"DMCS Has Soothed His Soul" - Letter from a DMCS Parent

I am writing this letter to share with the school, its staff, and all others who make this school possible, the journey of our son and to express our gratitude for the positive impact DMCS has had on his young life and that of our entire family.

He was always very curious and eager to learn. From a very early age, he chose to spend his spare time reading encyclopedias, learning and playing chess and music or watching Jeopardy with his grandfather.  He had few common interests with the average children his age, but he got along fabulously with adults.  He has, and always has had, a very strong sense of Justice, and has understood the difference between right and wrong forever … instinctively.  He has a heart of gold.

His values are deeply anchored.  And they guide his journey through life.  He will not partake in behaviours simply to be part of a group, if such behaviours offend his values.   He would therefore come to the help of children being bullied, refuse to partake in group bullying, etc.  This, as well as his lack of common interests with the children his age, contributed to his status in the school’s social hierarchy.  He was alienated very early on, and suffered the related bullying that often comes with being different.

The extent of his distress became strikingly clear to us the day he asked to be home-schooled, so that he could learn something new and not have to endure the bullying.   We had noticed that he was slowly retreating to a space where no one could reach him, even his family.  That is when my search for a new school began.

We heard of DMCS through a colleague whose son had lived similar experiences.  I contacted the school and met with Mrs. Burnham, the principal, to get an idea of the values being honoured at the school.  Mrs. Burnham was simply amazing.  She gave him a chance to attend school for a day so that he could decide for himself whether this was a learning environment he would enjoy.  He came home from DMCS that one day, begging us to let him go to that school immediately.

Olivier moved to DMCS half way through grade 6, in January 2017.  When he arrived, he was promoted to Grade 7.  The decision to move him to grade 7 has not only boosted his self confidence (which was sorely suffering), it has kept him challenged and fueled his desire to learn.  He is doing meaningful homework for the first time since he started school AND is excited about it; he is learning how to work, and the co-relation between hard work and satisfying results.

DMCS has satisfied our son's learning need, but most importantly, it has soothed and healed his soul.  The sparkle is back in his beautiful blue eyes, and he is happy and playful again.  Shortly after joining DMCS, he said to me: “Maman, I did not know that school could be so good.  I actually feel like I belong.”

In my line of work, this is when we say: “I rest my case”.

Thank you DMCS, for valuing individuality and respect for all.  And thank you for giving us our son back, we are forever grateful.