2004 District 11 Retirees

Eric Aitken - H.B. Beal Secondary School

Eric started teaching in 1972 at Glencoe D.H.S. as a Long Term Occasional Teacher. This experience encouraged him to attend Althouse College in the Technical Education program. Graduating in 1974, he spent the next three years at Blenheim D.H.S. and then returned to London’s H. B. Beal Secondary School. Eric has also taught Transportation Technology to adolescent students at Lucas, Montcalm, Banting and Wheable Secondary Schools and for eight years to adults at the G.A. Wheable Centre before returning to Beal as the Department Head of its Transportation Cluster.

Eric has many fond memories of his teaching career. One is the friendships and acquaintances of many great fellow teachers and another is the year end Algonquin Park canoe trips with senior students from Lucas. He will miss the daily interaction with his teaching comrades but hopes to maintain his ties with Friday visits to the Weasel and Bernie’s.

On The Political Action Committee, Eric was instrumental in developing, creating and publishing the VOTE pamphlets that enabled members to become more aware of the political landscape at the time prior to the unfortunate election of Mike Harris.

Looking forward to having a life not controlled by bells, Eric plans to do what he wants, when he wants.

Carol Appel - Sir George Ross Secondary School

Carol has been a teacher for twenty-four years, all but four of which have been happily spent at Sir George Ross Secondary School where she was a business teacher teaching Merchandising and operating a school store as part of the curriculum. For the past twelve years, she has been a school teacher/librarian at Montcalm, Westminster and then back at Ross. The library program at Ross focusses on both information literacy and general literacy. Since Carol has always been a firm proponent of Free Voluntary Reading, the program at Ross was a good match. She has enjoyed all the real teaching and real learning that occurs at Ross and has managed to have at least one laugh a day throughout her career.

Her greatest enjoyment has been seeing students develop the skills that make them successful employees and good citizens. She will miss daily interactions with students and the number of times "thank-you" is said. What she won’t miss is meetings and P.A. announcements. Her plans for the future include waking up at a natural time (not 6:30 in the morning), travel, and spending lots of time with her grandchildren. The best advice she has for new members is a quote from Mark Twain: "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education".

Susan Bailey - London School Secondary School

My long career started at Saunders Secondary School. Many people influenced me there, particularly Mr. Alex Shamas. I was never short of sections or bored, especially since I had become part of the writing teams in 1984. I took a turn as Chairperson for the Secretarial Committee with my colleague, Anita Hewitt. At Saunders I made a lifelong friend with Rebecca Coryell who later became my head of department at Wheable.

My English Second Language (ESL) experience at Wheable taught me great compassion and patience. At one time I had eleven different nationalities represented in one class. I will always be indebted to Mary Singeris for this opportunity. I hope to hook up with ESL in my retirement.

When I returned to business at London Central Secondary School, the credits and technology had changed considerably. After one year, I found my real passion - teaching law! Wonderful teachers in the Board like Loralee Carver and John Vouvalidis helped to lighten the load. I started to coach volleyball. The students from Western were instrumental in putting the guys through their paces!

My advice is to try to stay current with your materials and bring humour into the class. It is a great stress reliever! Thanks, everyone, for the memories.

Robert Bauer - Glendale High School

Writing this is similar to preparing a Computer class handout. You hope all the students will read it yet you know less than half will. Of those, only a quarter will finish it and of those at best a quarter will remember it. That shows teaching is a one to one activity. Can’t beat that for a student-teacher ratio.

My Comments to New Teachers

(I am sure I did not think of these myself. After thirty-two years of teaching factoring, you slowly lose the ability for original thought.)

Ron Bellows - Medway High School

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Music, Ron began his teaching career in 1973 at Princess Elizabeth Public School teaching English and Instrumental Music. In 1975 he was hired as Head of the Music department at Medway High School where he remained throughout his career. In addition to directing the concert bands and jazz ensembles at Medway, Ron has also taught English, Civics and Law.

