Dear Families

I have made a very difficult but important decision. I have accepted a position closer to home.
At Howard, for the coming school year 2013-2014 I  was given a grade 3 so I could not have kept any of your children next year. This helped me make that decision.
I have served you for six magical years. I kept many of your children for two years which made a great deal of difference for me and for them. I have been ever so lucky to get the best class year after year, (so says Mme Godin every single year!). I am richer for having taught your child. I watched him and her grow, seeing that split second when 'I get it' comes about, watched many laugh, some cry, loved every one of them in their unique ways. With your support, I have discovered and applied what it means to let one grow as a person and a student. Sitting down and listening is one kind of learning. There are so many more and we did let them manifest themselves thanks to you, parents and students, in area 34. 
It must be so difficult as a parent to surrender your child's learning to a teacher for a year or two. You have been so supportive and engaged; you have trusted me, you have come running with us, joined us for field trips and fun days. I thank you. There is much to miss from the families of Howard. When nobody was looking we went camping. We had beautiful runs to the most majestic of place, High Park, so unique to the west end. I have made the trek happily every day. The one hour trip in and the one hour plus trip back have taken time away form exercising, gardening and the rest of the homey stuff I enjoy doing. Gledhill, my next school, is a 19 minutes walk from my home. 
As heart wrenching as the decision has been to make, I have made it. Thank you for your engagement in 'our cabin the the wilderness'.