After school on Friday, I was quickly cleaning up my classroom before heading off to my brother-in-law’s graduation party. Just as I started, I heard a voice in the doorway that said, “Hi, Miss Dunsiger.” I turned. It was a previous student of mine. I taught him in Kindergarten, and now here he was, standing in front of me, already in Grade 5. He’s not at the school anymore, but he came back for a visit, and he wanted to say, “hello.” We stood and talked for about five minutes, and while he kicked around a soccer ball, we talked about what he’s learning in school and the sports that he’s playing. He was happy, and he was excited to come back and talk. I love that!

As a teacher, I want to make connections with my students. I want them to love school, and I want them to want to come each day. Over the years, I’ve had many student teachers, and I’ve told all of them the same thing: “You need to be genuine with the students. They need to know that you care about them. Forming these relationships is important.” Seeing this student yesterday reminded me of this. In education, we can be pulled in many directions, but there’s only one thing that really matters … the children.

Thank you to this wonderful student that reminded me of the importance of this. As the year quickly comes to an end, I want to thank all of my students for making each and every day at school a wonderful one.

Aviva