Heading into retirement Ron intends to continue his musical pursuits and spend more time fishing, golfing and gardening (perhaps on Vancouver Island) with his wife Shirley.

Jim Bristow - G.A. Wheable Centre for Adult Education

I graduated from Althouse College in 1976. Although my major teaching subject has been Mechanical Drafting, I do have additional qualifications in Woodworking, Automotive, Machine, Visual Arts and Special Education. Over the years, I have taught Drafting, Building Construction, Automotive and Visual Arts as well as English as a Second Language. Schools where I have taught include Sir George Ross Secondary School, Mitchell District High School and G.A. Wheable Centre. I have also supply taught a number of years throughout my career with the former London, Oxford and Elgin Boards of Education.

I was involved with OSSTF over the years in my roles as Collective Bargaining Committee representative and Chairperson of the Safety Committee at Wheable.

Bernie Conway - Parkside Collegiate Institute

I graduated from Ryerson in 1964 as a Chemical Technologist. I worked a year in Toronto at the University of Toronto for a professor doing research for bleaching paper. I then attended Western and graduated in Chemistry and then went on to Althouse College of Education where I graduated in 1968. My first three years of teaching were at Strathroy District Collegiate in Strathroy and my last thirty-three years were at Parkside Collegiate, in St. Thomas for a grand total of thirty-six years. During most of this time I taught mainly Chemistry but for the last five years I took over all the Physics as well. I have enjoyed and still do enjoy teaching but my other interests have started to take up more and more of my time and I have found at certain times of the year I literally am running out of time.

I have been OSSTF Branch President at Parkside for the last four or five years and I have been on the Health and Safety Committee at the Board for Elgin and then for Thames Valley for approximately the last fifteen years as well as on the site committee at Parkside for the last twenty plus years.

I started running as a way of getting and staying in shape more than thirty years ago. I have coached Cross-Country Running at Parkside for at least twenty-five of these years. I also coached Cross-Country Skiing for about 10 years in the middle of those twenty-five years. I have had the pleasure of working with some excellent high school students as their coach and have found that coaching has been an enjoyable experience.

In the early 1980's I also became interested in measuring road running races. I have measured many of the local races over the years including races in St. Thomas and London as well as in other parts of Ontario. I have also measured races in other provinces such as the Marathon de Deux Rives in Quebec City, the 1999 Pan American Games marathon and race-walk courses in Winnipeg, and the 2001 IAAF World Track and Field Championships marathon and race-walk courses in Edmonton. I also helped measure the marathon and race-walk courses for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

I still measure road races and now am Chief Certifier for Canada. I check on the data and maps and issue certificates to approximately fifty measurers across Canada. I am one of four International Measurement Administrators for the IAAF (International Association of Athletic Federations) and AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Road Races). I have approximately seventy measurers throughout the Americas (Canada, USA, Central and South America). My involvement in AIMS and the IAAF has taken me to Portugal and Cuba over the last year. Our next yearly meeting will be in New Delhi, India. When retired, I plan to extend my overseas trips instead of having to relegate these trips to a weekend. I also plan to do some supply teaching in Chemistry and Physics in addition to measuring, issuing race certificates, and giving measurement workshops.

Donald Curphey - London Central Secondary School

I have taught a total of thirty-one years at A.B. Lucas Secondary School, Thames Secondary School and London Central Secondary School.

Teaching students has been an enjoyable experience. Caring about what you bring to students has been the most important aspect to me.

Michael Damman - Arthur Voaden Secondary School

Mike began his career in the elementary panel at Port Stanley Public School in 1974. He transferred to Homedale Senior Elementary School in 1983. In 1989, he applied for and received a posting at East Elgin Secondary School teaching History and Geography. In 1997, Mike was transferred to Arthur Voaden Secondary School as acting Head of History. That headship became permanent in 1999 and he has been at Voaden ever since.

Mike’s career highlights include teaching the things that most interested him on a daily basis as well as coaching student athletes in various extra curricular activities.

What Mike will miss most is the daily interaction with the students and especially all the great colleagues he has worked with over the last thirty years.

