From JK to Grade 8: Teacher and Student Reconnect at SMCS
When newly enrolled Grade 8 student Joshua Malec was four, Ms. Lee was his junior kindergarten teacher. “I remember how much growth we shared that year in 2017–18,” says St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) teacher Jennifer Lee. “It was his very first school experience as a four-year-old, and my first and only time teaching junior kindergarten after spending over a decade with intermediate and junior students.” Lee remembers Malec as a focused and curious student who was quick to smile when he mastered something new. “He was such a bright, sweet presence in the classroom—always focused when it was time to work, but quick to flash a warm smile once he engaged,” she says. “I remember guiding him through the fundamentals, from French phonics to learning how to tie shoes and wrangle snow pants!” Malec remembers Ms. Lee’s classroom as being organized, with weekly French quizzes and art projects. “I remember thinking how very welcoming and patient she was,” says Malec. “Based on how she kept her classroom, I would never have known that it was her first time teaching kindergarten. Our entire class made Christmas ornaments that were gingerbread men. I still have my ornament to this day. I think it was made from clay, and it had my name on it. It showed that she really cared about our class.” Seven years later, Malec and Ms. Lee have crossed paths again at SMCS. Malec is in his first year at SMCS as a Grade 8 student, while Ms. Lee is in her eighth year teaching in the Moderns Department. The connection was made when Malec’s family started looking at SMCS. At last year’s Open House, Malec realized that his former JK teacher was now working at the school. “I was very happy and wondered if she would be my teacher again,” Malec says. His parents were also
