Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario everyone knew my family. They weren’t on the radio and they weren’t TV celebrities. They were teachers and in my hometown if you were a teacher YOU were a celebrity. My aunts, my uncles, my cousins they were all and some still are teachers for the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School board. Wherever I would go someone would say “Your mom taught me” and they would go on to discuss what they learned from her. She taught French and art. Oh and marionette making! Yup that is a thing. As I got older some of my mom’s students became teachers and they told me it’s because my mom inspired them. What? My mom inspired someone other than me? It’s because she was a teacher.
As you know I have 3 little ones who I call the SpecialKayes. When it was time for me to pick a school for them to complete their education I chose a Catholic education for them. I have so many fond memories as a child going to a Catholic school. It wasn’t just school for me. We had so many social elements. Maybe that’s why I love being social! We had bake sales, senior home choir sing alongs and the social justice club. Each one of those events included a teacher who took their time outside of school to also volunteer their time at these events. Yes we did sports and we did everything else public and private schools do. I played competitive softball and basketball. For me though I learned in a Catholic school how to give back to my community. I really didn’t feel like I was being taught how to give back. It was something we just did in our school with our teachers. My family and the Catholic teachers who taught me showed me what being a volunteer and being philanthropic is all about. I want my kids to learn that and they are. Yes, they can learn from me their mother. However, it takes a village to raise kids and that village when kids are younger includes teachers. Teachers from all walks of life make a difference in so many children’s lives. However, for me Catholic teachers teach my kids what community, philanthropy and kindness in the community should be all about.
Below find out what Cheryl is doing to make a difference. She started One Child 15 years ago. Her story is incredible.
That is so cool……….my mum…God rest her soul!, (she passed at age 59) she taught kindergarten for many years in our home while I was growing up. I can remember it so well. She had 2 classes, morning and afternoons with 30 kids in each. All this was way back before there were any kindergarten classes in the schools. Unfortunately she had to close due to new rules and restrictions to having it in a home…. Was not worth to cost of remodeling or fees for the license. But it was great and I as a child I was in first grade at the time she started. (60yrs ago!!) Can remember Santa Clause coming to visit the kids every year!!! so fun. So there ya have it….we do have something in common! 🙂
My girls went to catholic schools as well. I loved the uniforms when they got to high school, got them out the door faster and saved money in the long run for me.
Right! I do love the uniforms!