He is most excited about his future retirement plans. When he gets to that fork in the road, he plans to take it (as long as it leads to the golf course).

Gwen Davis - Glencoe District High School

Gwen has taught since 1973 for Middlesex County and now Thames Valley District School Board. She has been a French and Spanish teacher at Glencoe District High School for all of those 31 years.

Over the years, Gwen was the Branch President at different times, Councillor for District 41 (former Middlesex) for many years, and a member of various staff committees. She has been the Awards Representative for Glencoe since becoming part of TVDSB. During the political action of 1997, she was the social convener and spent a great deal of time taking granola bars, apples, and refreshments to the local elementary schools as well as the GDHS staff. At the time, it created a much needed bond among the staffs.

Gwen has been a cheerleading, curling, and golf coach at different times in her career. She has enjoyed the contact that she has had living in a smaller, close-knit community. One of her greatest pleasures in teaching has come from meeting former students who continued their education and having them say how well prepared they were for their future, how easy they found their French and Spanish classes at university. She also takes pride in the number of French and Spanish teachers who have graduated from GDHS.

Barbara Disbrowe - Parkside Collegiate Institute

Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with Barb think of her as the heart and soul of the Parkside staff. She is, in fact, a graduate of the school and there is rumoured to be a photo of her in a cheerleader’s outfit in the yearbook archives. Barb is certainly one of the most thoughtful members of the PCI staff, remembering all of our special occasions with a card or gift.

Barb began her teaching career in St. Catherines, but soon returned to PCI to teach English and Physical Education - specializing in archery and the trampoline. While she has worked mainly in the English department, Barb has also taught French. Outside of class, she has coached volleyball, cheerleading, and helped on school productions. What we as a staff appreciate especially is the care and fun she has given us over the years as the anchor of the social committee.

Barb is an avid traveler, especially to destinations in southern France. She is looking forward to spending more time at her cottage at Long Point where she enjoys gardening and drawing and less time on the road commuting. She will soon be planning her next big trip.

Paul Fennell - Oakridge Secondary School

In the spring of 1974, while practice teaching at Ingersoll D.C.I., Paul was asked to stay on after his stint there to cover for a teacher who had taken quite ill. He has never looked back. Paul remained at Ingersoll for the next seven years. He then took on the Headship of Mathematics at College Avenue SS in Woodstock. In 1992 he was asked to take on the role of Mathematics Consultant for Oxford County. Paul maintained this position for two years until Oxford County sent all their consultants back into the class room. He returned to CASS as the Head of Mathematics, a position that he held until going back to Ingersoll DCI as the Head of Mathematics and Science.

When Thames Valley D.S.B. was born, Paul decided that it was time to head closer to home, and so requested a transfer. He was placed at Medway HS in 1999. At this school, Paul decided not to seek the Headship, due to the fact that the board reduced the time allowance for the job to zero. He experienced three years of bliss as a peon teacher at the school in Arva until he took on the role of Head of Math at Oakridge Secondary School in 2002. In 2001, Paul was awarded the Descartes Medal for excellence in teaching mathematics from the University of Waterloo.

During all this time as a teacher, Paul has maintained numerous positions with OSSTF at the branch and district levels - Branch President in all schools that he has taught in with the exception of Oakridge, and Chief Negotiator for Oxford county to name a few.

Paul has just recently been chair of his church board and is currently the chair of the Fermat Mathematics Contest Development Team for the University of Waterloo. He has been on the Grand Valley Mathematics Association executive for twenty years. At the end of April of this year, Paul co-chaired a very successful mathematics conference that attracted fifteen hundred delegates from across Ontario.

Other loves in Paul’s life are his wife Mary, his five sons, ranging in age from thirty to fifteen, along with his passion for gardening, canoe tripping, woodworking, and home renovating. These interests, along with his math contest work at the University of Waterloo and Western will certainly keep Paul going for a long time to come.

