Doubly Blessed To Have Been Back At St. Hilary Elementary School Again
When I arrived at St. Hilary Elementary School, well before the morning bell, I was warmly welcomed by Ms. Dias, the grade three and four teacher. She graciously escorted us to her grade three and four classroom. As I went into her class, there was no question in my mind that she was expecting me. Right there on her smart board, was today’s agenda, and I was happy to see my name as the first item of her class’ schedule. Ms. Dias kindly got to work moving aside a few items to allow access to a full view from the smart board. My set up was quick; and I was soon happily anticipating the students.
As each student walked in, we exchanged greetings. Some even called me by name. They were very friendly and glad to see me. Right after announcements, I started my Public Speaking presentation to a very enthusiastic and attentive group. Following my presentation, some students raised their hands, as they were eager to ask me questions. I was only more than happy to answer. I only had time to answer a few questions, as I was expected in another class. Ms. Dias really enjoyed my presentation and she agreed to furnish me with the completed Exit Tickets at recess. Before I left her wonderful classroom, we took some group pictures. Everyone was all smiles.
When we left Ms. Dias’ class, we just walked straight down the hall to Ms. Bartnik’s grade one and two class. As we arrived, Ms. Stefaniuk, the librarian, greeted us. Accommodating and very helpful, Ms. Stefaniuk, signed on to the class’ desktop and helped to get the smart board started. Moments later, Mr. Purdon, the planning teacher, arrived and Ms. Stefaniuk left. It was a delightful group of grades one and two students, seated on the carpeted floor, happily anticipating my Public Speaking presentation.
Once I finally got started, the students were good little listeners. They, too, had questions. It was great. We even got a chance to take a group picture with most students and Ms. Han, a South Korean teacher, who was visiting the school for a couple of weeks.
Before the students left for recess, a student, even generously gave me some of her colouring pages; one was even already coloured for me. It was a fabulous little class. The Exit Tickets were left with Mr. Purdon. Before I left the class, I got to meet Ms. Bartnik, who was getting ready to patrol at recess.
As I left Ms. Bartnik’s classroom, Ms. Dias’ came to meet me to return her class’ completed Exit Tickets and she thanked me again for coming.
Below are excerpts from some of these Exit Tickets:
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle has struggles and she overcame them with positivity.”
This made me think… “I should help others and I can make a difference in the world.”
Now, I wonder… “how I can help others.”
Today I heard/saw… “That Giselle didn’t let anyone put her down.”
This made me think… “That I shouldn’t let no one let me down.”
Now, I wonder… “What’s Giselle next big step. Questions: *How did you get sick? * How were you taught? Did you play any sports? *Did people exclude you from games?”
Today I heard/saw… “That together with help from each other we can change the world.”
This made me think… “What a difference we can make if we just work together.”
Now, I wonder… “How people have the strength to overcome challenges …?”
Today I heard/saw… “Today I heard from Giselle that she has gone through challenges.”
This made me think… “that she has very hard challenges and wants to change the way people think.”
Now, I wonder… “Now I wonder how did she make friends Question: *When’s her birthday. *does she understand me.”
Today I heard/saw… “I should never give up on myself and everyone should be inclusive and include others.”
This made me think… “I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”
Now, I wonder… “How can I help other forward on?”
Today I heard/saw… “Giselle”
This made me think… “What’s it like to be Giselle”
Now, I wonder… “how nice Giselle is”
Today I heard/saw… “that we should help people and we should face challenges in a positive manner.”
This made me think… “Why does she have to face this particular challenge.”
Now, I wonder… “how does she face bullying because it would be hard.”
Today I heard/saw… “Today I heard that she has many obstacles. I saw her school.”
This made me think… “I thought that the messages were really nice.”
Now, I wonder… “Now I wonder why we argue as we don’t live a hard life”
Today I heard/saw… “It good to be different”
This made me think… “how it feels to be Giselle”
Now, I wonder… “to get bully for being different.”
Today I heard/saw… “Today I saw a beautiful girl going through challenges”
This made me think… “That I should be thankful for everything I have.”
Now, I wonder… “Now I wonder how life was for her”
Today I heard/saw… “A brave young lady go through struggles and persevere to reach her goals”
This made me think… “that we should not complain about the little things and work hard to achieve our dreams”
Now, I wonder… “am I doing everything God intended me to do. How can I do even better?”
When I returned to the school foyer, Ms. Calvert came out to see me. She was very happy to see me, as I was overjoyed to see her again too. I was certainly doubly blessed to be graciously invited back by the kind-hearted Ms. Calvert. She even took some pictures with me.
I look forward to coming back to the wonderfully captivating and charming St. Hilary’s Elementary School to do my Public Speaking presentation in the library to Ms. Nwakoby, Ms. Subic class and to all other classes too.
