The last day at Parkdale Elementary School

Walking to school in the last week of school. 

One of the best decisions we made during our time here in Montreal was to send the children to school. Despite many administrative challenges last year, prior to coming, it all worked and they have attended Parkdale Elementary School for five months. Parkdale is considered an inner city school with an extremely diverse student population.

Lach and Ms Jennifer

Lach, with Mansva, Assim and Awias. A multicultural bunch!

The children have all loved their time at school. They have all had challenges along the way but we have no doubt these have made them better people for it! There have been some friendship issues, many gaps in knowledge, some cultural differences as well as the big one, some climatic differences. Many of these involved tears at home, but ultimately, the children have approached each challenge positively and been open minded. Never have they complained about going to school - in fact the opposite - there have been times when they haven't wanted to stay home or miss a particular activity. The children all have a couple of special friends to farewell in this last week. I don't know whether these will be friends for life, but for five months, they have been great supports and great company for our children. And, with social media, email and the world getting smaller, you can never predict whether their paths may cross again in the future. 

The teachers have all been very special and have all made our children feel welcome and supported.

Sophie with Ms Karin and her class - a total of 11 students!

Olivia and the girls from her class.