School’s Out for Summer!

Having spent much of my adult life as a teacher (and all of my childhood as a student), I tend to measure time in school-years. And here we are, at the culmination of yet another year of growth, embarking on the season of rest, freedom and general wilding-out: SUMMER BREAK. I had the amazing privilege of spending time each week with my little friends, Mason and Charlotte – doing some school pick-ups, attending some events at school, even doing a little volunteering, meeting buses, after school snacks and park visits. I loved every minute and was so honoured to be part of the school journey of these two people and watch them grow up SO much his year. Now, they are ready for summer adventures (and I can’t wait to be part of some of those, too).

Now, as a retired teacher, I take so much pleasure in watching the children around me grow throughout each school year. They complete nursery school and move to Kindergarten. Kindergarten to Grade 1 is a big step. I have the pleasure of watching former students graduate from Grade 8 to Grade 9 and then, those even older move on to post-secondary. I still receive meaningful messages from students of the past and some thank-you notes for my small part in their lives and growth. I watch the teachers around me finish up and clean up and mourn and celebrate the end of another year. The time invested in the young lives around them – the sadness is letting that amazing class go.

It’s momentous… and it’s not. Summer is here, another year of growth, another month coming to an end, another day passing in full and busy lives. The frenzy of the last week of school, graduations, report cards, teacher gifts, thanks you cards, hugs and tears and smiles and laughter. Now, the lunch bags and back packs are tossed aside, flip-flops, bathing suits and sun screen, bikes and baseballs and beaches and cottages. Everyone takes a breath, looks at the blue sky of summer, feels the heat and takes in every minute of freedom…until school begins again.

For Students:
A Time to Reflect…

The year has flown, a whirlwind of days,
Filled with learning, in so many ways.
We’ve laughed and grown, together we’ve strived,
Now summer beckons, where dreams will be revived.
So long, dear school, until we meet again,
May sunshine warm us, until then.
Looking Forward. 

The books are closed, the backpacks packed tight,
Summer’s here, a glorious, sunlit light.
New adventures wait, and friendships new,
This year’s memories, forever true.
We’ll miss the lessons, the teachers’ kind grace,
But summer’s promise, we can’t replace.
 

For Teachers:
A Fond Farewell.

My students dear, the year has flown,
Your bright young minds, a seed has sown.
I’ve watched you learn, and grow, and bloom,
Now summer calls, dispelling gloom.
May your days be filled with joy and play,
Remember all we learned today.
A Teacher’s Wish. 

As another year comes to an end,
My wish for you is to transcend.
Beyond the classroom, into the blue,
Discover passions, and see them through.
I’ll cherish the moments, the laughter, the tears,
And look forward to meeting you in coming years