I was away from class today, and I must inform you all that I am not returning to class for the rest of the school year. I am sure that you have heard most of this news from your child already, but I wanted to take time to contact you and fill you in on the details.
Just over 3 weeks ago I jumped up (while chasing a student in a game of soccer tag in the gym...I need to lead by example, and up the energy level once in a while:) and when I came down to land on one foot, I came down on a soccer ball. The resulting fall came with my head striking the hardwood first, and my body landing second. I brushed it off at the time (ok, I laid there a bit, and then a few of the class helped get me up) and got on with the day, and figured that my head would be tender for a day or two.
The next day School of Rock was at Westfest, the next week Crystal Bay visited, we prepped for School of Rock, we performed two S of R shows at Churchill, I organized rugby workshops for the school, then we had a trip to MacSkimming, travelled to Crystal Bay to run their fun day, prepared for speeches in class. Apart from that I booked and picked up a set of 20 Cajon Drums for the school, an order of sound gear for the music program, wrote report cards, and programmed for the regular school days. Through all of this I thought it was logical to have some stress related headaches...but last Thursday it became apparent that the headaches were more than stress related.
I should have rested 3 weeks ago, rather than dive into the most intense period of the school year, but I didn't so now I need to take a break. I took off last Thursday and Friday, hoping this week would be saved, but I am sad to say that I just need to put some time into healing right now. I want you all to know that this is not my choice, but, at the advice of professionals...my co workers, my principal, and my wife...I know that it is the only real option for me. This morning I headed off to work with 24 pieces of wood, a bag of hammers, nails, stain, and brushes, ready for our end of year art project I have been planning for weeks, as well as my guitar to prepare for the guitar clubs performance at Winston Square on Wednesday. I had plans for our class yearbook, our time capsule, a group story project, our dream house books, and so much more.
I know that the last few days of the year will wrap up just fine without me there. Erin, Dana, my guest teacher Nicole, and the rest of the fantastic Churchill family will take great care of our class over these final days of the 2016/17 school year, I am very confident. We have some loose ends that I hope Nicole will be able to wrap up with the group. I plan on coming back for the last block of the day on Thursday, so I can see everyone off for their summer. The plan is for us to do a few wrap up activities, and some students were wanting to bring in treats to share with their classmates. I will see everyone then.
I feel horrible stepping out like this and leaving the class. I explained it all to them this morning. If nothing else, I hope they get the message of how serious head injuries can be. I told them that this was hard for me, because I feel like we spend all year working together, and building a community. That we spend the year building a relationship between us all, and that I always find those finals days to be some of the most rewarding as we celebrate all of our growth and experiences together. I am sad to miss the opportunity to share these days with the class.
I am also sad to miss out on an opportunity to close out the year with the families of the class. I apologise for not getting this chance to share some of the highlights of the year with you all at an open house this weeks, as had been my plan. Please take time to go through the incredible work that your children bring home in the coming days. Their writing has improved dramatically across the board. Their knowledge of topics in math is deeper, and their comprehension greater than before. Celebrate this year with them by taking time to look through some of their accomplishments with them. As you look over their work please comment on the mountains they have climbed and not the mistakes they have made, on the fantastic efforts they have shown, not the flaws they have not yet fixed. On their learning journey they have all moved forward, in some areas- with great strides! There is much more road to travel, and many more paths to blaze for them all, but I hope that this year has at least helped them to move forward with more confidence and a stronger voice. The real adventures are ahead for all of them, but I know they will take with them great memories from the time we have shared in grade 4/5 this year.
Thank you all for your support this year. It has been a pleasure, and privilege, working with you and your children.
Have a safe and happy summer.
Warmest Regards,
Facilitating an Educational Adventure in Grade 4/5
Churchill Alternative School
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