2011 - 2012 - the Algoma District Elementary Teachers` Federation.

Algoma District
Elementary Teachers’ Federation
of Ontario
2011—2012
ADETFO would like to
congratulate
Shelly Grose on her retir
ement from Central Aven
ue P.S.
Elizabeth O’Hearn on
her retirement from Cha
pleau P.S.
Rosalind Reay on her re
tirement from Central Av
enue P.S.
Brenda Scheepmaker on
her retirement from Awer
es P.S.
Sharon Sweeney on he
r retirement from Queen
Elizabeth P.S.
Thank you for your serv
ice and friendship!
Shirley
I began my teaching career at
Searchmont Public School
teaching a grade 1/2 class of 16 students. The last Friday of every
month we used to walk our classes to the community centre for
popcorn and a movie!
The next few years were part-time teaching positions at King
George and Greenwood Schools as I raised my family. After
returning to full time, I was asked to follow the students to Northern
Heights as King George closed. It was here that I became one of the
first Primary Intervention teachers.
I have been very fortunate to have spent my last 9 years at the
Beautiful Brule, with the best staff and students!! I look forward to
travelling and visiting with family and enjoying my new puppy!!!
Shirley Caria, Etienne Brule P. S.
Michelle
I have most enjoyed sharing good literature with my
students of all ages. It has been a treat to watch the love
of literature translate into
their desire to read
independently.
I look forward to spending
more time and reading many
stories to my grandchildren in
Temiskaming Shores.
Michelle Contant,
Central Avenue Public School
(Elliot Lake)
Maureen
Favourite memories?
In my early teaching years, I taught
many lessons in lifeskills in a special ed.
classroom. One day, listening to one of
my special students instructing a group
of visiting high-school students in the
very important kitchen rules we abided
by, I heard: "Number one! Before you
do anything in Mrs. C-B.'s kitchen,
YOU WASH YOUR HANDS!" She said
it exactly the way I would have. Then she watched while they all
washed their hands, and checked to see that they were clean. I loved
that girl!
Another favourite memory was when I was a SERT. One of my
students , with whom I worked every day in any subject she needed
help, asked me if I had a job! I guess we just had too much fun! I
always had some fun each day at work, that was my motto.
Plans -- Go on a Fall Holiday-in September, or October, or
November-whatever!
Learn to Kayak-Maybe get better at Golf-Watch my Grandkids' and
Great Nephew's special events in schooltime. Garden-Do YogaLearn new things-Go walking or Hiking or Swimming…
WHENEVER I WANT TO!
I'll be busy!
Maureen Cowen-Barbeau, William Merrifield P. S.
Janis
I have many happy memories of
all the schools I taught at in
Elliot Lake. Mostly, my best
memories stem from what I
learned from the children and I
tried to implement that
knowledge into my instruction.
For me, the rewards I humbly
received from that process are
precious and unforgettable.
I have too many future plans! I
am hoping to spend more time
on sketching and painting.
Janis Fowler-Labelle
Central Avenue Public School
(Elliot Lake)
Michelle
Retirement Plans
The first two weeks of July will be spent in Vancouver and
Victoria. The rest of the summer will be spent visiting family and
friends at their cottages in northern Ontario, eastern Ontario and
on Manitoulin Island.
Next year, the three coldest months of winter will chase me south
to Mexico to enjoy a life of luxury in the sun.
Upon my return, it will be
time to plan my next trip
which will be one month
in France. In between
these trips, I shall purge
the basement and the
garage.
Michelle Girard,
Education Centre
Melanie
I guess you could say that I have come full circle. After moving to
the Sault as a young girl, I began my educational journey in Grade 2
at Ben R. McMullin.
Many, many, years later; as a
much older girl, I am still at
Ben R. McMullin and still in
Grade 2!
I have truly enjoyed working with
so many wonderful colleagues
over the years. I look forward to
handing in my school key,
spending more time with my
family, exercising, and just
relaxing.
Melanie Gualtieri,
Ben R. McMullin P.S.
My happiest memories of my teaching years were at Manitou Park and
two years at East View - teaching the students Nishnaabemowin
(Native Language) craft, traditional teaching of living long ago to
present day.
