We’ve just had our annual Terry Fox Run at our school and have been looking at the story of his Marathon of Hope. It seems that every point in the story prompts some memorable, important moment that gives us pause as we try to get our heads around the magnitude of what he undertook and the impact he has had on the lives of so many people.

As I look back on his story and his actions, I think that what impresses me most is Terry’s integrity. But there are many powerful words to describe that brave young man. What stands out for you?

We were a very lucky group this spring. Artists from Vancouver Opera worked with us (and another class at our school) twice each week for about five weeks. They introduced us to opera and performed for us but spent most of their time helping us write and perform our own (short) opera. They read a novel we had already studied (Wonder, by RJ Palacio); helped us choose an event in the story to use; let us write the words for two arias; arranged parts of the music we could play on school instrument; and helped us rehearse & perform our opera for our school on stage in our gym. It was a great experience and an absolutely WONDERful way to wrap up our last Friday before spring break. Thank you very much Colleen, Katrin, Ali, Rory, & Russel for this inspiring introduction to opera!

On February 10th, we’ll have a day off school for Family Day (Huzzah!). We spent some time in class thinking and talking about our families. When I asked what a family is, someone said that a family is the people who love you and care about you no matter what. Someone else said that a family is the people who help you meet your needs. There were many similar comments in our circle. I have to say that it was pretty impressive to witness the thoughtfulness shown by so many of our students.

How will you think about or celebrate families this Monday?