William Gilbert - H.B. Beal Secondary School

Bill began his teaching career with the Lambton County Board of Education in 1976 at St. Clair Secondary School in Sarnia. He began teaching for The London Board of Education in September 1977. Between 1977 and 1985, he taught at A.B. Lucas, G.A. Wheable and Sir George Ross Secondary Schools mostly in Technology Education. In September of 1985, he was appointed to the continuing education division of the Program Services department in Co-operative Education and was Co-op Co-ordinator between 1986 and 1989. Bill was appointed Technical Director of Forest City Secondary School for three and a half years before being moved to Westminster in February of 1993. In September of 1993, Bill realized a career goal by becoming the Head of Machine Shop at H. B. Beal. He returned to the role of Technical Director in 1995, a position he held until June 1998. In September, he returned to the shop and assumed the duties of the YES program teacher where he has remained teaching precision machine apprentices until today.

Some of Bill’s career highlights include, coaching cross country teams at Lucas to OFSSA berths, working on the co-operative Education Ministry policy document (1989) and the system co-op employer data bank, receiving two Bishop Townshend Awards and the Leadership Development Award, establishing the satellite site of Masonville Place while at Forest City, the H.B. Beal equipment acquisition and the successful introduction of over 100 precision machining apprentices into the trade in the Thames Valley School District.

Bill’s fondest memories include the staffs that he has had the pleasure to work with over the years in all locations, the growth that he has witnessed in the students he has taught, the recognition he has received from former students and parents long after graduation and when they become friends and neighbours. Things that will be missed will be the morning greetings by fellow department members as well as other staff and students that he has grown to know during his career.

Over the years, Bill has been involved in a number of ad hoc committees with the federation with the most significant being the one chaired by Bill Brooks for the Positions of Added Responsibility in Technology Education. Others include the PD committees in three schools for federation activities.

Following retirement, Bill plans to spend time doing the things that he has not had time to do while he has been teaching. Time will be spent fishing, hunting, golfing, travelling, cycling and enjoying family and grand children.

Bill’s advice to new members is two-fold: to continue to be professional in your day-to-day activities and over time you will reap the rewards, and look after your personal health.

Eleanor Huber - North Middlesex District High School

Teaching English is Eleanor’s second career, following a lengthy career in Radiography at Victoria Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Fanshawe College. Her farm roots in Strathroy made a country school posting at North Middlesex District High School seem right.

Proudly, on two occasions, she has received letters from the Dean of Arts at McMaster University informing her that students on the Dean’s Honour List, when asked who inspired them most in high school, had named her. Eleanor is proud to have been her school’s recipient of this year’s Bishop Townshend Award. Her favourite student evaluation is: "You can’t fall asleep in Mrs. Huber’s class!"

Eleanor’s love of theatre led to her becoming the director of over twenty productions for Remembrance Day and Spring shows, ranging from Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers to this year’s You Can’t Take It With You.

Eleanor remembers the "strike" where walking the pavement jarred profoundly with her work ethic up-bringing, yet she knew it was right. Driving to school at 5:30 a.m. for drama practices while listening to Mike Harris tell the public she only worked three-hour days still resonates.

She hopes to become a volunteer usher at Stratford so she can see all the plays. She and her husband, Walter, have family in Germany’s Black Forest, and in The Cayman Islands, so travel is in her future along with gardening and time for her life-long passion, reading.

Cheryl Jennings - London Central Secondary School

Cheryl Jennings began her teaching career long before coming to the London Board of Education, having taught dance for years. Her first placement after graduating from Althouse in 1974 was at G. A. Wheable Secondary School. After teaching Visual Arts, English and Drama, directing and designing school shows, she moved on to the art department at Laurier Secondary School where she became Department Head. As she ended her stay at Laurier, she took an Educational Improvement Leave, studying Drama at the University of Windsor and working in the costume department at the Stratford Festival.

Cheryl is ending her career at London Central Secondary School where she has been for the last thirteen years, during which time she took a year off to travel in Italy and paint. In the future, she will continue her painting and try to get used to relaxing without the sound of bells.

