The process of making this poem was actually quite incredible because I made my class talk to all members of our school community to get a vibe on what they thought was special about our school and the community we have at Senator Reid. Probably one of my favourite quotes I heard was from a past student in grade 10, "I like coming back to Senator Reid because it feels like home".
Here is our version of this Where I'm From poem. Ideas were brainstormed and written by my students, organized by Anureet and Sukhraj and then compiled together by me. As I was doing that, I was nearly in tears. I was that proud.
I am from Senator Reid by Div. 2
I am from the modern buildings stretching to reach the blue sky, soaring above us,
blocking out the sun in Surrey.
I am from the misty lakes of the Okanagan.
I am from Fiji’s tropical weather with friendly hellos and oceans that reflect the colours of the sky.
I am from Dubai with its neck breaking skyscrapers and awesome sand dunes.
I am from Malaysia where we ate fresh fruit from our family’s trees.
I am from the scorching hot sun blazing upon the land of spice, India.
I am from Vancouver, home of the Canucks, jerseys of blue and green.
I am from the tall, snowy mountains and the wet maple leaves lying
casually on the Canadian streets.
I am from Mrs. Silvers who taught me to work hard until I accomplish something.
I am from Miss Ling who taught me to follow my passion and express myself
within our loving, supportive classroom family.
I am from Mr. Church’s voice booming down the long hallways and echoing off the salmon tank.
I am from Ms. Edwards’ butterflies fluttering from our home and singing along to “My Little Sunshine”
strummed on her guitar.
I am from Mrs. Breda, who made me believe in magic
with her incredible tricks that took over my Kindergarten mind.
I am from Ms. Besse, who says “Keep trying and you will do it”
and Ms. Zukewich’s, “Ask three before me”.
I am from the toughness of Ms. Cho and the sweet singing of Ms. Johnston.
I am from every teacher who urged me to strive for success and do my best,
who took time to answer my questions and encourage me.
I am from singsonged voices in primary: “Criss cross apple sauce”
and “Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up”.
I am from “Walk on the right side” with your marshmallow feet.
I am from the adrenaline pumping in my heart
as I leap over the Cross Country finish line amid my classmates’ cheers.
I am from sports teams that taught us how to play hard, yet remain sportsmanlike;
the fierce competitiveness of Playday, the cheers of each team
battling to be the loudest in their red, blue, yellow, and green.
I am from reading in the confines of the milk jug igloo, its fur rug cozy and warm.
I am from being welcomed each day with smiles, hellos, hugs, and high fives.
I am from Waffle Wednesdays, 3 Things Thursdays, and roti for lunch every day.
I am from SHARK reminding us to be safe, helpful, accountable, respectful, kind.
I am from class meetings, papier-mâché animals, math stations, and soccer on the gravel field.
I am from every lesson learned that I will carry with me onto high school.
I am from building friendships that will last us into our high school years,
our laughter echoing through the hallowed hallways.
I am from a place where I feel safe, accepted, valued, and loved.
I am from the bottom rung on the ladder that opens doorways to possibilities for my future.
I am from learning to pursue my dreams,
knowing that all things are possible through perseverance.
I am from transforming us, so we become better people.
I am from creating unforgettable moments, memories that will last a lifetime.
I am from Senator Reid