Final Thoughts

Dear Parents and students,

I want thank all of you for what has been a very special year for me. As I leave for this place that has been my second home for the last 11 years I have mixed emotions much like the students who are leaving one grade and moving to the next one. I have many questions such as: What will it be like not be around all these great people every day? How will I feel when the new year starts not going into my grade 5 classroom? and many others but I know that just like the students I teach must go on and learn and try new things I too need to take on this new challenge.

I am looking forward to a wonderful summer of travel, lots of running, time in the coulees taking pictures and spending time with family.

Of course you will always be part of my family and I will come and see you next year from time time and if God wants me to return to St. Joseph's the following year I will gratefully come home.

May God Bless you all this summer and next year!

Ken Hakstol

Year end

Hello

I'm copying the text of a letter that will be going home with students tonight!

June 19, 2009

Dear Parents,

On Tuesday, June 23 the grade 5 students will be cleaning out their desks, lockers and classroom storage area taking their belongings home for the year. As this always involves a lot of "stuff" please make sure that they have enough bags or backpacks. If it's possible it might be a very good idea to pick them up at school that day. Riding a bike and carrying everything could be very dangerous.

The grade 5 class will be having a "Last Day of School Fun Day" Thursday, June 26th. This will be a day of fun with outdoor activities, weather permitting, and a chance to enjoy some time as a class as the school year draws to a close. In the morning is fly some kites and/or play some kickball. I have a few kites that students can fly in groups but if students want to bring flyers from home that would be fine. I will be bar-b-cueing hot dogs and providing drinks for the kids at lunch that day so you won't need to pack a lunch. Mrs. Mullin and her committee of helpers (thank-you so much for everything this year) may contact you to provide some treats for the afternoon. We will be enjoying a film until about 2:30 when I will give out report cards and placement certificates.

On a personal note it has been my privilege to teach these wonderful children of yours this past year. They truly are a great example of "community" for the school and the world. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be their teacher. As I take on a new challenge for next year, as I will not be at St. Joseph's, I know I will miss seeing these students as they go through grade 6. My wish is for the students and you to have a wonderful, restful, summer and come back refreshed for what I am sure will be another amazing year.

Kind regards,

Ken Hakstol