Final Post

Dear Grade 8's,

It has been a pleasure working with you all this past seven months. You have made my time at St. Gregory's most enjoyable. From volleyball, to AV, to drama and of course just being in the classroom with each of you, I have truly loved it all!

I must thank everyone for the amazing surprise party. It was clear that great time, planning and organizing went into it and I was very, very touched! Not every group of students would take the time, so thank you very much. But mostly I want to thank you all for making this grade 8 teaching experience an amazing one. You have all left a footprint on my heart.

In September I came in with goals for you all. I wanted to give you a variety of means to express yourself and teach you how to formulate a strong argument. I knew that I wanted to do this with debates and technology. However, you took these goals and blew me away. Think back to where your writing skills were in September and where they are now. Think about how you communicated your thoughts and ideas. You can now use power point as a tool to help you effectively present your ideas in a professional manner (i.e. Pay it Forward Presentations). You can clearly form and support an argument (blog, debate).Your ability to take what I had to offer and really run with it, exceeded my expectations.

As you move into this final chapter of your grade 8 year, go with confidence. Each of you are smart and capable students and bound for success. Continue to work hard and things will come your way. Think back to those All About Me power point presentations from way back in September, what were your goals? Have you met them? What are your goals from now until graduation? New or old, be sure to keep working toward something.

In the words of Mother Oak, “Within you is a great oak. Just be the tree (person) God made you to be!” Even if the person that you become, is not a historian I will still be very proud of all of you. Best of luck in all your future endeavours!

Sincerely,

Ms. Swanek