Stavely school bids farewell to departing Grade 6 students

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer
Students can experience a lot in their six years at Stavely Elementary School.
For Luke McPherson it was everything from hands-on learning, passion projects and track meets to egg candling; Halloween parties; One School, One Book; a field trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller; hot lunches; the school candy store and much more.
McPherson was just one of the students asked to share his memories of the past six years when Stavely Elementary held their Grade 6 farewell on the evening of June 9.
The evening featured thoughts from a variety of people.
“It feels like yesterday you were all so little,” said Trustee Carla Gimber, of the Livingstone Range School Division.
Through all the years one thing has stayed the same.
“It always amazes me how everyone at the school takes care of each other,” Gimber said.
She then wished the students well as they head off to Grade 7 in Claresholm or Nanton.
“I just want you to know how proud everybody is of you,” she said.
Melanie Biever has worked at the school 11 years.
“You get attached to everybody,” she said. “(However) this has been a really special class.”
She also had some words of wisdom for them.
“Be kind, be honest, never quit working, be true to yourself,” she said. “You’re a great class.”
“I’m so proud of these kids,” said Grade 5/6 Teacher Julaine Guitton. “I will miss them.”
The last word went to Principal Leanne Watson.
She noted the students planned the whole event themselves.
“You guys did an outstanding job,” she said.
Watson then reflected on the Grade 6 class.
“I see in front of me a group of leaders,” she said. “You guys have come so far.
“I can’t say enough about all of you.”
However, the school also includes parents, families and the community.
“I just think the world of our school and our town,” Watson said.
She pointed to the students moving on to their new schools in the fall.
“They’re so well prepared,” Watson said. “It’s because of all of us working together.”