September 8, 2023 – Saying Goodbye – Closing Circle

My last in-person class with EDUC 405 (Block 5) happened last week at West Lake Provincial Park. It was a beautiful fall morning and everyone was in attendance and on-time. The morning exceeded my expectations. One student brought a propane fire, another student notified the cohort to bring lawn chairs, and another student brought food. To my surprise, another student organized a personalized card and gift that I was deeply moved and touched. They really got me. Grateful.

We first met in Block 1 one year ago in EDUC 405 and EDUC 394. We continued our relationship in Block 2 in EDUC 405, EDUC 391, and EDUC 421. To have two terms with one cohort in 4-courses has been extraordinary and something I know I will be writing about as a program evaluation. What is noteworthy about this crew was all of the things that we are able to explore and accomplish in these courses. They made me believe what is truly possible and we achieved so much together.

The moment of connection happened one month into our teaching and learning relationship within this 16-month teacher education program. I collaborated with the other EDUC 405 instructor to organize a fire circle event with the UHNBC drummers to recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It was a memorable day and had a huge impact on both cohorts. It was an amazing day!!

After the fire circle event, my cohort took photos with the UHNBC drummers, some student volunteers from my class extinguished the fire they created, and then our class formed a circle to decide what we wanted to do for next class. Due to the funeral of the queen and rescheduling of dates, we could of gone to West Lake Provincial Park as originally planned or attend a Pro-D presentation online.

We reflected on the fire circle experience with “two-words” and then I posed the choice to the cohort to get their feedback on what they wanted to do. We went around the circle again and students either voted for no preference or going to West Lake. We decided to go to West Lake and at that moment, I knew we had connection. We met on the land to learn from the land after that long weekend.

I remember that morning. It was the day after my birthday. I just returned from Vancouver and Michael Bublé concert. I was already pretty happy, but going to West Lake as a class that Monday morning was a beautiful fall day. The colour of the trees were golden and gorgeous. The lake was covered by fog and we could see our breath. We connected to the water, the land, and each other. Amazing!!

On September 8th, we returned back to the water, the land, and each other. The day was much warmer and blue algae plagued the water. It didn’t matter. We had a moment together to reflect, wonder, and say goodbye. That said, it’s never easy to say goodbye. Admittedly, I missed this crew over the last 4-months. I did not have class with them with exception to EDUC 405, but it was delivered asynchronously.

There were some messy moments but every moment is a learning opportunity. I learned a lot as well when I was not with them. The journey and everything in between was amazing and meant to be. I believe in serendipity. We landed on our feet and moving forward. This crew helped me to complete my portfolio and I am super excited for them in the final 4-months of the program during practicum.