Elizabeth Park Public School Gloucester, Ontario, Canada

October 31, 2003: Tunia arrived in our classroom at lunchtime on October 31. Halloween! There were lots of things going on in the school so it was a busy day for her. She went to the gym with the class and watched the costume parade. Tunia thought she might see someone dressed as a ladybug but she didn't. There were lots of other interesting costumes though. Her favourite was a pretty butterfly and Little Red Riding Hood because it reminded her a
little bit of a ladybug. After the parade, she sat on a witch's lap and watched as the children had their party. Tunia went home with Mrs. Chartrand on the weekend. As soon as they arrived home, the trick or treaters started to ring the doorbell. Tunia sat among the Halloween decorations and watched all the visitors. And yes, she finally saw a little girl in a ladybug costume! She hopes all her friends at Reservoir Avenue School have a great Halloween.

Tunia made friends with a witch!

Tunia seems to be enjoying this haunted scene!

Tunia helped Mrs. Chartrand pass out Halloween treats.

Tunia sits with some friendly-looking jack-o'-lanterns.

December 15, 2003: The month of November was a busy one for Tunia. She had a wonderful time with our Grade One class. She helped us to learn about geometric shapes and we practised adding by using the spots on her back! We have French class every day and Tunia learned some new words. Now she can say "Je m'appelle Tunia. Je suis une coccinelle." That means "My name is Tunia. I am a ladybug."

While Tunia was here, we read several books about ladybugs. Tunia chose to have her picture taken with two of her favourites. On November 11th, Tunia took part in the Remembrance Day ceremony at the school. Our school is on a military base and there are several parents who are in Bosnia and Afghanistan so this day was a very special one for us. We took time to think about all the men and women who fought to keep us safe and free.
Tunia also saw a play called "Beggar Boy" with us. It was about a boy who thought that money would make him happy. He runs away from home to look for money and happiness in the city. In the end he realizes that money won't make him happy and he is fortunate enough that his father searches for him, finds him, and takes him home. We all enjoyed the play and Tunia thought the message was a good one.

Tunia liked reading with her Grade One friends.

Tunia rested in the Grade One holiday wreath.

The weather got very cold while Tunia was here. Mrs. Chartrand lent her a blue velvet cape to wear when she went outside. You can see it in the pictures. One Sunday she went to a Junior A hockey game. You can see her sitting in a seat at the Ottawa Civic Centre. The Ottawa 67's played the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds. It was a good game but Ottawa lost!

Tunia looks happy watching the hockey game.

Tunia is keeping her eyes on the hockey players.

Tunia also visited some of the important places in Ottawa. The Parliament Building is where our government works. This is where the Prime Minister and other Members of Parliament have their offices. The big tower in the middle is the Peace Tower. You can go to the top and look out over the whole city.

Tunia stays warm in Mrs. Chartrand's blue velvet cape in front of the Parliament Building.

Tunia poses in front of the Peace Tower.

Tunia also sat beside the Centennial Flame in front of the Parliament Building. This flame was lit in 1967, which was the 100th birthday of Canada. It has been burning ever since.

Tunia sits near the Centennial Flame.

Tunia stands in front of the Chateau Laurier (a famous Hotel) and the National War Memorial.

Tunia saw the statue of Terry Fox. He was a very special Canadian who lost a leg to cancer. He decided to run across Canada to try and raise money for cancer research. However, he was unable to finish the journey because cancer was discovered in his lungs when he just half way across the country. He went back home and several months later he died. Every year now there are Terry Fox runs all over the world. These help to carry on the dream of Terry Fox.

Tunia is poses with the state of Terry Fox.

Tunia sits on the Terry Fox Plaque.

Tunia is ready to continue her journey. We want to wish her and all her friends a very Merry Christmas. We look forward to reading about her travels to her other destinations this year. Tunia, we loved having you with us. We hope you can come back next year!

Click on the flower to return to Tunia's main page.

Click on the arrow to go to Tunia's next stop - Sweden.