Kindergarten Graduate

She did it! Bradyn has officially graduated from Kindergarten into Grade 1!!! How my newborn baby became a grade 1 student in the blink of an eye is still a mystery to me.

On Wednesday afternoon there was a 'Stepping Up To Grade 1' ceremony for Bradyn's class. I promised her I would be there and I was.... just in the nick of time. I had a client meeting that ran long so I was running late, but I got there at 1:30 on the nose. When I arrived, it broke my heart to see Bradyn crying, while all of her friends around her were giving big smiles to the parents taking pictures. With all the other parents there except me, Bradyn thought I had decided not to come. Even after I gave her a big hug and kiss and dried her tears, it took her a few minutes to shake it off and join in the excitement of their graduation ceremony. When everyone was ready, we all walked around to the back of the school where the children assembled along the playground wall. For each child, the entire class recited the beginning of a sentence and then they took turns finishing the sentence. At first I had absolutely no idea what they were saying - it was in French! Eventually I realized the gist of it was 'I am ready for Grade 1 because....' Here is Bradyn's answer:

"I can read and write" (it's OK if you didn't pick that up - I had to ask her).

After everyone had a turn, they then waited patiently for their turn to Step Up. I thought it was absolutely adorable that their teacher gave them each a choice ... "Would you like a handshake or a hug?" I didn't see one handshake.

So proud to show off her certificate. Too bad it was upside down!

(I apologize for the poor quality of the photos, but my camera died and I had to use my Blackberry)

Here is Bradyn with Mme Broughton, her favourite teacher. (Kevin and I still think she's too young to be a teacher.)

Bradyn and her friend Alexander P (not to be confused with Alexander C). It has been fun watching this relationship evolve over the year. They are in before and after school care together, as well as being in the same kindergarten class. Their crushes on each other have come and gone, but I don't think they're done yet....

After the ceremony, the kids had 5 minutes to play in the park before heading back inside for their party. In the last few weeks, I have seen Bradyn conquer the monkey bars and rings - she can now make her way all the way from one side to the other without dropping.

As sad as I was to see Bradyn upset when I arrived, I think that's what saved me from getting emotional. Every day I am just in awe of the amazing young girl Bradyn is becoming. She's smart, funny, beautiful, athletic, artistic... It scares me when I see so many of my belligerent genes in her personality, but they seem to be balanced by her kindness, empathy and genuine care for others. There were some comments on Bradyn's report card that really made me proud:

"has been an enjoyable member of our class"

"enthusiastic"

"takes great pride in her work and adds a lot of detail to her work"

"speaks clearly and confidently with adults and peers"

"courteous listener"

"combines conventional and invented spelling in her writing" (I think that's a nice way of saying she makes stuff up)

Along with her report card, we got a list of school supplies she'll need for September (weren't they supplied when we went to school?). I don't know about Bradyn, but I am super excited to see what new adventures await her in Grade 1.

Congratulations Bradybug - we are all VERY proud of you.