“Thank you very much! You always seem to know just what we need and have been such a positive support in our life - we appreciate you so much.“

***

“I don’t know how many times I have thought thank goodness you are here today. You support the staff and students in so many ways. Your energy, enthusiasm and positivity are contagious. You have done so much in the time you have been here.”

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“One thing that's tough with your profession is when you do your job well, people don't come back, because they don't need to, because things got better. It's not a good business model but it certainly serves in a wonderfully positive way that I can only imagine the universe will bless you for doing such work.“

***

“Thanks for being so positive when I’m with you; every time I leave our session, I feel upbeat and ready to tackle my day.”

"I would like to acknowledge Mr. Marquis for his excellence in teaching. As a parent, there is a 'way of knowing' that the individual to whom you have entrusted your child for the day truly cares and is dedicated to each individual in his classroom: each child is respected, sincere attention to communication, passion for learning, true understanding that learning is a lifelong challenge and opportunity, professional assessment and communication of learning needs and strategies for assistance, and unique ways of sharing and encouraging such as Kwil Kids, author readings, publishing parties that extend learning out of the classroom and into life. I believe that people, be they children or adults, learn best when they feel respected and encouraged and that we engage in this process when both the 'teacher' and the 'student' are free to learn together. It is the exceptional teacher who can truly set this
environment. Mr. Marquis is an outstanding teacher, a rare gift deserving of thanks."

***

"Thank you for all the newsletters. We always enjoy receiving and reading them. It is certainly appreciated by this family. We know what a lot of work this must be for you. It is so nice to see somebody so dedicated to
the children."

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"You are truly inspirational! Your beautiful real stories filled me with happiness, sadness, and renewed hope and strength. They make me think that my search for personal happiness will come true one day. I encourage my children to read the stories you have so unselfishly shared. You
are a beautiful human being. The world needs more people like you."

***

"A long time ago I made it a rule for myself not to single out any student in a public discussion forum, in either a positive or negative direction. I want to make an exception now and congratulate you for your
outstanding contributions to the class discussions. Your posted messages are
always informative and insightful. And, as icing on the cake, if I may use that
phrase, you write so beautifully. That is such a precious and rare gift these
days."

***

“Thank you for all that you have done for me in my time of need. When I’m stressed you encourage me, when I’m depressed you comfort me. And even when I’m happy you seem to cheer me up!”

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“I really love your new virtual approach and the work you have been doing to reach kids and families in this time. I watched your YouTube videos, so great!!! It feels like I'm sitting with you in your comfy office.”

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'I just wanted to say that I am very happy that we have this chance to work together. You appear to have a very intuitive sense of humanity and your empathy is duly noted."

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'Kalen breathes his work. He is one of the most caring, giving, dynamic teachers I have ever met. A diamond in the rough of education."

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"You have a marvelous talent. I and others have enjoyed reading your word paintings and joined in searching for soul."

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"It is a rare gift to be able to combine humour and heartstrings. I hope that I'll see 'Gaila Pasquaila Magaila Magoo' and other stories at my children's bookstore some day soon. In today's homogenized world emotions are falsely portrayed between commercial interruptions. Our children need to recognize and feel humour, grief, elation and love--in a true and simple way. These are stories about overcoming adversities, keeping faith, the healing power of tears and the joy of laughter and letting go. It was strange but the lessons in these stories seemed to come at just the right time. . . . Children's stories that touched an adult soul."

***

"The painting on the front of this card was done by a five-year-old girl with autism. The title is "Story of the Secret Seahorse." I chose it because I like to think that painting is her way of telling stories--the way you inspire every child to tell their story. I want to say a very deep thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being so open and willing to help every child. No matter how many times we came to you with a story or situation of need, you were always open and willing to take it on. These kids need you and your gentle, honest touch. We needed you to be that landing place for them and their safety net was always there. Thank you so much."

***

"I love talking with you because I can forget about all thebad things. You always help people on the playground and field. I want to be just like you when I grow up and make people smile. When other people smile, I smile."

***

"I enjoyed the class meeting and seeing how you work your magic--always inviting participation and always allowing an out. You made it fun, engaging, safe, and an opportunity to learn. Thanks for sharing and having such a positive impact on our school community."

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"Thank you for an incredible year. You are amazing to watch in action and bring such a passion to your job. Your ability to connect with children is a gift."

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“Thank you for always putting a smile on everyone’s face.”

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"You surrendered and let it all unfold and look how well you have landed. I am absolutely thrilled that after everything you have been through and how you have been tested that you are now on a new path doing what I believe you were destined to do and be."

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"Thank you for Kalen Wilfred Marquis--for his loveliness, for his courage, for his support for kids, for bravely walking a path of child-advocacy and using his power heroically to 'uplift and actualize' those who have no voice or choice."

***

"As ever, you remain one of my favourite people; a paradox. Someone whose humility I always feel should make him proud but someone who pride would not become. Always be you, Kalen.”

AND...

"It is rare to find an educator who so masterfully combines a passion for literacy and a deep understanding of human development that when carefully woven together not only enhances children’s lives but changes them.

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When I first met Mr. Kalen Marquis (fondly known as ‘Mean Ole Mr.M’), I knew that he was more than a Teacher-Librarian and Counselor. At the same time I met Kalen, I was introduced to his mascot Kwil and several of his imaginary companions. As fate should have it, this encounter proved to be the beginning of a special and highly prized relationship that would deepen over time given our mutual passion and commitment to the well-being of those we serve.

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My intuition was correct: Kalen’s brilliant brainchild, Kwil, indeed inspires children through his gifted use of words and rhyme that are laced with love and kindness. What transpired over the following months and years extended far beyond my initial expectations. I have seen how children’s imaginations have been ignited through Kwil and how students’ reading and writing have become more purposeful and authentic as they engage with Kwil through regular correspondence. The culture in our library has been transformed! No longer is it simply a warehouse of books but a place where literacy comes to life.

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While the idea of having children write to an imaginary characteris a relatively simple concept, Kwil provides a unique opportunity for students to communicate and to share thoughts and feelings in an authentic and meaningful way. Kwil provides a personalized opportunity for students to write, dream, draw and imagine – all by engaging with an imaginary character in an imaginary world that is grounded in “wisdom, wonder and wellness”.

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I am excited to learn that Kwil Kids is looking to reach beyond the walls of our school and other communities where Kwil has been resident. Imagine the possibilities for Kwil Kids given 21st century technology tools!”

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Jennifer Pardee, Retired Principal, West Vancouver & Bowen Island, BC