GRADUATING CLASS OF 2021 - VANCOUVER SECONDARY TEACHERS ' ASSOCIATION - Vancouver Secondary ...
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VANCOUVER SECONDARY TEACHERS ’ ASSOCIATION GRADUATING CLASS OF 2021
While we are unable to hold our Annual VSTA Retirees’ Dinner, we want nonetheless to thank all of our retiring colleagues for their years of work and commitment to the Vancouver public education system. These colleagues have been on strike, participated in job action and fought hard in other ways for the benefits and rights that the rest of us are now able to enjoy, such as an indexed pension and class size/class composition. They have also spent countless hours prepping courses, marking, coaching, chairing meetings, attending meetings, mentoring, organizing field trips, and meeting with parents. When September comes and the rest of us are having anxiety induced dreams about not being able to find our lesson plans or our classrooms, the Retiring Class of 2021 will be sleeping in, enjoying coffee and the newspaper and doing whatever they feel like doing. We of course may see some of them returning as Limited TTOCs, as these days no one seems to retire from the VSB, but this time, it will be on their terms. We wish these members the best in their future endeavours and hope that they will stay in touch with us. Congratulations on a job well done! Kingsley Agyeman Harald Kugi Kelly Patrick Giovanna Bombino Brenda Kvist Jennifer Rogers Tom Chin Virginia Lam Diane Russell Simon Collins Duane Lawrence Joan Shields Eydie Eng Richard Lawrence Gabriella Siracusa Margo Fowler Hazel Lising Lauren Smith Karen Greig Lorna MacDonald Sandra Sugimoto Daniel Hale Peter Mackinnon Chong Fu Tan Laura Jamieson Richard Maddalozzo Kathleen Whelan Susan Jung Scott McIsaac Stephen Williams Erin Kenny Cynthia Mendoza Edna Wong Timothy Koloff Sylvia Metzner Andre Young Elizabeth Komar George Panagopoulos
29 yrs teaching around the world
Ghana, Zambia, Lytton First Nations Reserve, Vancouver Technical, Churchill
Subjects: science, First Nations, Anatomy and Physiology.
Teaching is a passion and l enjoyed doing it.
They will say “you are my best teacher”, and I knew they were all speaking
from their hearts. I celebrated their achievements in class and the numerous
trophies we won as a coach. I learned so much from my students. “You were
my best students and I will miss you all”.
36 yrs teaching experience
Kitsilano, Templeton
I was hired on my birthday, so I can honestly say that teaching was the gift
that kept on giving. I will fondly remember Kitsilano's 75th; working on the
Homecoming Video; Big Band Bashes; Templeton's School Spirit days; and co
-writing the Destiny Library Manual. I will miss the professional connections
and friendships made along the way and, above all, working with students;
igniting their passion for reading; and enriching library collections. My motto
has always been to: "Leave the place better than you found it." I hope these
words continue to resonate in the lives of my students and colleagues. It has
been a pleasure working with you all. It is now time to be with family and
explore other interests - too many to list here.
30 yrs teaching experience
Byng, Windermere, Britannia, South Peace Senior (Dawson Creek), Templeton
It has been an absolutely wondrous time sharing these 30 years of life
experience with all the students, teachers, aides, and administrators. The
accumulated memories of fabulous student work, performances, and
interactions enriched my lifetime - I've been lucky to have been involved in
radio shows, ski trips, strings orchestra trips, choir trips, overseas travel trips,
tennis team championships, Grade 8 camps, Staff "talent" shows, Airband
shows, and of course, the day-to-day classroom machinations preparing
ourselves (students and teachers alike) for a better future.
The incredible range of personalities, talents and skills displayed on a daily
basis was truly inspirational. Authentic, crazy human interaction - all worth it.
Joy to all.
