An open letter to my students.

To my dear beloved Grade 4 students,

Representation of Danse Infernale from Stravinsky's Firebird

I am grateful for your hearts that forgive, reconcile, and continue to love.  You are an example to me of how this world should really operate.

I am grateful for your minds that are curious, open, and desire to learn. You inspire me to engage with the world around me and learn new things each day.

I am grateful for your smiles and laughter.  They are the purest form of joy and warm my heart each day.

I am grateful for your voices.  They sing beautifully, they speak truth, and they comfort others when they are in need of encouragement.  Thank you for showing me how to use one's voice to help others.

I never imagined that the year would end this way, our time together cut short.  Never forget that you each have inside of you, the power to call upon a Firebird.  You have shown me grace, compassion, and kindness that I can never repay.  You will never be forgotten.  Please believe that, as in the Firebird, good defeats evil.  Light outshines darkness.  You are precious.

Sincerely,

Mme. West