Dear Grade 6s and 7s,
Welcome back to Suncrest for the start of the 2023-2024 school year! I can hardly contain my excitement as I return for my fifth year here at this remarkable school. September has always held a special place in my heart – not just because it marks the beginning of a new school year – but because it’s a time when I get to witness firsthand how much you’ve grown and changed over the summer break! I especially love the first week back when I get to hear about all of the amazing experiences and adventures you’ve had during your time off.
Grade 7s: This is a big year for you! As the most senior students, you have the opportunity to lead by example, inspire your peers., and leave a positive impact on the entirety of the Suncrest community.
Grade 6s: Your arrival fills our classroom with fresh energy and brings new potential! You bring unique perspectives and talents that will enrich the MACC 6/7 community in ways yet unseen.
Although you might already know quite a bit about me, this letter aims to give you a more in-depth introduction to who I am. My name is Melissa Patterson, and while I didn’t originally hail from the beautiful province of British Columbia, I’ve called Vancouver my home for the past fourteen years. I came to not only avoid the freezing winters and scorching summers of Ontario but also to study at the University of British Columbia. Despite having completed two degrees, I find myself continuously drawn to the world of learning and am currently still enrolled as a student and taking courses. This means that:
A) I have a lot of empathy for you as a student, and
B) we can grumble about having homework together!
Now, a little more about my personal life:
I must confess to being an unapologetic crazy cat lady. My humble abode is ruled by the whims of a sassy, stout, and spirited tortoiseshell cat named Maggie. While I may pay the bills, she’s the one who truly holds the power.
Family holds immense importance in my life. My family is small – consisting of my parents, my older brother Andrew, and myself. Though my brother remains in Ontario, our weekly video calls are a cherished tradition where we share the highs and lows of our lives. In a wonderful twist of fate, my parents relocated to Vancouver in 2022, and now they live just a 12-minute walk away from my apartment. This newfound proximity means that we’re able to spend quality time together more frequently, sharing delicious meals and engaging in spirited game nights.
Speaking of games, they are a significant part of my life. I’m an enthusiastic gamer, both in the virtual realm of video games and the tangible world of board games. Once a week, I join a board game meet-up, and my collection has expanded considerably as a result. If you’re ever on the hunt for a board game recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask—I’m your go-to resource!
Additionally, I have a deep love for reading and enjoy a diverse array of genres, including dystopian fiction, science fiction, horror, thrillers, and fantasy. During weekends, it’s become a habit for me to pay a visit to the nearby Little Free Libraries, searching for newfound treasures that might find a cozy home in my bookshelves.
When it comes to physical activities, I find joy in sports such as squash, tennis, and volleyball. However, I also appreciate the peacefulness of yoga, which offers a wonderful contrast to high energy sports.
Beyond that, I have a passion for culinary experimentation. Cooking and baking provide me with an artistic outlet, and I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try. You might say I take inspiration from cooking competition shows, even if I’m more “Nailed It” in the kitchen than “Master Chef”!
Turning to the topic of my summer adventures, I had the privilege of teaching Exploring Writing 6/7for at Marlborough for July – marking my 3rd year with the school.
The majority of my summer, however, was dedicated to playing host to two special guests.
One was a friend who had spent the past year teaching in China, and the other was one of my dearest friends who had never before visited Canada, despite our 21 years of friendship. We enjoyed many different activities such as watching the breathtaking Celebration of Lights fireworks displays, exploring the local markets, enjoying home-cooked meals as well as sampling the local eateries, and putting our heads together for trivia night at the Rec Room (even earning ourselves an honorable mention!).
A value that I hold close is the importance of setting goals. Each year, I establish at least five realistic goals that span different areas of my life. These encompass learning, social activities, and physical and mental personal growth. My goals for this year include reading at least one book per month and writing a reflection or review for each, completing the Couch to 5K running program and participating in a 5K run, advancing my French language skills through daily Duolingo lessons and a formal course, making time for daily yoga practice, and earning three more credits towards my diploma in guidance studies.
I’d like to conclude by sharing a source of inspiration that has guided me through life and one that I aim to bring into our classroom. The incomparable Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus series has always been a role model for me. Her motto – “ – resonates deeply. As we begin this 2023-2024 school year, remember that learning involves taking chances, making mistakes is part of the process, and that growth often comes with a sprinkle of messiness. Embrace the challenges that come your way with kindness and compassion
for yourself and others and believe in your ability to achieve incredible things.
Here’s to an exciting year ahead of us!