George Laidlaw - Oakridge Secondary School

George Laidlaw began his career teaching instrumental music at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School and Orchard Park Public School. He was greatly influenced in his early teaching by Bob Head, Head of Music at Banting, and music consultants Earl Terry and Brian Strachan. After five years, he was transferred to Laurier Secondary School where he also taught half time at Wilton Grove Public School and Arthur Stringer Public School. After ten years working in partnership with Henry Boldt, Dave Hall and Steve Wolsey, he became Head of Music at Oakridge Secondary School. During this time he had the pleasure of completing his Master’s Degree in Music Education at the University of Michigan. George also had the pleasure of working with Dave Williams, Joan Clark, Dave French and Deb Wales.

With over thirty years of participating in Kiwanis Music Festivals - and serving on the board, organizing the MusicFest Regionals, numerous school musicals, music trips, fundraisers, and concerts, it’s time to sail into the sunset - the Pacific or Caribbean would be nice! He hopes his peers will remember the three R’s – Respect, Responsibility and looking forward to the challenge of each September’s Renaissance.

Stewart Leighton - Woodstock Collegiate Institute

After graduating from York University with a degree in history and an education degree from the University of Toronto, Stewart began teaching history at Dryden High School in 1975. As one of the school’s Reach For The Top coaches, Stewart was proud to see the D.H.S. team as Runners Up in the 1979 Canadian Championship. From 1980 to 1987, Stewart taught history at Ignace School along with his wife Darlene who taught in the elementary wing of the K-13 school. In Ignace, Stewart coached curling and was on the school’s Collective Bargaining Committee. He has fond memories of his cottage on Thaddeus Lake and minus forty degree Celsius temperatures in November!

In 1987, Stewart and his young family - two small boys - moved to Woodstock, Ontario. Stewart was the History Department Head at Norwich District High School until 1995 when he assumed the same position at Woodstock Collegiate Institute. He continued working with the Collective Bargaining Committee and was Branch President for two years at W.C.I. He also was the United Nations Club Advisor at the same two schools and more recently has coached golf and School Reach at W.C.I.

Like most teachers, Stewart will miss the interactions with students both inside and outside of the classroom. Although teaching has become an incredibly challenging and often stressful occupation, it always comes back to the kids at school and all those "teachable moments" that often have very little to do with the curriculum. Stewart looks forward to projects at home and at the cottage, golfing and travelling in the fall and spending more time with his wife Darlene, his two boys Robert and Andrew and his ninety-one year old father Lorne.

Brian Logie - Thames Secondary School

Brian’s teaching history started with the former London Board of Education after graduating from Althouse College in 1981. He enjoyed the challenges of the Basic Level Program and taught in it for most of his career, spending over twenty years at Thames Secondary School. He considers his time at Thames as extremely rewarding and gratifying and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Some highlights include coaching Thames teams to a combined total of eleven W.O.A.A. Championships in ice and floor hockey and co-ed softball. His fondest memory was having two students he worked with win the prestigious "Healing Our Planet" contest in a head to head competition with all of the schools in the city. While the victory was very satisfying, the positive effect it had generally on self-esteem at the school was even more important.

He enjoyed the support that the OSSTF has always given him. They have continuously provided answers to any questions and concerns and they always return phone calls. Their support in backing teachers in their fight against the former government will always be appreciated.

Brian’s retirement plans are to finish his book on hockey stick history in Ontario, go fly-fishing everywhere and continue playing Ball and umpiring. He will miss the people he worked with over the last twenty-three years, particularly the students and he hopes their memories of him are all good ones.

George Lukas - Medway High School

George retired at the end of January 2004, completing thirty-one and a half years of teaching. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honours Physics degree and started his career in 1972-73 at Walkerville Collegiate in Windsor, Ontario teaching Science and Physics. The offer of a position for 1974-75 resulted in a move and twenty-nine and a half years of enjoyable and rewarding teaching of mathematics, science and physics at Medway High School. There are many fond memories of great staff and administration, much rapport and camaraderie, and many excellent, delightful students. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to share in their lives and educational development.