Many years of teaching experience
Byng, SFU, Hamber, Yellowknife
Arrested in Fiji for writing “journalist” on my landing card (1987 coup), my
fiancé suggested that, if the relationship was to last, I should consider another
profession — “pretend you’re a teacher”. 32 years later I’m still married —
and still pretending. Highlights: teaching in Canada’s Arctic; taking
photography students to New York post 911; to the Galapagos to help remove
invasive species, to the Andes and the Amazon to assist in community-based
projects in Ecuador and Peru, and to Cuba (post Erma) collaborating with
artists to bring colour back to Havana. Achievements: National & Provincial
Gold Medals—Skills Canada Television Production; National Research Award
in Ed Admin & Leadership (“Society’s Child”, MA Thesis).
20 yrs teaching experience
Britannia, University Hill, Magee
I began my teaching career in 1982, left after a couple of years and then
returned in 2002 to a job that I absolutely loved. I will really miss the daily
school environment but not the late night marking. My future plans
include spending time with the grandchildren, travelling, hobbies and
outdoor activities. I am so thankful for all the wonderful students I have
taught and the amazing and supportive staff I have worked with who have
become close friends with me. Teaching has been such a wonderful part of
my life and I will miss it!
30 years in Vancouver + 5 1/2 years in Toronto
East Vancouver Education Centre, Eagle High (Vancouver Alternate Secondary
School (VASS)
It has been an incredible 30 years teaching in the VSB alternate programs. The
highlight has definitely been the relationships I have built with the many
students over the years. I continue to be amazed by the resilience and strength
these students have. In spite of challenge after challenge, they still find the
resolve to continuing moving forward. I have also had the privilege of working
alongside so many dedicated and hardworking colleagues. This setting
definitely requires a group effort. I feel so fortunate to be leaving behind a
teaching career that has been so rich and rewarding in countless ways.
35+ yrs teaching experience
Windermere, Churchill, Eastside School, Lord Byng,
South Vancouver Learning Centre
I am so grateful for the amazing and supportive students, staff and
administration that have made my years of teaching memorable and
meaningful. I have enjoyed the opportunities to laugh, learn and create
throughout my career. In the future, you can find me gardening at Terra
Nova.
33 yrs teaching experience
Livingstone Elementary, LIT-Educational Curriculum Technology Consultant,
Henderson Elementary, DLS-Transition Teacher
(Killarney, Champlain, Cook, Waverley)
I have loved "almost" every minute of my 33 years. LOL. I've been lucky
enough to enjoy many different teaching opportunities throughout my
career while working along side a long list of exceptional people. While the
kids I've worked with are certainly varied, it has been a pleasure getting to
know each and every one of them. However, I can't wait to retire and travel
again - and not at peak times. I've tried to go on at least one major trip a
year until recently. As the light at the end of a very dark tunnel approaches, I
have optimistically booked my next trip for early 2022 - Egypt, Jordan and
Israel. Then hopefully Kenya later on. I will certainly look back at my teaching
career with great fondness but retirement here I come. Cheers!
38 yrs teaching experience
Ashcroft Secondary 1983-84, Quesnel Secondary 1984-85, Fort Frances High
School (ON) 1985-89, Prince of Wales Secondary 1989-2021
Early in my career, I taught Business Ed., was IT support, and Career Prep but
being a Teacher-Librarian has been my absolute dream job. Who else gets
paid for booking shopping! I’ve also been fortunate enough to have taught in
small towns in BC , Ontario, then come back to Vancouver and teachers
everywhere in Canada are amazing. Like many of you, I’ll miss the interactions
with the students and colleagues. I’ve had hundreds of Library volunteers and
coached many sports such as golf, volleyball, table tennis, track etc. One of
my favourite memories is winning the 2014 AAA Golf Provincials with group of
very talented girl and boy golfers. "Enjoy the journey, it is full of rewarding
surprises!" Thank you to all who made me smile!!!
30 yrs teaching experience
Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Japan/London, England/Vancouver, Canada
Teaching at home and abroad - wonderful life experiences! I will miss the
students, but not the marking. Au revoir, mes amis!
