What the world needs now…

KINDNESS.

Kindness… I once had my Grade 9 students practice the personal essay with the topic “Kindness.”

I was reflecting on that because I was back in the room that I left 10 years ago in June 2015 when I retired. I was back in Ecole Meridian borrowing technology usage. I’d approached former colleague Avril Mélodie to use her classroom tech to complete a project for my family. Life got in our way so I went next door to Holland Emily to access the same thing in her classroom.

So I began my mind journey back to teaching those 9s and the dynamic of working with 30 or so 14-15 year olds. They really became one of my favourite ages. On the search for their identity, but in many ways already asserting that self that would be a cornerstone of their adulthood, they made me smile in appreciation of their self. On any given day, they would arrive with energy, enthusiasm, joy, a bit of trepidation about themselves and their place, and significant compassion and kindness. People who declare “these kids nowadays” in a negative light just need to spend time with them. They are adults now- getting married, having kids, getting educated, working… making a difference.

Back in their 14-15 year old self, they had kindness. Case in point was a program called Lifeskills offered by my friend, Mark Ivancic. He had the Grade 9s collecting socks and other necessities to take to the inner city. Off some of them went to deliver these items personally. It was perhaps about this time of year when a pair of clean, dry socks and mitts would make a difference. I was back in the classroom when the kids came back and one of “these kids nowadays” was in tears as she told me of her day. The human struggles she saw that day brought out her compassion, empathy, and kindness. It was a beautiful thing to witness her humanity. And yeah, I loved that darn job.

So there I was back in that same classroom last night and it just seems kindness was in the air. Well actually, friendly kindness began as I came in the door. I was greeted by Amanda Kathleen and Danica Laverdiere-Gervais and chatted. New principal, Treena, welcomed me and asked what I was up to. I told her that her Junior high teachers were treating me kindly. Danica checked that I knew where I was going. Kindness.

For my family project, I had intent to borrow Holland’s document camera, computer, and projector. Her work had to be put aside so this former colleague and former resident of her classroom could do his thing. She even acted as my unpaid assistant moving items around under the document camera until I called out, “Yes! Right there!” Kindness.

I tried to work quickly, but when you spent 34 of your 37 years teaching in that building, you know people. They want to know how you’re doing. They want to reach out because they’re teachers and it’s just second nature. I had three of my four projects done and Holland had already told me that she was having dinner with another colleague, Sonia Houle, but I asked, “Holland, can I have ten more minutes?” I was my very best Oliver Twist, “Please, mam, I want some more.” Unlike Oliver, my request was granted and my project done. Kindness.

Kindness didn’t end there. We left the room with each of us carrying two pieces of plywood. I have some physical issues from my cancer treatments. My energy is better today than it was a month ago, but doing “stuff” is a challenge. By the time we got to the door, Holland read that I was struggling (gasping for that tiny bit more of oxygen might have given me away), and asked if I wanted a break. With my cancer, falling is a really bad idea, so I expressed my caution about the steps. Holland took over delivering the plywood to my car. We shared a couple more stories, and then a side hug. Yeah, I’m immunocompromised, but some hugs just need to be there. Kindness.

As I reflected back, it occurred to me that the humanity of a school is its best moment. Empathy, compassion, and kindness were in abundance. Thank you, Holland. Thank you, Avril. Thank you, Meridian Heights.