Dear MTMS Community,
The class of 2021 has had a most extraordinary year. They adapted to new daily schedules, routines and modified learning spaces. They were distanced from friends and classmates and seamlessly transitioned from remote learning to in-person learning, not once but three times. This year, students did not have the opportunity to physically interact with peers from other grades, yet the grade 8 students found creative and compassionate ways to build relationships and shaped the resounding sense of togetherness that makes Mother Teresa Middle School (MTMS) so unique. Each student selflessly prioritized the health of others by placing a great deal of focus on sanitizing their hands, wearing their masks and social distancing.
Today, June 19th, we will gather virtually and host a family 'drive-by' to celebrate, acknowledge and honour the talents, accomplishments and resiliency of seventeen, amazing Grade 8 students. MTMS has posted the pre-recorded Promotion Ceremony Video for you to view in the comfort of your own home or office. We hope that you will be able to join us or take some time over the next few days to view the celebration and to leave a personal message of encouragement for our grade 8's.
Following the viewing of the Virtual Promotion Ceremony Video, individual students and their families have been invited to 'drive-by' MTMS to be celebrated by the staff and to receive their gift packages and a 4Seasons Party Pack dinner. This extra-special celebration and family meal has been made possible thanks to the generosity of countless individuals and organizations of the MTMS community. The gift packages include: the student's promotion certificates, their graduation photos and Pandemic class photo, all from Maurice Laprairie, awards received, their St. Ignatius Medallions, a t-shirt from their future high school, a love letter written by MTMS staff, a graduation cap and 2021 medallion, and snacks to enjoy. Additionally, students will be gifted a pair of moccasins, they helped craft with guidance from Lorne Kequahtooway and Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway.
We would have preferred to bring our larger community together to celebrate this wonderful event in person, but given the circumstances, we are doing what we can to make the day safe and memorable for students and their families.
The Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony is a right of passage for MTMS students. It is a chance to gather as a community and to celebrate all that they have accomplished in the past and all they have to look forward to in the future. It is a time to bring closure to one chapter of their lives while opening the next. It is also a chance to say thank you to all the people who have loved, guided and supported them over the last three years. The students at MTMS are extremely fortunate to have a huge network of supporters surrounding them; an incredible community that includes our MTMS Board of Directors, donors, volunteers, mentors, teachers, staff, community partners, family and friends. Without you, this educational opportunity would not be possible.
Many of you have touched the lives of the students personally and we could not be more grateful. Thank you for continuing to journey with MTMS – we are extremely grateful!
MTMS Staff