I just wanted to write a quick note to say goodbye and to express my appreciation for our Divison 5 community and UHE community.
This morning we spent our last hour together in Community Circle. I shared two quotes, and then students took turns sharing their appreciations and their growth. The quotes were:
It truly warmed my heart to hear about what students appreciated about the community we’ve built together, and about the things they are proud of learning. Everyone articulated their thinking so well. I am grateful for my time with Division 5 this year. They were a wonderful group that I am thrilled to have spent my last year at University Highlands with. Your children are creative, helpful, kind, and funny. We have shared many laughs, a few tears, and lots of moments of learning. Our class is a truly special one that will remain with me as I continue on my teaching journey.
I included this next bit in my overview, but I’m posting it here as well.
This time of year is full of change, excitement, and anticipation: summer plans, wonders about the next grade, and big changes like moving schools or homes. Our classroom time together stretched us academically and socially. Through the ups and downs of classroom experiences, I am often reminded of the First Peoples Principles of Learning:
– learning involves patience and time,
– learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions,
– learning supports the well-being of self, family, community, land,
– learning is embedded in history and story.
Learning is an ongoing process of mistakes and patience that is not always smooth sailing. We have opportunities to develop perseverance and resilience as we weather storms big and small. So I encourage the students of Division 5 to move forward with courage, creativity, and kindness.
Many students have noted how fast this year has seemed to have gone! While it seems like it was gone in a flash, it’s amazing to witness the growth accomplished through these months. With that, I wish you and your child a wonderful summer break, and all the best in your future endeavors. I truly and sincerely thank you for being a part of my time at University Highlands.
With care,
Amanda Coutts
Division 5 read the book Some Things Are Scary by Florence Parry Heide. The author explores the different things that can feel scary. Scary things aren’t just ghosts, or zombies, or monsters. They can be the everyday worries and “what ifs?”. Some of these scary things are imagined, but many are rooted in the reality of loneliness, loss, or the unknown.
