Clearpoint Elementary Welcomes Their K-Students in Grand Style!
by Cindy Finn
How would you feel if someone threw a parade in your honour? Judging by the bright eyes and wide smiles of the kindergarten students at Clearpoint Elementary who participated in their school’s annual Balloon Parade, they felt like superstars.
September 4th was a perfect late summer’s day – sunny but cool – for the Clearpoint community to gather outside and welcome the school’s newest students. It was truly a sight to see! The older Clearpoint students in grades one through six lined the walkway behind their school, armed with homemade signs and banners, ready to greet the kindergartners. As the Kindergarten students processed down the path, accompanied by their parents and holding onto to brightly coloured balloons, the older students and school staff lining the parade route clapped and cheered loudly.
The Grand Marshall of the parade was kindergarten teacher, Suzanne Larkin. Holding a cluster of red balloons that swayed in the strong breeze, Mme Suzanne led the procession down the path and into the school yard. Then, Principal Maria Pan and Mme Suzanne officially welcomed the students and their families to Clearpoint and invited the students to follow their teachers into the school. It was a wonderful way to foster a sense of belonging and excitement for the learning journey ahead.
Mme Suzanne got the idea for this event 18 years ago as a meaningful and magical way to welcome kindergarten students to their school. The Balloon parade has since become an annual tradition at Clearpoint Elementary that brings out members from the community and the school board. This year’s parade was a picture-perfect moment!
