Grade 6 Graduation

Yesterday after the triathlon was grade 6 graduation. It was a nice event and quite simple. One of the grade 6 teachers as well as the principal made speeches. They gave 2 awards for every subject in each class and several other awards. Austin was completely thrilled to win an award for science. He also got his report card and even light refreshments. What do you think of his hairdo? It has become a tradition in the last week of school to let him wear a "slowhawk" from Monday to Saturday...and have it cut off so he is appropriate for Sunday.

School triathlon Pt. 2: Austin

This year, Austin was going to be on a team for the triathlon. However, his teammates decided against participating at the last minute. Rob then arranged with the school for Austin to do his own triathlon. Though he is in grade 6, he was allowed to do one length in the pool, one lap on his bike and one lap running. He did the whole thing and had unbelievable support. About 7 kids followed him through the whole thing, cheering him with every step. Later at the Grade 6 graduation, he got a certificate for being a "True Triathlete."

School triathlon Pt. 1 Mark

Yesterday was the Magrath Elementary School triathlon. It works like this. Grade one students swim one width, bike one lap of the track and run one length of the track. Each year the number of laps of each discipline increases by one. In grade 4, students start swimming lengths instead of widths. Students can do the triathlon as a team, with a different person doing each leg, or they can be a "true triathlete" and do all 3.

Mark's educational assistant, Amanda, and I had the idea of helping Mark do the triathlon on a team. She pulled him in the water 4 lengths. Then another special needs student, Marina, who has a bike that someone pushes behind, did 3 biking laps of the track with her EA, Sharee pushing her (since Marina is in Gr. 3). Then, I pushed Mark in a running stroller and ran 4 laps. It was pretty fun and the kids cheered lots for Mark.

"Long" jump

As all the kids at their schools, Alyssa and Austin participated in track and field this year. Alyssa's best events were throwing--shot put and discus. She finished third in both events at the school meet and was able to then compete at the divisional meet where I think she finished sixth and eighth in her events.

In Austin's grade, everyone has to do every event at the school track meet and they find a way for everyone to participate in at least one event at the divisional track meet. This is Austin doing the "Long" jump at the divisional meet. His personal best: 90 cm. And, while that may not seem far, it beat his next best jump by over 20 cm.

Year End Piano Recital

The following 2 videos are from the year end piano recital. First, Alyssa and her friend Karah are playing a duet, "Rondino" by Kuhlau. Alyssa also played her music from the lethbridge festival, but I didn't get it on video.

This is Austin playing "Crafty Card Tricks" and Casey Jones. I'm very happy with the progress both kids have made this year in their music.

Year End Band Concert

Alyssa's grade 8 band. She is on the second row toward the right. The only saxophone player. Her band got a superior rating at the Lethbridge music festival so they were able to go to Red Deer to perform in the Provincial music festival.
This is Austin's grade 6 band. In grade 6 the kids get band twice a week as an introduction. The June school end concert is the debut of the grade 6 band. Austin plays trumpet, but will be switching to percussion next year.

Kindergarten graduation

On June 9th, Preston graduated from kindergarten. As you can see from the pictures, Preston's demeanor was fully in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion. Preston with his teacher Mrs. Petrunik. Eyes closed tight posing for the picture

The kindergarten graduation song