Late afternoon, Labour Day. The Eve of a new school year. The Eve of the start of my 24th school year as a teacher. I am always excited on this day. Excited for the adventure about to begin. Excited to meet this year's class, some new to our room, some back from last year. Tonight I will have trouble falling asleep, my mind filled with the things that I have done to get ready, and those things I have left undone. And full of anticipation for the journey we are about to begin.
There is also a little sadness. The summer is over. I've attended my last summer barbecue, played my last round of weekday golf, had my last quiet evening on the deck, listening to the crickets, watching the stars and enjoying a last cold brew into the late hours, knowing I could sleep in this morning. Outside, a thunderstorm is raging and the rain is drowning my gardens. Are the cosmos weeping for the end of summer freedom as well?
Sure, the weather has not turned cold yet. Meteorologically speaking, it's still summer. It's a hot and humid day. If we're lucky, good weather will be with us at least until Thanksgiving in mid October or beyond. The grass is still green and the trees have not put on their fall colours, yet. But, you can feel the fall coming. It's in the days that are getting just a bit shorter and the lillies that have bloomed and withered, to be replaced by the earthier colours of fall mums and a garden full of almost ripe pumpkins and squash. Even restaurants have changed their featured flavours from spring berries to pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon. So, while the official start of autumn won't come until the Vernal Equinox in a few weeks, for me, fall starts tomorrow.
With the grief I experience over the changing season comes reflection. Will all my planning come to fruition? Will I be able to make those all important relationships with this year's students and create a safe and inclusive learning environment? Will I be able to be the kind of teacher I want to be, each day for every Student, all year long? Will I meet my own expectations? More importantly, will I meet the expectations my Students have for me?
Only time will tell, I suppose.
In the meantime, I will put my melancholy thoughts away and enjoy my last few hours of summer. I will let my feelings of excitement take over and dream of a wonderful first day and a year filled with learning for my students and I. And I wish the same for all of you. Happy Labour Day.
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