42 yrs teaching experience
Gladstone, Windermere
I have loved every minute of my career in Vancouver! The students and staff
have truly been a great blessing for me, but it is time I embrace the next
adventure in my life. Of course I still miss teaching.
35 yrs teaching experience
Byng, Hamber, Vancouver Technical, Killarney, Thompson
35 years, corporate, post-secondary, private, public, adult, youth, 3 lay-offs,
and multiple picket lines later … never boring, always curious. Teaching has
taken me throughout North America, and brought the world to me by way of
students from a multitude of international, socio-economic backgrounds. My
first day with the VSB was September 11, 2001, and as luck would have it, my
last is during a worldwide pandemic. It has been a privilege working with our
students, a gift to be able to contribute to future generations. These years have
given me a great life education filled with joy, humour, wisdom, a few tears and
lifelong friends. Future hopes include many healthy days spent travelling, time
with family, friends new and old.
32 yrs teaching experience
In Vancouver: UBC, DLS, Queen Victoria Annex, Cook, Magee
My career highlight has been working as an ELL teacher at Magee
Secondary; I've had the most wonderful opportunity to work with ELL
and International students from around the world. I also enjoyed being a
member of VESTA on Executive for 9 years and as Pro D Chair. I will miss
the students and their gracious attitude toward learning English. I will not
miss the commute to Magee, or marking ELL writing assessments in a
crunch. I look forward to having more sleep, reading, indoor gardening,
walking, practicing golf, spending time with family, and perhaps in the
future finding time to volunteer for an organization that supports
Indigenous women and children.
32 yrs teaching experience
David Thompson Secondary
I am looking forward to retiring and spending more time with my wonderful
wife Sandy and Dog Griff. We plan to do the same stuff but more of it and
during less crowded times – hiking, biking, tennis, rollerblading, skiing etc. It
has been 32 great years (even the last couple). I have learnt a lot (sometimes
more than the students) taking on new challenges throughout my teaching
career. I have made a lot of friendships along the way, meeting a lot of
amazing students and colleagues. I will miss many parts of this wonderful
profession - some amazing memories. Thank you everyone for making this
career a good one - see some of you in the great outdoors.
17 yrs teaching experience
Templeton, General Wolfe Elementary, Tupper, John Oliver, Killarney,
Vancouver Technical
I loved being present to see our unique students grow and bloom over time.
So thankful for the chance to have shared in this journey of hopeful service!
I'm eager to keep learning and growing on the road ahead!
37 yrs teaching experience
John Oliver, VSTA Office, Hamber, Tupper
Teaching... I can't imagine a more rewarding career. From the daily joys and
frustrations of the classroom to the incredible privilege of representing my
colleagues through the union office, it's been amazing. Thanks to Tupper,
my most recent school, for being such a welcoming community. And a
special thank you to my John Oliver colleagues who were truly present to
support me through one of the most difficult periods of my life. So long, and
thanks for all the fish!
30 yrs teaching experience
David Thompson Secondary
Career highlights: field trips to Victoria, Barkerville, Banff, the Rockies,
Columbia Ice Field, Drumheller Museum, London, Paris, Florence, Siena,
Rome, and Japan. The annual golf tournament. Also, sponsoring and
coaching Reach for the Top and sponsoring various sports teams,
particularly basketball.
I will miss the students (well, most of them), the camaraderie with
members of staff, staff socials. Also, when a lesson goes particularly well.
I won't miss marking, getting up early and strikes. Well, an anecdote that
I can think of is when an incident occurred and the P.A. announcement
asked for assistance on the "left" side of the school.
33 yrs teaching experience
St. Paul's High School (Dunedin, New Zealand), Caledonia Senior Secondary
(Terrace), Abbotsford Senior Secondary, Gladstone, Point Grey
I've loved being a teacher, and have been privileged to work with some
amazing people over the course of my career. I'm looking forward to having
more time to spend with friends and family, more time for reading my ever
increasing pile of books, more time to learn new things, and when travel is
a realistic possibility again, more time to travel and explore new places.
