Rare perfect attendance award is a tribute to all who helped make that happen
To The Expositor
It is again that time of the year when schools are closing down and the cycle of education for each of our children prepares for the next level in their journey.
I wish to share with you a happening/observation that took me by surprise attending this year’s graduation ceremonies. It was of interest to hear Ms. Heather Jeffkins, teacher at CC McLean Public School, announce that only once, in 19 years of teaching has she handed out an award for “perfect attendance.” At this year’s graduation she presented a student with only the second such award for perfect attendance. I heard and witnessed this same claim announced by Ms. Tracey Chapman, principal of Central Manitoulin Public School. She had never previously presented such an award in her career and did so this year to one student.
With childhood illnesses, weather, family happenings, attaining this goal is all but impossible. This year, not unheard o, but still a rare event, these students accomplished this record.
It brings then to mind, along with these students’ diligence and dedication nurtured by parental support, that this would not happen without a dedicated and committed staff of school bus drivers. This special group of people deliver our children to the doors of their schools while navigating some tricky weather, stopping and starting, loading, unloading in highway high speed locations and changing environmental conditions. All the while, they also maintain order on their bus along with some who are fortunate enough to have bus patrollers.
My point! I say thanks to our bus drivers who would only have to suffer one nano second of inattentive safety practice and I need not voice the consequences as unthinkable. Thanks to each of you. You are unsung silent heroes who go about your calling without expectation of recognition.
Submitted on my own and on behalf of grateful parents.
Sincerely, Larry Killens Public School Trustee