George served with our Federation in various capacities and also coached junior football, junior volleyball, and many years of tennis and badminton. He also organized the school camera club and was very involved in photography for the yearbook and school team photos.

He plans to continue his involvement in volunteer work, expand his interest and activity in photography, and enjoy his recreational tennis, squash and golf games.

Harold Merton - Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School

After many years as a photojournalist and publisher in London, Harold Merton received a call from an educator asking if he would consider teaching a course in Graphic Arts at a London high school. The instructor had passed away and they had been unsuccessful in finding someone to continue the course. Harold was put in touch with the principal at the school on the last day of classes before the Christmas break and at interview time the principal showed up in a goose costume directly from the stage of the Christmas production. That interview lasted into the supper hour and within a few weeks another interview took place with the technical director of another school in attendance. To make a long story short, Harold was hired for the renewed graphic arts course at H.B. Beal, not the school for which he had originally been interviewed.

During his time at Beal, Harold created a newspaper class that produced The Raiders’ Digest, a professional quality news magazine that was unlike anything done to that time in a London high school.

Later, an opportunity opened at Sir Frederick Banting and because that course included a specialized photography class he was a natural for the position. At Banting, he again created a class where the sole responsibility of the students was to produce a school newspaper - The Banting Bugle. This continued for several years until changes in curriculum and scheduling eliminated the possibility of the class.

As Banting had always had a strong photography course, it was natural that photography would be an important part of a course taught by an award winning professional photographer. Harold’s photographs have appeared in publications around the world. Many students took the course just for the photography and created what Harold described as "exceptional photographs".

With the advent of digital photography, it was also included in the course. Graphics continued until the removal of printing equipment from the shop.

Harold will miss the daily contacts with students and fellow teachers at Banting, especially the people in the DC department. He will also miss the sense of satisfaction that came from seeing students discover exciting things for the first time, and knowing a number of his students went on to further education in photography.

When asked for a comment on his retirement, he simply stated: "Harold has left the building!"

Sharon Michel - Saunders Secondary School

In September 1972, I began my teaching career as a teacher of French and German at London Central Secondary School. I had just completed a year of study in Germany where I had ample opportunity to travel to France and Switzerland but anxiously looked forward to the day when I could impart to others my enthusiasm for language learning.

In 1973, I was transferred to Saunders Secondary School where I spent the remaining thirty-one years of my career. The school which I first entered with trepidation because of its size soon became a place that I did not want to leave.

During my years at Saunders, language teaching was very rewarding, especially through involvement with student exchanges. Adolescents are a wonderful group to work with because they keep you young at heart. When you treat students with fairness, respect and honesty, they usually will reciprocate.

Saunders will always be a special place to me because it holds so many fond memories. I will miss the daily interaction and camaraderie with staff and students but look forward to spending time with my husband and three daughters. My interests include the culinary arts, interior decorating, reading and travel. It is probably no surprise to discover that I, like many other language teachers, enjoy word games. In fact, I am a Scrabble afficionado. And oh yes, to fulfil my passion for the classroom, I plan to be involved in supply teaching at where else - Saunders!

Kenna Morrow - Clarke Road Secondary School

Kenna began her teaching career at the elementary school level. In London, she taught at Brick Street, Stoneybrook, and Northdale Public Schools.

Her first involvement with OSSTF was as a volunteer member while on a continuing occasional assignment at Sir George Ross Secondary School. Later she served on the Excellence in Education Committee and the Awards Committee.

Working with pregnant teens and young parents at W.D. Sutton School-Bethesda Centre and at Clarke Road Secondary School has been particularly rewarding for Kenna. She also enjoyed being involved in peer helping experiences while at Saunders, South and Clarke Road Secondary Schools. She counts herself as fortunate for having been involved with the great colleagues that she has had throughout her secondary career in Special Education and Student Services.

