Celebrating Ekta Thind

Our lovely StrongStart Facilitator, Ekta Thind, here at Blue Jay Elementary School truly embodies our District’s Mission Statement: Preparing and inspiring our students for a lifetime of success through Respect, Opportunity, and Innovation. Ekta, or Ms. Ekta, as she’s known to our children, their families, and our staff, has been supporting both our 0 to age 4 children in our wonderful StrongStart space, and our incoming Kindergarteners. In this capacity, she has helped our children to experience an easier transition to our school setting; has inspired parents/caring adults to engage in more play-based and literacy activities at home; and has helped to strengthen our school’s connection with our families. She always has a huge smile upon her face (even though she is wearing a mask, we can see her smile in her eyes!), and a positive, can-do attitude.

We asked a number of members from our school community to share their comments about what makes Ekta a Difference Maker:

• From one of Ekta’s StrongStart Parents: Ms. Ekta has helped my daughter in many ways. Other than my family, my daughter is open with Ms. Ekta; she considers Ms. Ekta a friend. When my daughter comes in the morning, she comes in and hugs her. Ekta is very polite to kids. She is always in a good mood. She teaches children according to their age. My daughter is very close to Ms. Ekta. Ms. Ekta has really supported her in her communication. ~ Mandeep, StrongStart Parent
• From some of her colleagues: Ekta is a valuable member of our Blue Jay Elementary school community and has made an immense difference in supporting our Kindergarten students with their initial introduction to school. Ekta has developed positive connections and relationships with students, families and staff. We are thankful for her continuous support and care throughout the school year, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our team! ~ Mrs. T. Tran, and Mrs. K. Malchy, Blue Jay Elementary, Kindergarten Teachers

Our two Kindergarten teachers also interviewed several children whom Ekta supported in StrongStart before they entered our Kindergarten program:

• Ms. Ekta helps me learn my letters and my colours. ~Jasnoor
• Ms. Ekta show me how to print my name. ~Ameera
• Ms. Ekta is a nice teacher because she read me stories. ~Sahej
• Ms. Ekta says to share. ~Birraj

And, finally, some inspiring words for all of us from our wonderful Ekta Thind: Always give your best; do not judge anyone based on their emotions, appearance, or ethnicity. As everyone is different and giving the best of what they can. Keep spreading love as that is all what humans and our tiny humans need.

It always amazes me how one person can change the trajectory of a child’s pathway in life…Ekta Thind, in her role as our school’s StrongStart Facilitator, is truly changing our world, one child at a time.

Submitted by Kathy Fladager, Principal, Blue Jay Elementary School