Florence Elementary hosts farewell open house.
Staff, students, volunteers gather for final concert
There were a few tears and lots of smiles and applause at Florence Elementary School on Friday afternoon as students, staff and volunteers gathered for a farewell concert.
The school will close its doors for good at the end of June and the students will move to T.L. Sullivan in the fall under the middle school format.
Although it’s a bittersweet time for the staff and students, the energy in the gymnasium was electric and full of laughter as the students performed an informal concert in honour of the school’s longtime volunteers.
Different classes rearranged classic song lyrics to reflect their appreciation of the adults who dedicated their time to the school and its students.
The Grade 3-4 class sang a memorable song with the lyrics “Thanks for the hot lunch and breakfast program!”
Grade 5 student Rory Young hugged principal Michelle Stubbert, as she emotionally described the bond the entire school shares.
“We’re a family, you know. Everybody knows each other on a first-name basis. We rely on the community to volunteer and help out with the school. It’s very emotional,” said Stubbert.
When asked what were some of Stubbert’s favourite times at Florence Elementary, Young answered the question for her.
“Halloween is her favourite!” said Young, adding, “She loves penguins, too!”
Young said he loves Florence Elementary and the most important thing the school has taught him was to be a good person.
“(I learned) not to steal, be nice and don’t be a bully.”
At the conclusion of the concert, applause rang out as students presented gifts to volunteers who did everything from running the lunch program to coaching the basketball team.
The event also brought together former students and staff, including Dave Macintyre, a retired vice principal and teacher at Florence Elementary who began working at the school when it opened in 1976. Macintyre said it’s a tough time for teachers and students, but there is a positive side.
“It’s always sad when you see a school close. It takes something away from the community,” said Macintyre. “But, because they are moving all the students as a group, I think they’ll get along just fine … having their friends with them.”
At the end of the event, staff members and parents talked about old memories and what’s next for the students and staff over tea and treats.
Stubbert said whatever happens next, she hopes she can be close to her Florence students.
“I’m a Florence kid myself, so I’m hoping to stay with my Florence kids. That’s my goal.”