This year the words of wisdom were collaboratively created and shared with the Grade 4 and Grade 5 Principal, Ms. Nathalie Salameh.
Today marks an important transition in your life. As you set sail on your journey into middle school, I hope you are filled with fond memories of friendships made, valuable lessons learned and a burning desire to take risks and pave your own path.
A mid century philosopher, Ralph Emerson, once said: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Your final year of elementary is always memorable, but this year, wow – it is definitely one that took you off the regular path and we are sure you’ll keep in your memory bank for years to come. You know what though, you did an excellent job adapting to your new reality. We talk about Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Drive and Empathy here in elementary and all of these values are ones that you have had to display at one time or another over the past few months in particular.
You are an exceptional group of students with so much potential. With every interaction we’ve had this year, you never failed to amaze us with your wit, kind heartedness, amazing outlook, and innovative thinking. Channel those qualities to create a path that is true to you and remember, you are not alone. You are a leopard and with that, you belong to a leap of leopards that consist of your friends, teachers, parents and every member of your DAA family.
You are ready for grade six but remember to take with you all that you learned in elementary. It is going to be an adjustment in Middle School. In some ways it will be freeing and in others, overwhelming but you got this. You are made for this. Just remember:
Persevere when you meet a challenge but remember teachers are here for you, so make sure you ask for help when you need it. We love when you do.
Walk with respect for yourself, and be respectful to those around you.
Be known for having a strong sense of integrity. Make decisions and act in a manner that would make your parents proud.
Drive to be the best you can be. Drive to reach your personal excellence in everything. This drive will be recognized by those around you and bring you success in all you do.
Listen. Empathy is about understanding someone else’s situation and the best way you can do that, is to listen before you act.
So, our wonderful fifth graders, always remember that change is an opportunity to do something amazing, embrace that mindset and remember to find joy in everything you do. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes you.
To the Grade 5 class of 2020, we congratulate you on your completion of elementary and wish you all the best as you go off and blaze a trail in Middle School, here and beyond.
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