36 yrs teaching experience
Delta Secondary, Ladner Elementary, David Livingstone, Argyle Secondary,
Templeton, Kitsilano
Career Highlights, working with great professionals over the years like Don
Staller, Randy Coutts and Stan Lawson who were super helpful and organized
which made my life easier. Going to Taiwan with the basketball teams was an
amazing experience. Our hosts and translators treated us like royalty.
I will miss the kids. Coaching field hockey for decades at Kits was a highlight.
Future plans: travel to Australia and Japan for Masters field hockey
tournaments and plan on taking a cruise out of Barcelona. Probably subbing a
few days a week in Surrey, where I live.
I won't miss commuting in to Vancouver every day. Definitely won't miss the
3 hour commutes in the snow.
38 yrs teaching experience
St. Thomas Aquinas, Vancouver Technical, Magee
My wise friend once said: I do not regret the things I have done but those
I did not do……. So guess what ….the time has come to do them! With my
graduation this year, I now will have the time to do all the things I haven’t
done…….wish me luck…..my list is long. Congratulations to all my fellow
graduates ……dream big and dream often and make your own
lists……”Buona Fortuna a Tutti!”
27 yrs teaching experience
Laurier Annex, Marist Brothers International School, Queen Elizabeth, Kitsilano
I am grateful to the numerous kind-hearted, talented colleagues and
students I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years who made a
mark on my life. It’s been a memorable journey, having experienced the
whole gamut of teaching, from pre-K to grade 12. I will miss the camaraderie,
the buzz of students creating art, and the small, quiet, meaningful exchanges
that are sprinkled throughout the school day. I look forward to endless cups
of Earl Grey tea, art making, and long walks at low tide.
26 yrs teaching experience
Thompson, King George, Hamber
There are many things about teaching that I will miss, but I will not miss
marking tests and assignments at home in evenings and on weekends. I feel
fortunate to have worked with so many amazing colleagues and students
during all these years. I believe that teaching is one of the most important
and rewarding careers. Now, I look forward to turning a new page:
retirement. I plan to hike more with my dogs, tend to my garden and enjoy
a more relaxing lifestyle!
35+ yrs teaching experience
Pitt Meadows Secondary (2), Lord Byng (35)
Lord Byng has been a home base for me. I did two of my teaching practicums
and my first year at Byng with some terrific mentors. I thank Jill Ferguson
and Spence McTavish for showing me what strong mentorship can do for a
teacher in their early years. I left Byng once for two years and returned to
teach PE, French, Careers Education and Work Experience. Rather than
change schools I changed departments. I coached, sponsored teams and
clubs, sold Christmas Trees, sat on committees and chaperoned trips near
and far. School has been so much more than just the classroom. I'll miss the
connections, the camaraderie and the purpose. I look forward to skiing,
hiking, travelling, spending time with family and making new connections.
21.5 yrs teaching experience
Kitsilano Secondary School
I have enjoyed the privilege of learning with and from my colleagues, students,
and student families. So many memories that will stay with me including
inspirational moments of seeing students heal and grow through the powerful
process of Art.
There was also the fun of sponsoring the Kitsilano boys' ice hockey team for
fifteen years, which included seeing student athletes enjoy the annual Ross Cup
high school ice hockey tournament on Vancouver Island.
A career does end, however, and we are then challenged with new things as
well as maintaining healthy connections to our families, friends, and
community. The changing landscape of Life has purpose even if we feel
uncertain. As JRR Tolkien wrote: "not all who wander are lost."31 yrs teaching experience University Hill, Vancouver Technical, David Thompson, Vancouver Technical The highlight of my career has been the connections with people – students, colleagues (teachers, student support staff, custodians, office admin, IT and administrators), parents and supporters in the community. It is rewarding to hear former students say, “I still do it like you taught me”, in reference to their time in Marketing and the school store. I leave with many cherished memories. Future plans include more family time, travelling, getting more fit and to continue with my volunteering. Lunch will no longer be at the end of the day!
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