Glen, London ON

The Terrific Twins Take Off!

Four years ago, I was fortunate to have a set of girl twins (Elaf and Taweel) who arrived in my kindergarten class just around Christmas time. Little did I know the gifts they would provide me down the road. The girls and their family came from a refugee camp and spoke little to no English yet were so determined to learn it. When they entered grade one, I made sure the two of them and their older sister joined our club. During the next two years, whenever they saw me in the hall, they showed with their fingers and great excitement how many more days it was until the next club night (e.g.,." Three more days Mr. C."). They loved the club from the first day, and enjoyed the opportunity when they were able to listen to a coach read a story to them.

This past month they asked me if they could read to me. I was a little worried because they picked a challenging book, and I was sure that I would do most of the reading. Was I ever in for a surprise! They took turns reading the book with such excitement and confidence that I started to tear up. Still, I figured they had probably memorized it and decided to bring a new book from the same author the next week so we could work on it together. Well, the terrific twins reread it with such excitement and pride that I was blown away! The ability to read had taken off like a rocket! It made my day, week, and my month. The Terrific Twins reading was one of the best surprises and gifts I have ever received.

I chose this story because it shows the impact and joy that Start2Finish has brought to so many of the children in the past six years. I have been so blessed to be a part of it. One of the biggest reasons I had a difficult decision leaving my past school was that I wouldn't be a teacher champion for Start2Finish. The volunteers at both Trafalgar and Woodland Heights are some of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met, and they give so much of themselves to children like Elaf and Taweel.

 

Land Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge the land on which we work, and which Start2Finish operates, is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples inhabited and cared for this land. In particular, we acknowledge the territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples; the land that is home to the Metis; and most recently, the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who are direct descendants of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land, and by doing so, give our respect to its first inhabitants.

We welcome you to acknowledge the land you are on https://www.whose.land/fr/

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