Group Hug

June 1998 was when I came in to interview with the incoming principal, Jane E. I was delighted to be able to move into a school where I could look out my classroom window and see grass. Previously, being confined to basement classrooms, I would see only blue sky out my window. The view out across the field came to mean a lot to me, since from time to time I would gather my thoughts simply by looking out across the grass and enjoying the view. Jane told me "grade seven is supposed to be hard." She said to buy whatever I need to run my music program and to set up my English/Math classroom. She backed up every word with decisive actions. Who could forget the "click click" of her heels coming down the hall? Sue S. is a worthy successor in this department.

Ken G., Dave J., Steve O., Doug D.... These men all have put their distinctive stamp upon us all, and have come to be known an d remembered for their gifts and styles of working. If there is one thing that I have come to appreciate about administrators, is that they deal with a heck of a lot more on their plate than I've ever had to! "Ask not what your principal can do for you; ask what you can do for your principal." Sometimes that is easier to carry out than others! Best wishes to you Doug as you move up the hill. Hope the laptop can keep up!

VPs are too numerous to number, but I'll try- John, George, Joanne, Elizabeth, Gabrielle, Ursula, Eto, Denise. So much to wrap their head around, so little time. So many land mines along the path. It's amazing that they come out smiling at the end. I have lots of respect for those who choose to move into administration; I'm sure none of them make the choice lightly. Their ability to morph instantly to fit the school, students and staff is remarkable. Thank you, Denise M. for being so open, caring and helpful in your brief stint at our school. You have lots to offer- best wishes in all you do.

Another perk about being at this school has been the caretaking staff. Bob, you are absolutely top notch. What a treat it has been to work with you for these past 8 years. Having taught your kids at Memorial, I feel a special friendship with you. But more than that, your constant, hard work around Viscount, including the painting, is a great example to everyone. No other school has a yard as trim as ours. All I can say is I'm glad I never had to endure one of your practical jokes! And to Desiree, I will miss you. Thanks for sharing my home baked cookies when we celebrated Elinor's birth! Donna, you too have been such a great help, putting up with many ikky messes and stuff that I was (partly) to blame for.

Zora, you should be receiving a memento of the school along with this note. Thanks for encouraging me and taking interest in our band trips and in general, day in, day out. Enjoy the weeks of peace and quiet and no answering machine this summer!

This group of teachers have taught me more than I could ever repay. To these amazing teachers and friends I am unable to put into words what help and encouragement and example they have been to me: Liz and Wayne, you two are the best examples of teacher-leaders I know. Your teaching practice is fine tuned and worth imitating in so many ways. Liz, thank you for your confidence and encouragement when I first taught gr. 7 english. And for your partnership with the multi-media stuff. And the computer stuff. Such a great example of a constant learner, a well managed classroom, new lesson plans... a true pro. Wayne, we have had hundreds of conversations about classroom management, Kilcoo, sports, kids, and numerous other topics. Always willing to share some sound advice. I'm glad to have been able to eavesdrop on your health classes. Your professional rapport and cool-head are worth imitating. I've seen your approach when tough decisions have been facing us. You are able to read the situation and help us all find reasonable middle ground. You have helped us pull together and articulate for us what needs to get done. Mark F., you have become my confidante over the years. I've watched your kids grow up. There is no other dad I know who phones his family daily to tell them he's thinking about them. The amount of respect your students have for you is a reflection of what you give to them. You are often the first one they seek out when they return to visit. The same will be true of me when I come to visit! Dorothy, thank you for your example of skill and advocacy, and for your generous offer of assistance as I make my transition to the primary classroom. Wally, you have transformed our science room. You have poured hundreds of hours into equipping your room and your program, and continue to do so. I enjoy your example of taking time with kids during recess and lunch breaks to show them what's new. The period table contest must continue! Yay jelly beans. Paola, thank you for being such a good rep for us at the HWETL, and for being tolerant of all manner of sounds coming out of my music room! I hope they get your new computer sorted out for Sept. Andris, Dave, Sue, John, Derek, AJ- I count you all among my friends, having served here together and often collaborated in various things.

To Amanda and Danae- special thanks is due for being willing to share the report card "thing." You can't begin to imagine how much of a difference it made to have other people like you to share the job with. I know it would be in capable hands if you chose to do the job for another year.

To our Educational Assistants- Linda, Debbie, Mary, Paula, Erica. You truly have lightened the load for us all as you work so closely with your children. I appreciate your acquaintance and friendship. Linda, your cream puffs were amazing. Paula and Erica- what a great rapport you had with those boys under your care. You are a great team. Mary, your morning smile always starts me off on the right foot. Debbie, I'm so glad to say that you passed grade 7 music in flying colours, and are now officially qualified to play the glockenspiel!

To continue my ramble... I have a few parting thoughts that might appropriately be shared here.

The computer lab needs someone designated to be "in charge" of that room. It needs a daily cleanup and checkup, daily monitoring and requesting for repairs. New keyboards and mouses are needed. If there isn't a point person, we will see the equipment deteriorate beyond recognition. The same person will need to oversee sending of messages to the Help Desk for setting up the new machines purchased by the Home and School. The Smart Board purchase has been proposed and presented to Home and School, and approved in principle. The purchase is to be followed up and made in the fall.

I wish you all the best over the summer and into next September. This has been such a great experience for me. I have come away much richer and very thankful for you all.

I'll be seeing you later!