The Best Doing Their Best

Dear Parents,

Right from the opening ceremony I have been glued to the TV. Yes, I have become a winter sports junkie - I am absolutely loving the Winter Olympics. It is amazing what those athletes are able to do! Seeing Alexandre Bilodeau win the first-ever gold medal for Canada while they're hosting the games was electrifying. When Johnny Spillane won the silver in the combined nordic I thought I was right there at the finish line and I know I could feel my arms pushing on his ski poles to try to get him across a bit sooner. It's also been fun to watch the interviews. Often the athletes are asked about their nerves. Most of them answer that there is a bit of nervousness lurking in the background, but that when they perform they're focused on what is happening right at that moment. I can only imagine what it is like to have that kind of focus while under so much pressure being on a world stage with perhaps billions of people watching every minor mistake and brilliant move. But it is their chance to shine and the performances show the best doing their best.

Swan School had two events recently where our students got to show their stuff, where it was their chance to shine. Both the Winter Concert and the Learner Exhibition were wonderful. It truly was a showcase for our children. Who can forget the "Muffin Man" song or the entire student body singing "De Colores" at the concert? During and after the Learner Exhibition I heard over and over from parents how impressed they were with the obvious learning that had taken place as well as with the self-confidence and "stage presence" that the children showed. Having been in education for 19 years, I have seen a lot of school concerts and as school Director and classroom teacher I couldn't be more proud of the achievements of our students. I guess I am a Swan School junkie too!

Russ