
Impressive. Inspiring. Powerful. These were the words that came to mind watching last night’s Grade 5 Exhibition, the culmination of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Students took turns presenting what they had learned about their passions during their eight week journey, but most importantly, shared the lessons that they learned about themselves along the way. There were lessons about needing to improve their organization. Wrangling with group collaborate efforts. Interviewing experts like professional athletes, writers, and business leaders. Debating within themselves whether their original passion was what they felt as they proceeded with the process. Finding their own voices and style while making a presentation. Joyfully discovering that other people shared their passions. But most important, confirming what they hadn’t realized at the outset, that passions are powerful nudges to follow their hearts and make a difference in their world.
Many thanks to the mentors throughout the school who assisted our students on their journey and special thanks to our Grade 5 teachers, Brad Baxter and Sonya terBorg, for guiding these wonderful individuals. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for these kids as they move into Riverstone’s Middle Years Programme!