At first, I was scared and nervous,
wondering why I ever thought I could teach
this beautiful language. But I challenged it weeks, months and years. I was determined
to teach the students how to speak our
language, to understand me speaking to
them, their values in life and to never be
ashamed that they are First Nation people.
I am always anxious to see the students and
look forward to teaching them new words
daily. Seeing and hearing the students using
the language makes me happy, knowing I
have accomplished my teachings.
I have lots of hobbies to do including native crafts, beads, leather
work, sweetgrass, birchbark and sewing native regalias. Sometimes I
do workshops for other people plus, I am helping out doing Native
Language Immersion at Bay Mills and Soo Tribe.
Someday, I'll be moving back home to Wikwemikong, Manitoulin
Island to enjoy my retirement days.
Mabel
Mabel Lewis-Hill,
East View P.S.
Nancy
Looking back over the years, there
are many memories that make me
smile.
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The little boy who blushed deep
red upon discovering only underwear under his snowpants.
The little boy who brought me a lovely daffodil which he had
picked from MY garden.
The songs that have been sung by many choirs.
The joy that lights up a child’s face when he understands.
The way a great story captures a class.
The fabulous teachers and principals with whom I have been
privileged to work.
Thank You!
I plan to travel some, visit out of town children,
continue curling and getting to some of the jobs
and activities that I just haven’t had time for.
Nancy Kinney, Parkland P.S.
Barbara
It is difficult to talk about a twenty-six year teaching career in just a
few sentences. These years have
been fun, eventful and
rewarding. Technically, I am the teacher
in the classroom, but I am grateful
for all of the life lessons and little
treasure my students have taught
me. That, I will truly miss.
There are many Kodak moments
that teachers get to experience as they weave their magic. It is a
profession where you can make a real difference. I am a better
person because of it. I have put my very best into my students
and the time has come to move over and let another lucky person
enjoy this amazing career.
My husband, Kevan, retired last year from the same school; I
miss not seeing him in the halls. We are looking forward to the
next chapter in our lives. Time to travel, visit family and record a
bit of music together. The journey continues.
Thanks,
Barbara Smith aka… Mrs. Smith!
Central Avenue Public School (Elliot Lake)
Lindy
I come from a family of teachers. My
mother, father, and both sisters
were/are teachers. When I taught at
Espanola High School it was my first
year of teaching, and it was my father’s
last year of teaching. I taught at
Spanish Public School for 27 years.
I also taught at Blind River Public
School for 2 years. This year, I am at Central Avenue Public
School.
I have enjoyed all of my teaching assignments. However, I think
my favourite years were spent in the Kindergarten Classroom. I
taught my first Kindergarten Class the year after I taught Mathematics to student in Gr. 9-12. One day when my
Kindergarten students were not listening particularly well, I told them that
they were going to have to “pull up their socks”. Then I saw most
of them reaching over and actually pulling up their socks! It was a
real eye opener.
I have had the opportunity to meet many great students and
co-workers. In the future, I hope to spend more time at our camp
and I would like to travel with family and friends.
Lindy Spencer,
Central Avenue Public School (Elliot Lake)
Moyra
I started teaching in 1979 and
have taught classes from kindergarten to Grade 8, most in both
English and French. I experienced
a lot of change and for the most
part found that refreshing. I really
enjoyed coaching sports such as volleyball, cross-country and track
& field and especially loved taking teams to tournaments and
meets.
Some of my best memories, though, are taking Grade 5/6 French
Immersion classes to Quebec City for 5 days. It was amazing to see
the students using their French in real life situations and seeing the
awe in their faces as they were successful in speaking and
understanding.
I will miss those ‘wow’ moments in both the classroom and on field
trips! I am excited, though, about having the extra time to enjoy
reading, kayaking, cross-country skiing, curling and perhaps even
horseback riding!
Moyra Waito
Blind River Public School
“Retirement is the beginning of life, not the end.”
- How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free
“The key to retirement is to find joy in the little things.”
- Susan Miller
“The trouble with retirement is you never get a day off.”
- Abe Lemons
“Retirement means no pressure, no stress, no heartache... unless you play golf.”
- Gene Perret
“Retirement is like a long vacation in Las Vegas. The goal is
to enjoy it the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of
money.”
- Jonathan Clements
“Retirement itself is the best retirement gift.”
- Abigail Charleson
“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go
forward and make your dreams come true.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Been there, done that!”
- Anonymous