A surprising reunion with my first school
Steven Atme
Growing up in Montreal’s Cartierville borough, my two sisters and I attended the English Montreal’s School Board’s (EMSB) Parkdale elementary School. Speaking as a Canadian Lebanese person, the school is known until this day as a great place, with multicultural students and staff.
Speaking as someone with autism, it felt like very few were aware of autism and all disabilities back in the years from 1998 to 2001. I didn’t have many friends and was bullied every day. My saving grace was my former teacher, the late Maria Cordova. She was my pillar of the special needs world, who also helped me read and write.
After being transferred to Summit School, I didn’t look back, but carried the experience with me until the year 2015, when I was invited back to Parkdale to sing and speak during the EMSB’s Kindergarten registration campaign kick-off event, which happened to take place at my old school. And so, I went back, spoke and performed “The Prayer.”
Eight years had passed when EMSB Autism Consultant Maria Bartzakos approached me after my performance at St. Raphael Elementary School last January. She asked if I was interested in giving a short Creative Arts Therapy class to the Wings program at Sinclair Laird and Parkdale. Parkdale: the word echoed in my mind, and I had flashbacks and feelings of uncertainty. But then I recalled that 2015 visit where I saw how things had changed – for the better.
I gave it another chance. After walking around the building, the schoolyard and visiting my old classroom, I started to cry. It was time to create fun activities and make memories for the new generation after 22 years going from resentment to reconciliation.
There were five Wings classes. Each session always started with body stretches, meditation music through live piano playing and then new weekly activities. These students were outstanding! It was wonderful seeing everyone choreograph their own dances and vocals and improvise in acting and making music on my piano! Another shoutout to Shelley Sokoloff ’s 2022-23 students for their work and beautiful performance of Will.i.am’s song, “What I Am,” Sesame Street-style! Congratulations to these remarkable Parkdale kids and staff!
It was truly a great honour and pleasure being part of that personal journey on the “Parkdale Trail” with you guys! May we continue setting these examples of getting creative, staying positive, laughing and making brighter memories. My father always says, “The past is what makes you become the person you are today.”
The truth is this is one of the reasons 2023 has been a better year for me. Trails always start rough but become smooth like all our journeys. That’s also how we make better connections and build bridges. Once again, thank you so much Parkdale. I love you.
Steven Atme is a pianist and composer, gives private piano lessons and is a public speaker, enlightening on his experience growing up and living with autism. Contact Steven at atmepianosphd@hotmail.com.
