I want to express my gratitude to the teachers and students at Captain Michael Vandenbos Public School and Henry Street High School.

I moved into Durham Region in June 2006. My daughter started school at Captain Michael Vandenbos Public and I was scared, My daughter is autistic.

This is a new school and everything and everyone was new to her. However we did visit the school in June before the new school year started.

The first day of school I am standing outside with my daughter waiting for the school year to start and five little students came up to her and said "Come, we remember you." The girls then turn to me and said "We will take care of her."

I am so grateful to parents who raise their children to embrace others who are different. The principal, vice-principal, teachers and students at Captain Michael Vandenbos Public School have given my daughter a school year she will never forget. She is now a student at Henry Street High School and I have nothing but praise for the principal and her teachers.

I have decided to turn the family summer barbecue into a fundraising event this year. I have asked everyone who will attend the event not to bring any gifts for the family but to make a donation to Captain Michael Vandenbos Public School and Henry Street High School for the special needs program. The school has various events on its calendar every year for their special students.

I will never be able to express my gratitude to the schools in words and a special thanks to Deborah Poray from the Durham Board of Education.

Orinthia Welsh

Whitby