For a brief moment I had lofty dreams.
It’s that first intake of crisp, cool morning air that always brings back school memories for me. Then, as the leaves start to turn and fall in piles of red and gold, I become so nostalgic for the late summers and autumns of my youth that, if it were possible, I would turn, run and dive right back into my desk on a glorious first day of school!
From Kindergarten through Grade 12, I attended a private school here in Calgary. I always liked school but I don’t think I really fell in love with it until I was in high school. It was during my high school years when I really started to find myself. It’s when I realized that my teachers were incredibly smart and interesting people that I would do well to befriend. It’s the time that I realized that academia could be a very romantic place, and I was all about the romance.
Laying out my black watch kilt and a crisp white blouse, a cardigan and some loafers was a fantastic start to the year. Freshly sharpened pencils and color-coded notebooks so clean and organized just waiting to be dog-eared and filled with illegible notes.
It was more than the clothes and supplies that I loved--it was the interaction, the debate, the camaraderie and fun. I remember simultaneously hating and loving that my English teacher, Chris Bentley, assigned a book report on The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. I remember reading T.S. Eliot and Shakespeare and desperately trying to find an angle to discuss that would impress my teacher and engage my classmates. Oh, the thrill of the challenge!
I remember the school song that we all made fun of year after year and how it brought tears to my eyes at my Grade 12 graduation. Isn’t that how it goes? You don’t know how much you love something until you see it in the rearview mirror.
If I could change anything about my school experience, it would be to keep it going a little bit longer. Straight out of high school and into secondary education. My life, however, went into a different direction and it wasn’t until I was married and in my late 20’s that I realized I should have gone to college. That said, the story’s not over yet. Every fall, when I smell that crisp, cool morning air, I say to myself, “Someday, you will sharpen your pencils, put on some loafers and go back to school.”
Do you have any fond or funny memories of school? I'd love to hear from you!
From Kindergarten through Grade 12, I attended a private school here in Calgary. I always liked school but I don’t think I really fell in love with it until I was in high school. It was during my high school years when I really started to find myself. It’s when I realized that my teachers were incredibly smart and interesting people that I would do well to befriend. It’s the time that I realized that academia could be a very romantic place, and I was all about the romance.
Laying out my black watch kilt and a crisp white blouse, a cardigan and some loafers was a fantastic start to the year. Freshly sharpened pencils and color-coded notebooks so clean and organized just waiting to be dog-eared and filled with illegible notes.
It was more than the clothes and supplies that I loved--it was the interaction, the debate, the camaraderie and fun. I remember simultaneously hating and loving that my English teacher, Chris Bentley, assigned a book report on The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. I remember reading T.S. Eliot and Shakespeare and desperately trying to find an angle to discuss that would impress my teacher and engage my classmates. Oh, the thrill of the challenge!
I remember the school song that we all made fun of year after year and how it brought tears to my eyes at my Grade 12 graduation. Isn’t that how it goes? You don’t know how much you love something until you see it in the rearview mirror.
If I could change anything about my school experience, it would be to keep it going a little bit longer. Straight out of high school and into secondary education. My life, however, went into a different direction and it wasn’t until I was married and in my late 20’s that I realized I should have gone to college. That said, the story’s not over yet. Every fall, when I smell that crisp, cool morning air, I say to myself, “Someday, you will sharpen your pencils, put on some loafers and go back to school.”
Do you have any fond or funny memories of school? I'd love to hear from you!
I'm participating in the Our Kids Private School Expo Blog Hop. Yesterday's School Memories post can be found at BitsNBitesWithTina. Tomorrow, the fun is happening at It's just my life.
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Join the conversation!
Twitter: hashtag #OKSchoolMem
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ourkidsnet
Stay tuned for Twitter Party Dates and times!
Looking for a Private School for your child?
Don’t miss Canada's most successful, best-attended Private School Expos. They’re the easiest way to learn about private and independent schools.
- Meet the leading private and independent schools and speak with current students and parents
- Learn how to find the right private school for your child and explore different types of schools, educational philosophies and special programs
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Montreal, SEPTEMBER 16
Calgary, SEPTEMBER 30
Halton-Peel, OCTOBER 14
Toronto, OCTOBER 20
Vancouver, NOVEMBER 11
Click here to register and receive free admission for a family of 4. (The promo code is BLOGHOP)
