Comments by Aaron’s Teachers

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Memories shared by Ms. Lindsay Tessier, Aaron’s teacher for grades 3 and 4, and several other teachers including Ms. Cherie Ling, and Ms. Florea, Mr. Skicos, and Mrs. Condello at his memorial, January 21, 2023.

"Good morning,

My name is Lyndsay Tessier, this is Cherie Ling and Stephanie Belanger. We were Aaron’s teachers during his time at Bridlewood and we have the honour of speaking on behalf of Aaron’s Bridlewood family. We wanted to share glimpses and cherished memories we treasure of the Aaron we knew who quietly, but profoundly walked through our halls, classrooms and hearts. We hope to do justice to the remarkable spirit that Aaron was.
From his very first year at Bridlewood, we recognized that Aaron was special. His junior kindergarten teacher Mrs. Monte had this to say about him: I remember Aaron as an inquisitive and curious child. I recall being amazed at how bright and intelligent he was. He loved to read books and was always the first one to try new centre experiences. He especially loved our science experiments.
Ms. Florea taught Aaron in grade 1 and has fond memories of his talents and gifts, which included sharp skills in math. She said he absolutely loved and excelled in math. Aaron had a curious nature about him and was super inquisitive. She affectionately noted that he had a mischievously clever side to him that didn’t appear often, but was there. She remembers his wisp of grey hair that seemed symbolic of his old soul. She revels in knowing she had the pleasure of teaching him. He will be missed terribly.

Ms. Ling had the pleasure of teacher Aaron in both senior kindergarten and grade 2. As spoken by Mrs. Ling:
'I first got to know Aaron in Senior Kindergarten.  Here was this serious, observant, and determined child who loved the math centre.  I remember he would stay there and try to show classmates who might not grasp some concepts as he did.  He would try and try. He’d get out blocks, he’d show them by drawing, he’d repeat himself.  He was determined. During story time, Aaron was front and centre. He loved listening to stories and loved surprises.  He’d always try to guess who the mystery reader of the week was going to be.  I remember seeing his dimpled smile light up his face when one day it was his mom who came in the class as the mystery reader.' 

'I was very fortunate to have Aaron cross my path again in Grade 2, along with being an excellent student who did well in everything, I got to experience the caring and loving side of Aaron, who brought in his big teddy bear to school, loved playing 4 square with his friends, and that’s the year Aaron and his friends taught me how to dab.  As a bonus, I got to experience his sense of humour.  I remember when we made structures for science. I had the class make a fun fair attraction; Aaron made a slide.  His selling pitch was, “Behold, the Super slide Master of Disaster.  You will slide down super fast.  Stay on your seat and hold tight or your life will be a disaster.  To ride this ride, make sure you are 40 years old.”  This was a 7-year-old writing this.  His writing was amazing.  I remember his story about an injured hawk written from the hawk’s point of view.  His empathy ran deep.   I loved reading his work.  He was an absolute joy to work with.' 

And when he reached grade 3, it was finally my turn. Aaron had a level depth and empathy that is rare for most individuals, much less a 9 year old. He was a reflective boy with an old soul and wise beyond his young years. Aaron demonstrated a kind of grace and maturity that would serve him well in his journey.

When Aaron spoke, we listened because his words and ideas were carefully considered and chosen. Aaron had an innate passion for learning and I loved teaching him, although 4 years later I realize that of the 2 of us, he was the greater teacher.
Aaron as we have heard had a passion for reading, math, and science, but most of all he shone through his pencil. It was in his writing that we saw his wisdom, his sharp wit, his humour, his insights, his depth. He had a way with words that made you want to keep reading. I’d like to share a couple of words he wrote one Remembrance Day when writing to a soldier. Bearing in mind how far removed a 9 year old living in Canada is from the very notion of war, it is with striking sensitivity and empathy that Aaron wrote the words in the following letter title “Dear Brave Soldier: *read his letter* (letter available at More about Aaron)
When Aaron was diagnosed with Leukemia in his grade 3 year, I was devastated. I couldn’t make sense of how this could happen…or why this would happen…it was unjust, unfair. I felt heartbroken and then really, really, really angry. But when I went for visits with Aaron in the spring, he did not share my feelings. He showed an inner strength and bravery that can only be described as inspiring and admirable. What struck me the most is that he never once complained – not a single “why me” or “poor me” was made at any point during our visits. Instead he took the opportunity to learn about the science of it. Aaron would explain his treatments to me. He showed me the tubes and explained their functions. He drew diagrams to describe how everything that was going on in his young body, worked. He intellectualized and accepted what was happening to him and was determined to fight it. I would leave his house after our visits feeling, enlightened, uplifted, and hopeful because of the way Aaron chose to tackle what life had handed him. It’s just the kind of character he had. It’s the kind of character we all wish we could have.
The pandemic brought about more complications and hurdles, but Aaron returned for grade 6 and was ready to work. As his phys ed teacher Mr. Skicos remembers: 'Aaron was a quiet soul who quickly formed close bonds with his friends after being separated for 2 years. He showed resiliency every day and no matter what the activity was, he gave it all he could never backing down. He always wanted to support his friends and teammates. He didn’t want to let them down…that’s just the person he was. When it came to athletics he was competitive and enjoyed competing. He never complained even on the days you could see he was not at his best. He was an inspiration to us all.'

From Mrs. Condello his music teacher: 'When Aaron returned to music class he was determined to be a contributing member of the class. I would check in with him and ask if he needed any kind of accommodation. He would always quickly assure me that he didn’t need anything and would just go along with trying the best he could to finish the assignments or group work. I remember he was always looking for answers by asking questions and demonstrating confidence when expressing his opinions. He liked to debate and communicate his ideas. He was an intelligent student and I am lucky to have had the opportunity to teach him.'

I received the email from Aaron’s mom on January 10th saying 'Aaron had relapsed in November. The family was holding an early birthday celebration for Aaron the following day at Sick Kids and asked 'if possible, could I attend?' I will always be grateful to Aaron’s family for granting me the privilege and opportunity to see Aaron. This is a day that will stay with me forever as I have scarcely been impacted as deeply by anything more profound in my life. Visiting Aaron on January the 11th was one of the most difficult yet inspiring events I have ever experienced. Though he was in visible pain and discomfort Aaron greeted me with warmth, calmness, and appreciation. The conversation we had that day moved me so deeply and will forever remain in my heart.  Aaron found the strength to comfort me in his time of pain. He shared memories of lessons I taught him, and asked me to tell the teachers at Bridlewood that he missed them. The one only wish that I heard from Aaron that day was to be able to return to school.

Aaron leaves behind a legacy of admirable strength, stoicism and bravery which will live on when I tell my future students about the most courageous boy I knew. We were Aaron’s teachers at Bridlewood, but his lessons will forever live with us.
Thank you."

(By Ms. Lindsey Tessier)