This week I am especially thankful for everything I have experienced in my childhood. Especially grateful to those who teach and have taught me. Memories of my elementary school Regent P.S. (1915-2010):
My French teacher Mme. L hosted French nights where we were educated about French Cuisine and culture; she extended our knowledge and interest of the language with music, art and best of all food! There is always a mystique that accompanies a French teacher and she definitely possessed it. At my age now I wish I could’ve stayed in touch; she had so much knowledge on art, history, culture and travel.
Mrs. D my grade four teacher was a secret artist (secret, because at the age of 8 you don’t really see your teachers as people). For Valentine’s Day she always gave out these beautiful home-made heart shaped glass ornaments. She was also the first teacher to teach me how to draw in perspective...you know, the road and phone lines disappearing into the distance. Oh! She also emphasised the importance of learning cursive, which I am so thankful I paid attention to! (Not least, she read us Harry Potter).
Mrs. B was my grade 5 teacher for a bit, retired within the year. She loved horses (my favourite animal as a child) and was lovely and bold with her then fashion-forward pixie cut. Next, Mr. M came in; he was young when he started. I remember his efforts with a couple of the misbehaved children as he tried to encourage their special talents. The highlight of his class was the freedom of creativity he allowed for each written assignment. My favourite being a farfetched tail I told about being late because I was swept away into a crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon like battle. He also introduced me to sarcasm, which I had difficulties grasping at the time, but appreciated his sense of humour nonetheless.
Mr. J my grade 6 and 7 teacher was a literate enthusiast. He taught us to use the thesaurus and never gave me more than a B+ in my short stories which frustrated the socks off me! He encouraged us with daily brain teasers and awarded everyone at the end of the year with prizes for highest grades and improvements. He battled cancer and won the fight. He was memorable in the stories he introduced us to – he encouraged personal style and developing our vocabulary. He read us Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events...I have since read every novel I could get my hands on of that series.
Ms. J, now Mrs. J-H finished off my elementary school memories. I remember being so excited when I was selected to be in her class. She was the young, cool, new teacher. The only time she got frustrated with us was when nobody had studied for our Canadian history test and all except one did poorly. She let us re-take the test in which we all heeded her warning and studied. She was my volleyball and basketball coach and we ended up spending a lot of time together outside of school with the team. She was the first person to tell me things would be okay after I got my first zit. She is now the mother of two lovely daughters where I know her maternal instincts will be put to great use.
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