“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
Sydney J. Harris

This is me on my first day of school. If you look closely into my eyes you will see the glint of mixed emotions. Both both nervousness and excitement ran through my veins.  I have hazy memories of who I was back then, and how I felt about myself and those around me…I must be getter old!  As Cat Steven’s says “remember the days of the old schoolyard, we use to laugh a lot”.  You will no doubt remember pieces of those early school days fondly.   You may not remember what you learnt, but you will remember whether you gave it your best  shot.   You may not remember the equations that you wrestled with,  but you will remember if you learnt to become a problem solver.  You may not remember the exams you sat, but you will remember if you chose to shrink in the face of perplexity or rise to a challenge.  You may not remember who that argument at school was with,  but you will remember if you have the propensity to make friends and influence people. What you learn at school goes far deeper than reading, writing and arithmetic. It cuts right to the core of who you are. Character traits that you develop at school will remain long after the last school bell rings. Give your schooling days everything you’ve got, so you don’t look back with regret of opportunities lost. Remember every lesson you learn goes far deeper than what is initially revealed. I wish all school students the very best as you return to school in 2011! Make this year your very best, work hard, chase your passions, learn from others and keep a smile on your face!  Look outward in 2011 and will it be a phenomenal year for you and your classmates!