Hi my name is Lara Collins and I had the privilege of teaching Elise for both grade 4 and grade 5 at Deep Cove Elementary. When Laurel first asked me to speak I was honoured, emotional and apprehensive, but she was quick to remind me that I had helped Elise get over her performance anxiety, so really it is my turn to dig deep for courage and follow Elise’s lead.

Elise was a sweet, sincere, observant girl with a dry sense of humour. When she was comfortable she was very talkative and shared long, detailed stories with me. She had her own fashion sense and was years ahead of the long Maxi skirt rage.

When I was teaching Elise I was in the process of completing my Masters. My research and project were on Character Education and my students were my guinea pigs for my Virtue lessons. Elise thrived on the knowledge that she possessed all these attributes and with perseverance started to gain self-confidence. Elise was also very thoughtful and gave me a special owl box that contained four silver coins with a First Nation animal engraving on one side and a virtue on the back of each. I have had them on my desk ever since and I was drawn to them when thinking about what I should share with you about this special girl. As I read each virtue I thought about how she represented each one.

The first coin’s virtue is Patience. Well this varied with Elise. With her good friends she was patient and kind. She was helpful with younger buddies too, making them feel at ease and assisting them with our partner projects. At times her patience was tested as she would shake her head at some of her classmate’s foolish antics and was a bit disturbed by some “boy behavior.” Most importantly Elise learned to be more patient with herself and not stress when things didn’t work as planned.

Now whenever I look at my patience coin I am aware of how I have become the student and Elise my teacher.

She taught me:

- To remind myself that the rambunctious boys in my Kindergarten class need me to be extra patient with them.

- To focus on teaching others the value of patience and lead by example.

And I will remember Elise Fondly for her patience with others.

The second coin’s virtue is Loyalty. Elise was very loyal to her friends and family. She took her time to warm up to new people, but once you were in, she wasn’t letting go. When a few of Elise’s friends came over to the English program she took them under her wing and became the leader of that group. She loved her family and shared many stories about their weekend antics sometimes rolling her eyes for extra effect. At a time when most children are pulling away from their parents and asking to be dropped off at the front of the school, Elise would greet her mom with a huge smile and hold her hand while they walked down the hall together.

When I look at my Loyalty coin I will remember that Elise taught me:

- That gaining the trust and loyalty of others takes time.

- That it is important to demonstrate loyalty to my students, friends and family.

And I will remember Elise as a loyal member of my class at Deep Cove.

The third coin’s virtue is Courage. Elise was a very courageous girl even before her fight with cancer began. When she came to me in grade 4 she was terrified of speaking in front of others and was resistant to any situation that might put her in the lime light. With encouragement and support she persisted, trusted and took chances. She cleared many hurtles one at a time and with each success became stronger and more confident. When her fight began with cancer she was a force to be reckoned with and battled for 6 long years.

When I look at my Courage coin I will remember that Elise taught me:

- That being courageous has nothing to do with size, age or strength, but that it comes from the heart.

- That it is important to focus on being courageous during tough times.

And I will remember how courageously Elise tackled challenges and fought cancer.

The last coin’s virtue is Peace.

I wish peace for Laurel, Peter and Jamie and hope that you find comfort in your memories. Your family packed a lot of love and memories into a short time and made each moment count. I hope you can find peace in knowing that so many other people loved and cared about your daughter. We are all grateful that Elise is no longer suffering and now at peace.

Elise you taught me many things.

I will focus on remembering all the wonderful qualities and virtues that you possessed.

And I will remember you as a peaceful and beautiful person.