As an educator, it is a gift to watch from afar as your former Kindergarten students make their way through Junior School, Middle School, and Senior School at SMUS. The thread of connection always exists, and despite only sometimes getting glimpses at school-wide events, performances, or in the SMUS Weekly, the marvel, wonder, and awe at these once-upon-a-time Kindergarteners grow exponentially over time. Undoubtedly, the magical experience of teaching and getting to know these children in their first year of school leaves an imprint on your heart that remains forever. There simply aren’t enough words to describe what it’s like to watch these Lifers cross the stage at graduation, knowing their journey has been rich, complex, beautiful, and full of personal accomplishments. It simply takes one’s breath away.
What a joyful invitation it is to reflect on this year’s group of Lifer graduates! As the first double cohort of Kindergarten at SMUS, I had the privilege of encountering so many of these students as they took their first steps into the Junior School many years ago. Many Lifers were taught by the wonderful Natalie Gardner that year as well. Although some classroom memories may be different, all share the same essence of a beautiful, unfolding journey over thirteen years.
We first met you when your backpacks were almost bigger than you; when your greatest concern was who got to be Leader of the Day and sit in the special chair (so much power in that role!); and when putting on your navy SMUS sweater after turning it inside out a few times was a major accomplishment. We remember the days when you learned to write your names, actually ate your entire lunch (usually by March), and made a new friend by simply sharing your favourite crayon or the Lego piece they desperately (!) needed. It’s pretty wonderful to see how some of those friendships have endured over the years. It’s easy to recall your excitement to attend weekly Junior School assemblies and see your Grade 5 Reading Buddies.
A fun start to our Kindergarten year was with Chester and The Kissing Hand and The Gruffalo while you learned to sit “Crisscross Applesauce” for morning circle. Your chatter, your laughter, your questions, and your post-recess reports on others’ misdemeanours filled our classrooms with life. To see you now is nothing short of extraordinary.
While general memories of many Kindergarten years at SMUS often overlap and sometimes blur, specific and special ones always remain clear. The same is true of students. Some memorable moments from this Lifer group’s Kindergarten year include big projects such as the Fairy Project, the Beautiful Stuff Project, Nature’s Alphabet, The Litter Patrol, The Polar Express, and SMUPER Stars. Songs like “Catch a Brainwave” and “We Are the Litter Patrol,” and sayings like “Silent Cheer!” and “Kiss Your Brain” come to mind. Other memories, smaller and just as precious, include afternoons sitting on the carpet in the sunlight by the window, discovering and appreciating beautiful children’s books together. We gathered in our community circle to talk about Chester’s antics, both in the classroom and at students’ homes. And of course, there was the excitement of choice time — the Lego, wooden blocks, Tinkertoys, and Lincoln Logs (or, as one clever student named them, the Mrs. Lincoln Logs!). The feats of design and engineering! The book-making station for budding authors and illustrators, the Creation Station, the dramatic play corner (some of the best SMUS theatrical performances were born here!), and the first-ever light table in Kindergarten — an innovation at the time. All of it was pure magic.
This year’s Lifers have continued making magic. Those unique Kindergarten students have gone on to reveal new and continued strengths in academics, athletics, visual arts, design and technology, music and choral performances, theatre and beyond. Observing the seeds of interest, passion, and curiosity planted in those early days grow into initiatives in clubs and service has been so inspiring. As an educator, it’s clear these accomplishments come from students taking risks, pushing beyond comfort zones, and committing their time and energy with discipline and resilience. One can’t help but feel an enormous sense of pride in who these little people have become — through their own self-determination.
You are all nothing short of amazing.
A “Silent Cheer” for each and every one of you!
