This week's Student of the Week is Parmida M (someone screenshot a photo from TikTok or something. I know she has a presence there!).

One thing I love about Parmida is her composure. She doesn't doubt herself; she has confidence in herself. There have been several (many?) times in the past when I have "suggested" that Parmida follow some other route than the one she is currently on. At times I have asked her to complete more work IN class (her preference is to do more at home) or to sit apart from her (truly lovely) friends (she prefers some light socialization in class). Parmida always looks at me like I'm slightly crazy. She's never rude; just matter-of-fact: "I'd rather do it this way". And, in fairness to her, it almost always works out. Parmida has done very well in my classes all three years that I have taught her (it's not FOUR is it, Parmida?).

And another great quality: Parmida is very forgiving. There were one or two occasions where I remember losing my temper (mildly) with Parmida (I think we were going over her test together, looking for missed marks). When she left I felt bad, like I'd been a bit harsh. But I saw her again, mere hours later, and she was as friendly and as sweet as ever.

Which is ANOTHER wonderful trait of Parmida's: she is such a personable and kind person. I have always found her to be sincere when she is saying hello, asking me how I'm doing, thanking me for my help. So nice to be around someone like that!

One last thing about Parmida that took a while for me to realize: she has a wicked sense of humour. I have heard her teasing Sam B and complaining about various school things (Math or otherwise) and it's pretty hilarious. She has a straight-face delivery but she's very funny.

It's been awesome teaching you, Parmida. Thanks for ALWAYS being so kind to me, so patient, so determined, and such a hard-working student. I know that you will be successful in the years ahead. I will miss you and I love you!

This week's Student of the Week is Alex L (I haven't had much luck receiving photos recently, but it doesn't hurt to ask...  please!).

Alex started telling me in early grade 10 that "I hope I will be in your class every year at King George". It was pretty flattering that he was so eager to stick with me and - happily for both of us - his wish came true! Five straight years of teaching Alex!

Overall that time, I have gotten to know Alex pretty well. I know it sounds weird but he reminds me of a lot of the guys I used to go to high school with (in the suburbs of Vancouver). Let me count the ways:

1. plays hockey
2. jeans and a concert T-shirt many (most?) days of the week
3. big rock fan (even one of his favourite bands - The Tragically Hip - is of my era.
4. likes working with his hands and planning on making a career of it (Alex did an apprenticeship program at West Van High this year. This is a SMART move)
5. always ready to share a laugh / relay a joke / make good-natured fun of his friends
6. accomplished opera singer

Okay, I made the last one up. But besides that, it describes some of my best high school friends perfectly. You should have graduated in 1990 (from NDSS) with me and not 2020 KG, Alex!

Alex is a simple guy... and I mean that as a compliment. What you see is what you get. He is not trying to impress you or conform to your expectations. The word that describes Alex best is authentic. There is nothing contrived about him. He's genuine and I admire him greatly for it.

It's been so much fun teaching you, Alex. Thanks for all the laughs, the hard work, and the kind words you have bestowed upon me over the years. Take care of your noggin (no more concussions!), stay real, and keep enjoying life! I'll miss you Alex. Love ya!

This week's Student of the Week is Hannah S (hoping for a photo from someone... maybe even from Hannah herself... still hoping for those grade 12 photos!).

I do believe Hannah S is the all-time champ! No other student I have taught over the past 23 years has been in my class as many times as Hannah. I believe I taught Tyler A (I can't believe I still remember his name!!) 6 times in Squamish. And Nella L was the same at KG. But, unless I am mistaken, Hannah has EVERYONE beat:

1. Math 8 Tech
2. Math 9 Tech
3. Foundations of Mathematics and PreCalculus 10
4. Foundations 11
5. PreCalculus 11
6. PreCalculus 12
7. Community Service 12

Incredibly, she was actually in an EIGHTH class (Foundations 12) but she ended up dropping. I think this was a forced drop (in order to get an English class. Remember how messed up the timetable was at the start of the year) and, if so, it's pretty annoying because I think 8 classes would be unassailable. Who would and could ever beat that!?

Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if Hannah has had her fill of me by now. I mean, how many goofy jokes, daily puzzles, and battles with the white/SMART board can one student endure? Especially someone as sensible, responsible, and mature as Hannah. Honestly, she probably surpassed my maturity level in about mid-grade 9.

It's pretty hilarious when I make a particularly bad joke (often) and I look over at Hannah. She'll have this kind of frozen, wide-eyed, mortified stare. This is the closest I can find to it.

Hahaha! Those looks of hers can also make me feel better at times. She was my CS student in a pretty rambunctious (at times) Math 9 class. On days when things were especially going off the rails (people asking the same question five times, people arriving 30 minutes late, people sharpening multiple pencils in the middle of my lesson, etc) I would always look over at Hannah and she would do a subtle eye roll or a tiny head shake. It was just what I needed to soldier on. Thanks H.S.!

I can always count on Hannah for an honest appraisal of my teaching. I believe there was one time when I snapped at her a little bit by mistake (I can't remember. Something like I thought she was chatting at an inopportune time, but it actually wasn't her). Anyway, at the end of class, as she is leaving, she walks by me and calmly asks: "what exactly was THAT all about". 

Love the confidence! Hannah has ALWAYS (for as long as I have know her) been very sure of herself. Very authentic. Independent. Strong-willed. Hope she never loses any of these traits and I'm sure she will not.

It's been so much fun to teach you, Hannah. I've taught you seven times and one of the words I would still use to describe you is "mysterious". I mean that in a good way. You are so dynamic, adaptable, and self-expressed that you continued to surprise me, even in grade 12. It TRULY will not be the same without you next year and I ALREADY miss you. All the best to you, Hannah. Love you!