Excited children wove their way single-file through hallways stacked with desks to the Ratushniak Elementary School gymnasium at the end of the day on the last day of classes.
The student body gathered to celebrate and say goodbye to students and a teacher moving on to new adventures next year. There was a little time set aside to invite everyone to Maidstone's Canada Day events and the summer reading program to be held Wednesday afternoons at the public library.
Caela Marynowski was introduced to students as the new leader of the library summer program.
Principal Shawn Larson expressed gratitude and good wishes to retiring teacher Jean McPherson, even though she was absent from school that day. McPherson was affectionately and respectfully called Ms. or Miss Jean by students and was appreciated for her creativity and hospitality.
Students in Division 2 were called forward to be congratulated on moving on to the next grade while many received honour roll certificates. Grade 6 teacher Eileen
Anderson and Constable Conroy Fillion presented the RCMP Grade 6 general proficiency award for character, involvement and achievement to Lauren Elder. The Allan Craig social studies award for interest in history, economics and politics and high academic achievement in social studies was presented to Abby McGillis who received a big book about Canada as well as a plaque.
The SRC was thanked for their work this year and the new SRC was introduced.
"We are trying to raise good readers, writers and math students, but also to raise good citizens," said Larson as he spoke about the school's virtues program.
This year the school focused on the values of caring, respect, co-operation, responsibility and perseverance. He drew names from the virtue box for prizes and encouraged students to continue to practice the virtues throughout the summer challenging them to seek excellence and share their results with their teachers in the fall. The gym emptied and students spent a few more moments enjoying the company of friends and staff before heading out to enjoy their long summer break.
