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| Colleagues! |
This particular year has been double the fun and double the challenge! Each of the English teachers at the school have two full classes of students. We teach English, Science and Visual Arts to 42 or more individuals. At the beginning of the year, I thought I would never remember their names. Now, nearing the end of the year, I hope I never forget them.
It has been a busy time! At today's staff meeting the principal started with a thank you to all of the teachers who have put forth the extra effort. I believe that every teacher in the world is entitled to that kind of thanks.
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| The class with class! |
- Kindergarten- Mrs. Schubel
- Grade 1- Mrs, Sleigh and Mrs. Cherry
- Grade 2- Mrs. Lichty
- Grade 3- Mrs. Graham
- Grade 4- Mrs. Stall
- Grade 5- Mrs. Garver
- Grade 6- Mr. Schumaker
- Grade 7- Mr. McArthur
- Grade 8- Miss Mosier and Mr. Hickey
It has been well over 50 years since I saw or heard or spent any time at all with any of these teachers, and yet, I can still picture them perfectly in my mind. What do I remember most about them?
As it turns out, not much! However, I do remember the first days of school and the last days of school. I remember striving to have "Perfect Attendance" and only managing that once in all those elementary years, and then it became less important. I remember crying in Kindergarten, learning to read in first grade, learning to print more neatly in second grade, reading independently and writing cursive in third grade, listening to great chapter books in fourth grade, my all girls class in fifth grade, and my first "boyfriend" in grade 6.
By grade 7 we had moved to Canada and my teacher was in his first or second year. There was plenty of new things to learn, including French. Our school was so crowded that the French classes were in one of the change rooms. Our teacher came to school one day with one black shoe and one brown shoe and proceeded to tell us about it!
In grade 8 I was hitting my stride as a student, interacting more socially with classmates and learning about Canadian geography. I remember that teacher, Mr. Hickey, who was also the school's principal. Forward thinking, he taught us mathematics in a new way and encouraged us to be the best we could be.
Those are just a few of the memories from elementary school....
Fast forward fifty years to today. Today is the last weekend before the final week of school. Things are winding down. Final assessments are in progress. Students are telling me when their final day of school will be. As Ramadan is fast approaching, families are pulling their children out early so they can travel.
Our class party is scheduled for Sunday afternoon with children bringing treats and drinks from home. If our class party is anything like the grade 3 parties that happened yesterday, there will be plenty to eat. We have also downloaded a movie for the children to enjoy.
It has been an eventful year. I have learned about the likes and lives of 42 Kuwaiti children. We have sung, danced, played and learned together. I have tried to teach them about good manners, respect and responsibility.
I hope that I never forget this experience teaching in the Elementary School. I wonder what memories will fill their minds about this year 50 years from now!
Until after the party,
Bee Rich
As it turns out, not much! However, I do remember the first days of school and the last days of school. I remember striving to have "Perfect Attendance" and only managing that once in all those elementary years, and then it became less important. I remember crying in Kindergarten, learning to read in first grade, learning to print more neatly in second grade, reading independently and writing cursive in third grade, listening to great chapter books in fourth grade, my all girls class in fifth grade, and my first "boyfriend" in grade 6.
By grade 7 we had moved to Canada and my teacher was in his first or second year. There was plenty of new things to learn, including French. Our school was so crowded that the French classes were in one of the change rooms. Our teacher came to school one day with one black shoe and one brown shoe and proceeded to tell us about it!
In grade 8 I was hitting my stride as a student, interacting more socially with classmates and learning about Canadian geography. I remember that teacher, Mr. Hickey, who was also the school's principal. Forward thinking, he taught us mathematics in a new way and encouraged us to be the best we could be.
Those are just a few of the memories from elementary school....
Fast forward fifty years to today. Today is the last weekend before the final week of school. Things are winding down. Final assessments are in progress. Students are telling me when their final day of school will be. As Ramadan is fast approaching, families are pulling their children out early so they can travel.
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| Sports Day |
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| Reading Week |
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| Mothers Day |
It has been an eventful year. I have learned about the likes and lives of 42 Kuwaiti children. We have sung, danced, played and learned together. I have tried to teach them about good manners, respect and responsibility.
I hope that I never forget this experience teaching in the Elementary School. I wonder what memories will fill their minds about this year 50 years from now!
Until after the party,
Bee Rich
