We are gathered here today to celebrate the graduation of these Grade 7's. Many remarkable things have happened through time. Some of you I've known since Grade 1, some for only a few short months. Through these years, every single one of you and myself have all changed a great deal, some more than others, some not so much at all.
All my peers and staff have taught me valuable lessons through these amazing years, which I will cherish and carry along with me for the rest of my life. It has been a privilege to have had these great, enthusiastic teachers to rely on for aid and support. Everyone here at Kilgour means a lot to me.
The first day of school is still so fresh in my mind. It seems like it happened just yesterday. That day I met my Grade 1 teacher. She was a very kind, considerate and helpful teacher. During Grade 1, all I really remembered doing was playing with the tubs, drawing, and reading and writing a tiny bit. Basically Grade 1 was all about having fun!
As I went into Grade 2, I was happy to hear that my teacher was going to be Mrs. Govett. I had heard several times from my older buddy saying how much fun she was, and how I would get to do lots of art. This excited me a great deal, since art is one of my favourite subjects. Mrs. Govett made most of the class work easier and more thrilling than it really was.
The transition between Grade 2 and 3 was quite hard on me. We had two teachers that year. Who both worked us hard, but now I am greatful for it. I remember one of them used to always say "less babola, more workola". That was the year I first learnt how to write cursive. And since I learned my cursive from Miss. Purdy, my writing is almost identical to hers.
That year the Grades 3's and 4's went to Outdoor Ed at Timberline Ranch. We participated in many activities such as horseback riding, making crafts, and taking many nature hikes as well. I rode a horse named Apple Sauce, which was a mix between many breeds. My suggestion to all the students would be to try and go to at least one camp. They are very enjoyable!
In Grade 4 I had the same teacher for the second year in a row. That year we had two student teachers from U.B.C. They helped teach us a little bit from all the subjects. Our teacher realli enjoyed science, and gave us the chance to experiment with circuits. I remember shocking myself a few times, although this is very embarrasing information to share. I learnt a very important lesson that day, and that is to never do anything unless you know what you are doing.
My final years at Kilgour , Grades 5 to 7, were all spent learning from the same teacher. My teacher was Mr. Unger. For these past 3 years, I have learned many new things from him. We have done projects on the environment, the respiratory system and Ancient Greece. We went to another camp in Grade 6; it was called West Coast Wilderness. It was even better than Timberline Ranch.
Thank you Mr. Unger for being an outstanding teacher. You have helped me to improve in all the subjects. Along with Mr. Unger, I would also like to thank our student teacher, Mrs. Sahota.
Some advice to the students staying at Kilgour would be to enjoy your time here, especially your last year!! For the students moving on to high school, I think these three suggestions should help you like it has helped me. One: Try to make a good first impression. Two: Stay out of trouble, because there will be a consequence. Three: Ask your teachers for clarification on work if you need it. If you follow these rules you are suppose to make it through high school with ease, or so I heard.
All the teachers who I have not yet mentioned, don't worry I have not forgotten your hard work. Mrs. Long you have been a great librarian these years. You have shown me how to do a proper research project, and use the resources provided. Thank you so much for all your help.
Mrs. Shandola, you have taught me in advanced academics such as Math Circle and Reader's Workshop. You have helped me improve my reading comprehension along with my writing skills. In Math Circle you have helped me learn more mathematical terms and formulas. Thank you for volunteering your valuable time and effort.
There have been many coaches, who have also volunteered their time. Thank you Ms. Harmel, Ms. Daredia, Mr. Ferster and Mr. Unger for being wonderful basketball and volleyball coaches. Thanks to all the teachers in the school for helping organise Sport's Day and Track and Feild practises! Fellow students, staff, and parents! Without you all..... I would not be where I am, or who I am today. I will miss everyone. I shall never forget you. Thank you Kilgour, and congratulations class of 2002!!!!
