From the Nest

I have a plant that, for close to ten years has traveled with me from school to school. It was first left with me when a co-worker went on leave and unbenounced to me, left it in the back of my classroom. I noticed it there one day, half dead, and thought, "What am I going to do with this thing?" I was busy, and didn't think about it much until a student commented on how good it looked. I took a look at it and it was indeed green and growing once again! I didn't know why, though! Later that week, the Head Custodian rolled through my classroom, caught my attention and said to me, "This much water (as he pointed at a cup), once a week", and then he walked out. I have been taking care of it ever since and it has grown significantly, it is a visual reminder of the growth that can happen when a bit of care is taken.

The importance of forward motion is echoed in the  Benjamin Franklin quote that I have added to this update yet it isn't always easy to see. At this time of year we are often wrapped up in the fever of "wrapping up". Grad, exams, final projects. That said, while we do this, it is imperative that we look back as well. Invariably a look back will inspire thoughts of how far we have come. While we can sometimes get obsessed with finite goals, everyone has grown this year and at the end of the day, growth should be our goal. While outside targets will always be part of our life, what we will always need to hold ourselves to will be that of becoming better every day. This is one of the simple aphorisms in life that is much easier said than done and is well worth the effort of doing.

So as we wind down, wrap up and get ready, remember to look back! I only managed to spend half the year with all of you, but it has been a great!

Respectfully,

Justin Klaassen

If your child will be absent due to illness or appointment, please email:

shannon.austin@gshare.blackgold.ca

kelly.goldsworthy@gshare.blackgold.ca

You may also call the school directly at 780-985-3515