It’s hard to believe that another school year has come and gone… and even more surprising than that, is that we now have a high-schooler on our hands! I think it’s probably only in hindsight that we can all recognize how truly special this past year was – for the first time since March of 2020, the school year felt… NORMAL (despite Covid hitting our household in February). There were no zones. There were no attendance restrictions. There were extracurricular activities and assemblies and field trips and hot lunches and the fun fair – which, much to my sadness/happiness, you all attended with your friends, and without your parents. I’m thrilled that it happened, excited you all wanted to experience it with your friends, but a little wistful that we’re not needed/welcomed in the same way anymore. I had no way of knowing that June 2019 would have been my last ever elementary school fun fair – but I’m glad that you were all able to be there with your besties.
And of course, there was a graduation. Mercedes, I’m so
incredibly thankful that you were able to truly celebrate this occasion with
joyful abandon. There was a beautiful dress and new shoes and nails and hair
and even matching bracelets and flowers with your best friends. I’m grateful to
the entire team of Grade 8 parents who were able to organize such an amazing
after-party for you all – with décor and prizes and a DJ and food and a professional
photographer (and even a food truck serving funnel cakes on pickup!). We’ve
downloaded the pictures/videos now and because there were no phones allowed at
the event, it’s clear how much you all just immersed yourself in the celebration.
Singing and dancing and games and so many smiles it made me teary to watch.
Some might say that Grade 8 grad isn’t much of an accomplishment, and it’s
true, they don’t really hold anyone back anymore. But it’s still an important
transition and marks the end of TEN years at this school. When we first moved
to Barrie, we were very deliberate about which neighbourhoods we were looking
at. We researched the subdivisions and their allocated schools and made a
careful choice, knowing that we had no plans to move again while you were all
in school. And now, you’ve done it – you started at HCPS a very shy, quiet, 4-year-old,
and are leaving a much less shy, much less quiet 14-year-old. You have a great
group of friends and have learned so much, and I’m so thankful to watch the way
you’ve blossomed over the past few years. There’s a lot of anticipation around starting
high school (especially at a state-of-the-art school that is only a few years
old!) – more freedom, more new people to meet, but there’s also more pressure and
more responsibility too. I have no doubt that you will continue to find your
way, and it goes without saying, we’re always along for the ride.
Holden and Lexi – you still have a few more years to go, but
that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen incredible changes (and growth!) in both of
you as well. Each month that passes it seems you both have more hair, more freckles,
more friends, more wisdom, and more independence. It’s such a strange feeling
to not be needed in the same way anymore (now it’s mostly food, rides, and
money) – but it’s also gratifying, because each independent step you take means
that your father and I must be doing something right. Above all else, we’re so
proud to see you both continuing to mature and love watching you both absorb
the world around you. Lexi – seeing you ace every assignment with nonchalance
reminds me so much of myself it’s scary. And I love how you’re quietly but
determinedly forging your own path and your own style. Holden – the way you fully
embrace your interests makes it impossible for us not to be supportive (who
wouldn’t want to encourage your YouTube channel filled with aviation stats or
your endless bike rides to search for frogs?).
Above all else, we just love seeing you all develop your own
interests and joys and passions – and we couldn’t be prouder to be your parents.
Keep doing amazing things – here’s to a relaxing summer and then it’s on to
Grades 6, 7 and 9!
Love,
Mama
