End of an Era

The school year ended today, and next year will be very different with Ben in high school, Janae at middle school, Eric in preschool, and Alaina . . . in Grade 4.

Ben started us off with the beginning of the end a couple of weeks ago, when he had his year-end report at the virtual school. As we walked towards the school, which Ben attended only twice a week but for the past two and a half years, it hit me that this could very well be the last time I would walk up to that building. I had Ben stand out in front for a picture, realizing this was technically his last day of middle school as well!

Was Ben sad? Not at all. On to bigger and better things, I guess.

Next was Alaina. Her class had a surprise awards ceremony that the parents were secretly invited to attend. The kids had given each other titles like "Mr. Giggles" or "Wise Old Owl," and their teachers put the labels on awards for each of them. Alaina got the "Brainiac" award, which seemed especially fitting today as I looked at her report card. Her reading level was almost off the chart in the category of "exceeding expectations."

Alaina has some really good friends, but not to worry--she will be back at school with all of them in the fall.

That brings us to Janae. This was our oldest daughter's last year of elementary school, and she is going to miss EVERYTHING.

She had a wonderful year with an amazing teacher and so many great experiences.

Her two best friends were also in her class, and even I am going to miss them next year as all three girls go their separate ways for middle school.

Last Friday the school had a Grade 5 Farewell evening, where the 50 graduates sang "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman. 

Each student got a moment in the spotlight while the teachers read about their future plans. Apparently Janae is going to be a physiotherapist or a surgeon. Who knew?

And today was the last day of school. We'd been invited to the final assembly by Janae's teacher, who told us Janae would receive an award . . . but that this was to be kept secret from Janae.

 It's been a rough 5 days not being able to say anything, but today we finally saw her astonishment as she received her trophy for Fine Arts Achievement.

Not to mention her awkward handshake with a Grade One student as she got to help keep up this tradition at her school (each Grade 5 student receives a chocolate bar from a Grade Oner).

And for Eric? It's all just about to begin. Luckily he has the summer to collect snails . . . and be my baby a little bit longer.