To our amazing graduating class of 2020,
This was my first year joining the Buckingham Elementary School community, and what a year it has been! Right from the very beginning upon entering this school, it felt like joining a family. Whether at the assemblies, Friendship Breakfasts, holiday events, school yard or in the classrooms, I believe that the Grade 6 class, the leaders among the student body, have had a huge role to play in shaping the culture and tone of our school community. It is safe to say that this school has been very lucky to have you as their leaders this past year, myself included. As a new principal in the school, you made me feel welcome, taught me about your traditions & values, showed me all the things that the B.E.S. family has to be proud of, and most of all set the direction for your peers who all looked up to you as leaders.
The 2019-2020 school year has been unlike anything we have experienced in education. With the school closed for the majority of Term 3 due to a global pandemic, continuing your Grade 6 education in preparation for junior high school meant having to persevere through online learning platforms and Zoom meetings. The resilience required to make things work in our new reality was significant, and these events will certainly change the way we look at education moving into the years to come. This pandemic has impacted your final term at B.E.S., end-of-year trips & celebrations, and even your graduation ceremony. Yet still, you log onto Google Classrooms and Zooms with smiles on your faces and a spirit that embodies the “B.E.S. Strong” message. Our school community coming together to face this challenge and support one another through an unprecedented event is a true reminder of who we are, and what we can do if we work together.
I could not be more proud of the students and citizens you have all become, and feel confident knowing that we are sending our Grade 6 class off to Hadley ready to face whatever challenges they encounter. Regardless of what the configuration of school will be at the start of 2020-2021, I am certain that you will be able to succeed and thrive knowing what you have already achieved and overcome. As you transition to this next phase of your education, please remember the things you have learned and relationships you have built during your years at B.E.S. This place and these people will always be a part of who you are, and what shaped you into the strong, kind and wonderful humans we are sending off on this new adventure. It has been my honour to be a part of your final year at this school.
Our school mission: Strong Relationships Growing Healthy Minds to Go Beyond. I could not think of a group that embodies this message better. Now get out there and go beyond!
Congratulations class of 2020, you did it! You will be missed greatly, and will always be a part of this family.
Mr. Rosseel