A decade of growth and a room full of memories collided in an emotional reunion as Mother Teresa Catholic Early Childhood Learning Centre‘s very first kindergarten class returned to where their academic journeys began.
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The graduating Grade 12 students stepped back into their original classroom to reunite with their former teacher, Michelle Bolduc, and open a 12-year-old time capsule she had preserved since the school opened in 2013.
For Bolduc, a veteran educator of 20 years, the milestone was the culmination of a vision she had at the start of her kindergarten teaching journey.
“I remember that my very first year as a teacher, my partner teacher said, ‘always put yourself in the position of the parent. What would the parents want?’” Bolduc said, noting the deep emotional impact of seeing her former students grown up. “To see all these kids, my heart is just opening up. I remember the little memories, the little things.”
Mother Teresa Early Childhood Learning Centre on June 11. Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source
The time capsule contained packages created by the students in 2013, featuring self-portraits, lists of their favourite things and predictions about their future selves. Crucially, it also included letters written by parents a dozen years ago, detailing their hopes and dreams for their children’s Grade 12 year.
Principal Sheila Jurke praised Bolduc’s enduring commitment to her students, calling the reunion a testament to the dedication of classroom teachers.
“It’s a really exciting day because this is the very first kindergarten class with Mrs. Bolduc that registered here when Mother Teresa opened,” Jurke said. “It really warms all of our hearts and just shows the extent that teachers will go for their students. Not every individual would do something like that, but she cared enough.”
Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source
For the graduates, who are preparing to walk the stage at local high schools, walking into the classroom offered a striking perspective on how much time had passed.
“It’s like a blast from the past,” said graduating student Alex White. “I remember it, but I don’t. It’s so different coming back to it. I’m so much bigger now.”
White expressed gratitude for Bolduc’s long-term planning, adding, “It’s awesome that she cared to do this over 12 years. That’s over a decade. That’s a long time to plan it out and keep it all.”
Graduate Ariana Abbott immediately recalled her favourite part of the classroom — a small indoor treehouse — and said seeing her former teacher brought back an instant flood of warmth.
“As soon as I saw her, it was just like her face lit up,” Abbott said.
Mother Teresa Early Childhood Learning Centre on June 11. Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source
While this marks the first time capsule opening for Bolduc, it will not be her last. She has kept time capsules for every kindergarten class she has taught since, with seven more reunions slated for the coming years.
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