I can't tell you how many students have been fooled by this statement in the past couple of days. As 2014 wraps up, I want to take a few moments to reflect on this semester so far. Young people sometimes get a bad rep because they do silly, stupid things and make poor decisions but I firmly believe that they are learning and preparing to become responsible adults. I highly recommend the CBC documentary, Surviving the Teenage Brain to learn more about how the teenage brain works and why teens do the things they do. I see about 100 high school students everyday in my classes and here's what I see. I see students challenged in many different ways. They must balance their responsibilities at home, school, work and extra curricular activities. They must cope with stress but despite the challenges they persevere and rise to the challenges!
To my current students,
This semester, I am proud to say that I have witnessed greatness in you. Don't get me wrong...you sometimes drive me crazy but I think it is the best kind of crazy! You attend class and arrive on time on a regular basis. You pay attention, ask intelligent questions and participate in class activities. You try your best. You show respect for yourself and others. You even tolerate my attempts at humour. You contribute to our community through your volunteer work. Here are just some of the activities you have led and participated in. You have collected food for Feed NS, you have baked goodies to empower families in need, you have created baskets and raised money for Bryony House, you have held princess tea parties for the Malala Fund, you have organized an Eco Fashion show, you have organized assemblies to honour our veterans on Remembrance day and raise awareness of human trafficking, you have served at the school breakfast program and you have assisted others at peer tutoring. You have worked at your part-time jobs while earning spending money and saving for post secondary studies. Thank you for serving me at Sobey's, Cineplex, Pro Hockey Life, Pseudio, American Eagle and many other retail and food establishments. You sing, you dance, create jewelry and celebrate the arts. You are giving 100% to your sports and extracurricular activities and modelling good practices for younger people.
I wish you all a fantastic holiday break! Enjoy time with your friends and family. Be kind to your family - you are connected through your double helix. Have a family tongue rolling survey at the dinner table! Be smart and safe. Think before you act both online and in person. Get lots of rest and eat lots of great food but watch your blood glucose levels! Maintain homeostasis over the holidays and I look forward to 2015!
To my current students,
This semester, I am proud to say that I have witnessed greatness in you. Don't get me wrong...you sometimes drive me crazy but I think it is the best kind of crazy! You attend class and arrive on time on a regular basis. You pay attention, ask intelligent questions and participate in class activities. You try your best. You show respect for yourself and others. You even tolerate my attempts at humour. You contribute to our community through your volunteer work. Here are just some of the activities you have led and participated in. You have collected food for Feed NS, you have baked goodies to empower families in need, you have created baskets and raised money for Bryony House, you have held princess tea parties for the Malala Fund, you have organized an Eco Fashion show, you have organized assemblies to honour our veterans on Remembrance day and raise awareness of human trafficking, you have served at the school breakfast program and you have assisted others at peer tutoring. You have worked at your part-time jobs while earning spending money and saving for post secondary studies. Thank you for serving me at Sobey's, Cineplex, Pro Hockey Life, Pseudio, American Eagle and many other retail and food establishments. You sing, you dance, create jewelry and celebrate the arts. You are giving 100% to your sports and extracurricular activities and modelling good practices for younger people.
I wish you all a fantastic holiday break! Enjoy time with your friends and family. Be kind to your family - you are connected through your double helix. Have a family tongue rolling survey at the dinner table! Be smart and safe. Think before you act both online and in person. Get lots of rest and eat lots of great food but watch your blood glucose levels! Maintain homeostasis over the holidays and I look forward to 2015!