"Memories of Blythwood"?!

Multitudes, almost 20 years worth � teaching J.K. & then S.K. in that wonderful Room 3. Principals came and went -- Mrs. Gosling, Mr. French, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. McNair -- Ed. Assistants too -- Mr. Stone, Mrs. Smith, Miss Ricotti, Mrs Fischer, Miss Engman, Ms. Knesewitsch, Miss Chang and Mrs. Pashalis.

But I stayed an d Winston stayed (the dog puppet who told us all the rules but was himself a mischief! How about Thumper and Benjamin Bunny with their knee-touching circles! They were loved and read to and taken home by the children on weekends (there was a 2-month waiting list). Who can forget the amazing creatures that appeared on Hallowe'en to sample the Monster Munch and Witch's Brew with Raggedy Anne and Raggedy Andy.

Then on to the Tree Farm and the toilet-roll skiers racing down the tissue -paper hill; measuring the Amazing Amaryllis; Winter explores to Sherwood Park; backing bread-dough bunnies; the Easter Egg Hunts (was it ready Benji who had hidden them?); Balloon Days for the Inner City Angels when we watched hundreds of balloons become specks in the sky (or get caught in a neighbour's tree!). The first tag returned one year said "Congratulations. You made it across the street." But another one released the same day made it to Pennsylvania!

Then in the Spring, turning those warm eggs faithful for 21 days and on the 21^st day, banks of spectators big and small, watching the chicks finally struggle out of their shells.* Then our egg books, and finally the June picnic in the park with the uke and the shadow pictures. And then -- on to Grade One!! And another year had raced past.

But my most cherished memory is of the children themselves -- bright, eager, bunny, touching and EN-ER-GE-TIC! And of their wonderful parents who never failed to help us out and to share in all our enthusiasms and excitements.

A special school - A special community.

Here's to Blythwood!

* I was asked once in 'discussion time' "Why don't hens fly?"
Thinking fast, I turned the question to the group. Then answer came immediately -- "they're not allowed to in case they lay an egg when they're in the air.")-!! Everyone seemed quite satisfied with that explanation!