Last day of School, last clean shirt!
I can't believe our little Bentley is officially done kindergarten. He has nothing but good things to say about it. He absolutely loves his teacher, Mrs. Ozimko and their class helper, Mrs. Parsons. Seeing the growth Bentley has had this year is amazing. He truly grew into this little boy who is respectful, kind, compassionate, smart and with the sweetest little drive to do good in all aspects. I know Mrs. Ozimko had A LOT to do with it. I was able to volunteer in his class a handful of times this year and it was great to see him in his own element. Yesterday was officially Bentley's last day of kindergarten. Of course, I cried (as per usual), and his teacher was teary eyed as well (she started it!). When we were driving home Bentley said in a quiet and almost sad voice "Wow Mom, Im really going to miss Mrs. Ozimko for the week of summer holidays" - The poor boy thought summer holidays was only a week and he was already going to miss her so much. I gently told him that summer holidays is actually 9 weeks. He responded by tilting his chin to his chest and saying "oh". Its moments like these that will forever make me grateful for this school.
For us, trusting in a school is HUGE! After our experience with the first half of Carter's grade one year, trust is everything. Love and caring are essential in early education and parent involvement is something I will never excuse or settle on. Im two feet in at all times. Having teacher that we trust for Carter and his severe peanut allergy is crucial too and Mrs. Johnson never made us feel nervous. She was amazing every single day. There was even a field trip that they all went on and she texted me in the morning saying that all the kids were going to be given 2 marshmallows to roast. She listed the ingredients and said that it was made in a facility that cannot be guaranteed to be peanut free. She said that she would gently say no to Carter unless I gave her the go-ahead that it would be ok for him to have two marshmallows as well. I wrote her back and said it should be fine but it didn't end there. She said that they would be roasting them around 10am. At 10:05am I got another text message from her saying that Carter had eaten one and was totally fine and that I had nothing to worry about. I am grateful that she sat with him and watched him to make sure he was ok. She wasn't asked to do that and it was never even expected to write me and let me know I didn't have to worry. I am so grateful for her.
Its amazing to see how much Carter has matured in Grade 2. He has such a huge heart. He includes everyone and enjoys playing with all the boys and girls in his class. He is smart and kind and sensitive too. Carter made a goal for himself to read 300 books in his grade 2 year and he did it! He gave 10 book talks in front of the class and excelled in all subjects. I give so much credit to Mrs. Johnson for her patience and guidance in our little man's grade two year. We feel so lucky.
Mrs. Johnson is retiring this year after 17 years at this school. I am sad that Bentley and Penny won't get her in grade 2 but I am so grateful that Carter did.
Carter said he felt happy that it was summer holidays but sad because he was going to miss school and Mrs. Johnson over the summer break. He is excited for grade 3 and we're so excited for him.
Penny was the PERFECT sidekick this year while the boys were at school all day. She came with me to all my breast ultrasounds and checkups, car appointments, chiro appointments, all the baby photoshoots Ive done and just last week she sat beside me for an hour and a half dental appointment and she was an angel. Seriously, how in the world did we get so lucky with such a sweet little lady to keep me company. I absolutely LOVED having her to myself a few days a week. She too has grown so much this past year. She's mature for her age and such a great little helper. She really is my little sidekick and I wouldn't have it any other way! She is soooo ready and so excited to start preschool in the fall and honestly, Im going to miss her LIKE CRAZY!
Naturally, I had to make the boys fun after school treats for the very last day. It was hit but I wasn't concerned because its chocolate rocks.. what kid doesn't like that!
And the boys put a lot of time into their sweet little notes for their teachers. Bentley's whole kinder class all pooled money together and got Mrs. Ozimko a flower pot, wine and a gift card as well as a flower pot and a gift card for Mrs. Parsons.
Carter said Mrs. Johnson loves coffee, hot chocolate and books so we got her two small gift cards so that she could treat herself to all of those things! You're thoughtful Carter, love you.
They also wanted to include a picture of them with their teacher so "they don't forget us", so sweet.
Last night we had the perfect dinner for kids, homemade cheese noodles (a fav of our three cuties) and for desert I splurged and bought the best chocolate chip cookies you will EVER have! If you live in Calgary, you MUST go to pies plus and get the chocolate chip cookies. You will not be disappointed! Bentley has been asking for them every since we tried them at his kindergarten mother's day tea.
We are really excited for summer and all the fun we have planned, including all the lazy days too. I am so happy to have all three kids home with me again and I think we will all miss school a little bit throughout the summer. I can confidently say Carter's grade two year and Bentley's Kindergarten year were incredibly successful. We're all excited to see what Grade 3, Grade 1 and Preschool hold for these three sweethearts.