Every morning, my father sends me a text. Oftentimes it is a piece of humorous advice like, “You never appreciate what you have until it’s gone. Toilet paper is a good example.” Another one is, “You know you’ve reached middle age when you’re cautioned to slow down by your doctor, instead of by the police.” Now, you might be thinking: That’s great Mr. Rodgers. Haha. But why are you telling me this? What does this have to do with the end of the year? And to that I reply: everything!
When I look back at this year, with all its highs and lows, the connections with students, the sharing of lives together, the unplanned moments of laughter, the times of existential growth, the math lessons, the outdoor activities, the learning… After all this, it is incredibly clear just how signifi cant and critical your role is as parents and guardians in our community. Because you, mom, show unconditional love for your child, they feel free to learn without fear of failing; because you, dad, take time to work through homework with your child, they have a desire to work hard in the classroom; because you, parents, encourage your children, they are empowered to encourage their classmates; because you, grandparents, speak wisdom into your grandchildren, they are able to think critically through different situations.
Parents and guardians, we give a shout out to you, recognising all you do, and encouraging you to daily (yes, daily) continue investing time with your children: talking with them, playing with them, praying with them, challenging them, being with them. When you do, you build a foundation that is far stronger than anything purely academic. Your children will be ready and empowered to face a new year with new challenges, not because they can multiply fractions or correctly use semicolons (which are still important), but because they know without a doubt, they have a family of loving support behind them, and a God who cares for them. They will know these things to be true, because they see it modeled in you.
Dad, because you take the time to connect with me, I am encouraged to connect with others. Thank-you.
See you all in September!
Jacob Rodgers
Elementary Vice Principal