As World Teacher Day came and went on Thursday, Oct. 5, it became apparent to students at John Paul II Collegiate that teachers do not always get recognized for all they do for students.
With the guidance of teacher Tracie Harty, students were able to co-ordinate a surprise, for the teachers, that took place during the teachers’ Nov. 21 professional development day.
As much as teachers appreciate doughnuts and coffee, their hearts were touched as the students went the extra mile and showed up at the school that day (a morning when they could have slept in) to personally read a letter to a teacher they feel touched their lives in one or many ways.
Teachers were more than surprised. There was laughter, and some tears, as 43 teachers sat and listened to the personalized letters written to them by the students. Common themes such as “family,” “support,” “caring” and “understanding” were heard in the letters.
In all, this was an indication of the students' sincere sentiment and it was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the teachers of JPII. Without a doubt, the students remain the real reason the teachers come to work, every day.
