holiday traffic?! I got home and just wanted to be by myself, but the girls, they don't get that. I went to my room with my new lap top (from work), and was soon joined by Alice then Fiona. There was much rolling around and ruffling of sheets, and I was about to lose it. So we went for a walk.
I love love love living a ten minute walk from the lake. Alice, Fiona and I had a lovely walk.
I need a little sleep, a little time to calm down, then I'll be good to go! I'm so so grateful for my job. I love being a teacher, I love having my summers off. Here's to time with friends and family. I'm so blessed to have this time to recharge.
