I’m late in posting this to my blog this year, I know. In reality, other writing has taken priority over updating this blog in recent years, but I do know that former students have stopped by in the past to…
For the grads of 2020
Well, grads of 2020, the year is over. And what an end it’s been. There are a lot of folks out there saying that your grad class is special – that you’re unique, and are forging a new path, and…
For the grads of 2019
Note: I often write a little something for my grade 12s at the end of the year. This is this year’s letter — a bit of a parting life lesson from Ms. MacKenzie. Hi, grads of 2019. I want to…
This is what the premier is calling a success.
I haven’t blogged about education in a while. And I won’t lie – it’s been a glorious break. Writing about all the bad parts of my job isn’t fun. Letting myself think about the difficulties doesn’t make me excited to…
The Day After in a Canadian High School
After the first Presidential debate, I promised my grade 12 French class that we could re-hash the American election results en français on the day following the election. It’s something they wanted to do as Canadians. Because they were watching.…
Grads of 2016: Life isn’t for Marks.
This is not an open letter. These aren’t the musings of someone drunk on their own wisdom, spewing their truths onto whatever’s around. But this is a letter. And I am going to shout about what I know. What I’ve…
Going Wherever I’m Needed
“I’m like a superhero,” I tell my students every June. “I go wherever I’m needed.” It’s the most lighthearted way I can think of to describe the layoff and recall process that I face each year. The recall process is…
Finding that Ultimate Year-End Teacher Gift
This is my favourite time of year. Sure, classes are over. Report cards are finished. Life is slowly backing away from the frenetic pace of year-end shenanigans. The long days and late nights of summer are just waiting for me.…
Appreciate a teacher this week
As my fourth year of teaching full time trots toward its close, I find that I’m still adjusting to being a teacher – though I’m not adjusting to teaching. I have a petty good handle on that, and although I’m…
Well, this made my year.
Yesterday, I made my husband read without his glasses. Which means he could barely see. But my mouth was stuffed with rice cake. I couldn’t read to him and it was paramount that he read my email RIGHT THEN. Because…