I can never say enough good things about the school our
kids are attending. Each time I enter those doors it hits me in the face of how
blessed we are they all three got in. It was such a journey and sooooooo much
preparation and work to get them there and in specialized programs but worth
every minute and every penny.
Today was Beauty’s dance recital. As part of her dance program
she begins in sept there for high school she has to attend a two week camp that
started the day after school ended for grade 6. It is an intensive preparatory integration
camp and they learn 5 types of dance in two weeks and then put on a recital.
OMG is all I can say. Honestly most of this show was
better than something people would pay for professionally. It is actually unbelievable
what they do with these girls. Totally in awe. But more even than the dance it
is the control and discipline they have over such large groups of teens. I have
never ever seen in my life hundreds of teens behave in the ways that these students
are taught to behave.
Each time I have entered that school for my sons –same thing.
It impresses me to no end. Beautifully behaved teens with happiness and joy
written all over their faces-hungry for education. I think it is the programs that
do it-the sports and the dance etc. where you have to maintain a certain average
to stay in the program (or the school!) No exceptions. Pointe Finals. Excellent
and excellent behavior –or you are out. If you are caught bullying, smoking,
drugs etc..no chances. OUT.
Whatever formula it is..it works.
And at this school it appears that the real teenage stuff
(parties, drinking etc) get started only in the later years-grade 10..vs
earlier years where slight experimatentions but nothing more from most
students. And this is a blessing as kids who are older are better able to handle
these decisions and situations.
It was such a pleasure to see our daughter up there on
that stage today. I was worried about her as she missed the last 2 days of camp
as she was sick and had 20 minutes this morning to learn jazz, ballet, contemporary
routines and I was thinking maybe even Argentinian flamenco routines! And she
did it-like a pro. My heart was beating very fast for her a she managed to stay
in almost perfect sync with all the girls who actually had three days to learn
the routines. I was proud of her.
And tonight she is dancing and dancing to French music
and twirling and trying out all different moves. I can see that she is totally
in love with her upcoming education and dance program and my heart is happy for
her. Again. It was all worth it. And even if these two weeks were exhausting
for her ….it is her life and it is amazing to watch a child blossom into such a
passion and talent.
Tonight my gratitude is for the high school that will
shelter our three teens next year all at once for one year…they will all be at
the place that I can truly say is doing a brilliant job of making my own three
teens disciplined, motivated to go to school and wanting with all their hearts
to do well in the subjects and their specializations. It has given them passion….and
a love of education for the most part. And I honestly could not ask for anything more from an institution.
