For the second year in a row, Kate's class does a 'Special Person of the Week'. Each day, the child needs bring a book, perform a talent or share a collection. The parents also have a responsibility - write a letter to the class about their child. I decided that the letter, a collaborative effort with Jim, should be included here.

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Dear Classmates:

What can we say about Kate?

It doesn’t seem like very long ago she was just a baby. And now… Grade 2! Not quite ready to borrow the car yet but, man – you guys are growing up so fast! I’m sure your parents feel the same way.


Kate is the oldest kid in her family and the only girl. She had 3 younger brothers – Andrew who is almost six, Declan who just turned four and Sean, who is 2 ½.
Can’t forget the 2 boy cats, Alvin and Martin. Her house is full of boys, LEGO, cars, trains, trucks and light-sabers. There’s no getting away from it. But guess who makes the best LEGO spaceships, the best train layouts and swings a mean light-saber? Kate rules!

Kate has developed quite a repertoire of skills and interests over the past year.

Last summer, she was determined to attempt the rock climbing wall while we were on vacation in British Columbia. As soon as she saw that wall she was keen to try it. So she started climbing, and after just a few tries, made it to the very top and rang the bell. Her mom tried and barely got off the ground, partly the result of being somewhat out of shape but mainly because she was terrified of falling. It is much harder than it looks.

Kate also likes to golf, just like her dad. With a new set of clubs she set out for the driving range. Focus and determination, despite a few blisters, kept her at it. She can really whack it and will get to play more next year. Her Dad is looking forward to having a new golf partner.

Her parents are very excited that Kate likes books. She has just about finished the fourth Wimpy Kid book. Her mom has already lined up many of her own childhood favourites, mainly horse books. We can’t wait to watch her read lots and lots of new books, and tell us about her literary adventures.

Kate loves some pretty neat, but sometimes scary movies. Her parents mightn’t always choose the most appropriate movies for an almost 8 year old but Kate is keen to push the limit. Golden Compass, Narnia movies, Star Wars and Harry Potter are some of her favourites that she has seen over the past year.

One thing many of you might know about Kate – she loves pumpkin pie. Whenever one of her parents returns from a trip to the grocery store, she always asks if we got her some pumpkin pie. She also likes to go out for Dim Sum, a Chinese brunch which includes some very different types of food than we typically eat at home. It makes for a fun outing for the entire family.


Before Kate went to bed last night, she reminded us once again about this letter. We know she is wondering about our favourite memory. It’s hard to choose – we have many great memories. It could be going on big bike rides with her last summer, playing board games with her mother, chasing her brothers around the house, riding the leaf express, blowing out the candles on her pumpkin pie, reading books to her little brothers, and lots of other things. We think, though, one of the best things about Kate is how happy she is, most of the time, except of course when we ask her to clean up, or make her bed, or brush her teeth, or get dressed to run an errand with us. Believe it or not, she is happiest when she’s talking about her friends at school.

So, thanks to all of you for being great classmates and making each day so enjoyable for Kate.

Kate’s Mom & Dad