Harry Bowes P.S.

I am just filled with so much gratitude when I think about my new school! I know I haven't posted about it yet this fall so here goes.

Four years ago when we moved to Ajax I thought, I need a transfer, I do not want to do this drive forever! Driving from our home in Ajax to Blue Willow P.S. in Woodbridge was not my idea of a good time long term, and although I did look for a transfer, each year that I didn't get one, a big part of me was grateful that it hadn't happened it. The first year I had no leads. The second year I had two different interviews that were set up and both were cancelled almost at the last minute for really weird reasons. The third year I had one interview for a position at a new school. The principal was super intense and kind of terrified me. I wasn't chosen for the position, and looking back I am totally fine with that! That brings us the the fourth year of looking. 

Harry Bowes was there on the vacancy list but it was only a .74. I wasn't really looking to be part time but Ken and I discussed it and he felt that I should apply anyway. Brian (my principal at Blue Willow) knew Tim (the principal at Harry Bowes) and made a call on my behalf. I had a virutal interview with Tim and Sue on April 23rd (the vp at Harry Bowes) and shortly afterwards they let me know that they'd like to hire me, but that they would have to wait because of some formalities. I can't remember exactly when it was official but it was some time around June 8th?

I was nervous but excited. I shed a few tears, and it felt weird, BUT I was at peace. I knew this was right and I knew the timing was right and I was excited.

Fast forward to the fall. Goodness gracious, I can't remember being so nervous in September, maybe when I first started teaching? I was just so nervous! I didn't doubt the decision exactly, but I felt scared. The week before I was to be going into school to set up my classroom Ken broke his leg, so the option to work virtually for the meetings the week before school started was a good option and I took it. I think I went to school briefly one afternoon and it was weird but okay. The next week I brought my things and started to get settled.

For Covid reasons I wouldn't be teaching in my classroom but no one was going to be using it, so I finally brought my piles of things to school and started to unpack and arrange things, thankful for the space and excited about making it my own. However! This was not meant to be and the intermediate sert was put in the music room. I then took over one of the practice rooms at the back and made it my office, Cara was lovely in the emails and it sounded like it was all going to work out.

I was incredibly nervous for the first day with students, but slowly as the weeks have passed it has gotten easier and easier. I can't remember exactly when I realized that I felt like I was home, but it was pretty seamless and easy. The drive is beautiful. This fall has been so stunning. The kids have been welcoming and fun. The staff have been great. Cara - I call her my roommate has been awesome. We both have three girls that are similar ages, and we enjoy talking and sharing chocolates! It's been so good for my soul - the shorter drive, great students, great staff. And I feel so blessed and I feel so so thankful.

The pictures below were taken in the area just behind my school. There's this awesome little path that I walk on with the 7/8 class that I have DPA (daily physical activity) with twice a week. 

Waiting is hard, not knowing is hard, but there were so many instances along the way that I knew Heavenly Father was mindful of my desires to work closer to home, and that it was just a matter of time. I was so happy at Blue Willow, I still have such love in my heart for the amazing kids and staff I worked with there. I am so grateful to now be at Harry Bowes. I'm so thankful for the way everything worked out. Heavenly Father loves His children so much. He is mindful of our needs and if we endure with faith, things do work out.

The First Day of School

The girls first day of school was today. Durham's gradual entry program meant that the girls had one day of school this week. They were nervous but excited. I got special permission to come in late today, as there were no students in the building - York Region's entry plan was different. This was so very special to me. I haven't had a first day of school since Kate was in Kindergarten!

Kate - Grade 6 - Mrs. Dawidek (Mme. Fudali - French)

Alice - Grade 4 Mrs. Pritchard (Mme. Rochleau - French)

Fiona - Grade 2 Mme Hawley

Masks

No masks

We went on a shopping trip to Old Navy and each girl is wearing a new outfit. Having a back to school outfit seems to be a tradition now! We're hopeful that face to face school will be safe and that the girls will thrive being back. 

Back to School Blessings

We each received a back to school blessing from Ken tonight. I love back to school blessings. They are such a sweet way to begin a new year, remembering our Father in Heaven and His love and guidance that is always available to us.

Alice
- Be a Light - be an example
- Health and strength
- Carefulness from diseases and other influences
- Excel in school
- Get along with teachers and peers

Fiona
- be happy
- Lift those around you
- Stay safe, know how to stay safe
- Look to your sisters for help
- Learn English and French effectively

Kate
- Your family is behind you
- Your family loves you
- You are precious
- Recognize your true potential as a daughter of God
- Be smart and fearless
- Overcome your anxiety and fears
- Get along with your classmates and teachers
- You'll find friendship and comradery 

Wendy
- Grateful for your job
- Discerning who you can help
- Safety as you travel
- Energy, focus
- Be a light to your family

Cottage Week 2020

I was so excited when Emily suggested a cottage week together. I was also super excited when she had a connection to a cottage that was pretty cheap on a beautiful lake with a little sandy beach near Huntsville. We were all super excited for cottage week!

Monday August 10 - the arrival

The very unique looking cottage.

Tuesday August 11 - water fun, sand fun

Wednesday August 12 - kites, Boston Pizza, bonfire

Thursday August 13 - water craft, Kawartha Dairy, Zoom meeting - Marvin Perkin

Sonia's Anti-Racism Group - The guest speaker Marvin Perkins was amazing. He spoke about the Book of Mormon, about race, about Blacks and the Priesthood. It was so good.

A tear.

Friday August 14 - Muskoka Pioneer Village, GF Poutine

Saturday August 15 - Goodbye

**Today is Thursday, July 31, 2025. I can't remember when I actually discovered that I'd never posted about our first cottage week ever. Looking back at these pics the kids look so little. But it's thinking about that this all happened in the thick of the Covid19 pandemic. This cottage week - even with the weird cottage and mouse poop in a few too many places, this week was an escape from the chaos in the world around us. I'm so grateful for the genesis of this tradition and all that has come from it. 

Oh and I just remembered about a few more pictures that I'd taken. Not sure which day was what, but highly possible that these are all from the Friday.