This week's Student of the Week is Tash M! (thanks to Tara for the great photo!!!)

Tash is such a positive and enthusiastic person. She's so upbeat that even when she is complaining about something ("I'm so tired". "Chemistry is so much work". Etc.) I can't really feel sorry for her. I know that sounds harsh but she's just so chipper (even when complaining) that the things she's "upset" about never sound THAT bad. Sorry Tash. But this is ACTUALLY a good thing. Who doesn't love being around someone who exudes warmth and alacrity (I never knew this word before but it suits you perfectly! Go ahead... look it up!!)

Tash was one of the Peer Tutors (the other being the wonderful Paulina C) in my Core Math 8 class last year. This was a... uh... challenging class at times and I cannot express how much of a difference Tash made in my class (and my life!!). I think, at times, that Tash's main job was just to allow me to vent a little after class was over (thanks for listening Tash!). But, thanks to Paulina and Tash's amazing work, the Core class showed so much improvement throughout the year. You made a huge difference Tash! Thanks!

I think so much of Tash that I asked her to babysit Simome while the rest of the family was at Sophia's graduation (KG Grad 2016!!). Tash spent about a whole 6 hours with Simone. One time only. And yet, three months later, Simone will still randomly (sitting in the bath, seemingly asleep in her bed, at the breakfast table) ask: "Where's Tash?". Talk about making an impression. Her other plea is "Wanna see Tash!" so I guess you might have to come babysit again sometime TM!!

I'm so happy that I get to teach you again in Calculus this year, Tash. You truly are a delightful person to be around. You are so personable and thoughtful. I admire you for working so hard, for your volunteer work, and for your ever-present (and beautiful!) smile! The world needs more people like you, Tash! 

Mon. Oct. 31:  Collaborative/Tutorial schedule 


Tues. Nov. 1 - Day 2
AM:  2A
PM:  2C


Wed. Nov. 2 - Day 1
AM:  1A
PM:  1C


Thurs. Nov. 3 - Day 2
AM:  2B
PM:  2D


Fri. Nov. 4 - Day 1
AM:  1B
PM:  1D


Bell Schedule for double blocks:
8:35 - 9:05:  Tutorial
9:10 - 11:10  AM Class
11:10 - 11:30  Silent reading & announcements
     LUNCH
12:28 - 12:58:  Tutorial
1:03 - 3:03    PM Class

This week's Student of the Week is Grace K (quite the photo submitted by Tara)!

What can you say about Grace? She's a real dynamo! EVERYBODY knows Grace and how couldn't they? I remember when she first arrived in grade 8. She was FULL ON!! It took about three days for all the teachers to start saying in the staff room: "Do you know Grace K? Do you teach Grace K? Isn't Grace K a character?" Etc.

Unlike most grade 8's, Grace quickly made herself very at home in my classroom after school was over. She'd come for extra help or just to chat. I remember one time she very emphatically told me: "I'm not going to be one of those kids who screws things up when they are a teenager. I know older kids who have made dumb mistakes and I'm not going to be like them". It was so impressive to me. Not because Grace was never going to make any mistakes (I'm sure she has made a few... as have all of us). But it was more her belief in herself. Her self-confidence. Grace was, and remains, a very powerful young woman.

But there is another side to Grace too. She has a tremendous heart. She gives a LOT of her time, volunteering for others. She cares very deeply for the people who are important to her. She doesn't suffer fools lightly (as the saying goes) but she will also go out of her way to make a difference in her community and to help those in need.

Of course, Grace does have some traits that can be "challenging" at times: she can be a little... uh... loud at times. She's been known to use some "colourful" language in front of her teachers. And then there is her habit of calling us teachers by our first names all the time (sheesh!). But I have nothing but love for this girl. Her enthusiasm, her sense of humour, her great work ethic. She is a unique and lovable person.

Thank you, Grace, for everything that you have brought to my class and done for our school. You are a very special student who will be remembered at King George for a long, long time. I have absolutely no idea what your plan is for after graduation but - with your charisma, your self-belief, and your determination - I have no doubt that you will be successful. I am proud of you already, no matter what comes next for you!