With retirement on the horizon, Kenna has renewed her interest in yoga, church work and has had fun learning Nia as a way to stay healthy and fit. She has plans to travel, to do volunteer work hopefully in another country, and to spend more time with her family.

John Murdock - North Middlesex District High School

John Murdock arrived at North Middlesex when it was still part of the Middlesex County Board twenty-nine years ago after a brief stint teaching in Mount Forest. A member of the Science Department his entire career, John was Head of Science for nineteen years. Throughout his tenure John has taught courses ranging from Agriculture, Landscaping and Soil Science to Molecular Biology.

John has been involved in many of the extracurricular aspects of being a Marauder. He has coached football, wrestling and soccer throughout the years in addition to being a Student Council advisor and serving on numerous school committees.

John is a consummate professional. He is a mentor and role model, always leading by example-committed to his students’ best interests whether they realized it or not. John's sense of "fair play" is well known and has earned him the respect of staff and students alike.

John will now finally have the time to relax and enjoy his family - wife Trish, daughter Ainslie and son Ryan - as well as pursue his other true passion - hockey!!

Marilyn Norman - Parkside Collegiate Institute

I began my teaching career as the School Librarian at Sir Adam Beck Collegiate and then was hired as the English Head at West Elgin Secondary School in West Lorne. In 1989, I transferred to Parkside Collegiate Institute, where I remained to the present, with a break of eighteen months while serving as a District Officer for OSSTF.

I have enjoyed something approaching a parallel career with Federation work, beginning as a Political Action Committee (PAC) rep in my first year, and retiring as the Chairperson of the District 11 Political Action Committee. Along the way I have served on many committees, both local and provincial, including OSSTF’s Judicial Council and Appeals Committee, the OTF Teacher Education and Relations and Discipline Committees. I have represented OSSTF on the OTF/Affiliate Faculty Liaison Committee, on the St. Thomas and District Labour Council, and the Cabinet of London and Middlesex United Way.

I won’t forget the Elgin strike while I was Provincial Councillor and Chair of the Rules Committee. Nor will I forget my summer in India with the CTF Project Overseas, and meeting Mother Theresa in Calcutta shortly before she died. The Canadian Labour Congress convention in Vancouver was also memorable. I recommend that new members make time for federation work, which I have found personally and professionally rewarding.

Steven Officer - Clarke Road Secondary School

I started teaching History in 1972 at South Collegiate and since then, with the exception of one year at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School, my career has been split equally between South and Clarke Road Secondary Schools with two stints at each place.

I am one of the lucky ones who found the job he was meant to do. My classes, yes, even the worst ones, have brought me great pleasure. The challenges involved in designing meaningful curricula, engaging lessons and mastering an ever-changing array of teaching techniques have been invigorating. Even the administrivia had its moments. I particularly savoured the opportunity I had to teach an integrated English/History class with Elaine Holt. In a profession that can be very isolating, the chance to work closely with such a fine teacher was memorable.

Teaching has also enabled me to indulge my passion for athletics. I have coached boys and girls basketball at the midget, junior and senior levels for my entire career. And let’s not forget the golf team (OK, this one was a scam - I couldn’t get within twenty strokes of these guys let alone instruct them). The relationships that I formed with many of these young men and women have blossomed into genuine adult friendships. I treasure that.

Undoubtedly, the best thing about this job is the people I have worked with. Teachers are smart, funny, interesting, incredibly hard working and unbelievably dedicated. Thank you, it has been a privilege.

David J. Paul - Westminster Secondary School

After three years at Dryden High School, two point one at Clarke Road Secondary School, two at G.A. Wheable Centre, five at London Central Secondary School, and seventeen at Westminster Secondary School - and throw in a fair bit of supply teaching and six sessions of summer school and three classes of night school - Dave Paul will take his run-on sentence of a career into retirement, along with a pack of school poems, vague memories of the faces and personalities of the small town of students he taught and stronger memories of the various kindnesses of those who supported him and his alter ego, Clive St. James.

David wishes the younger teachers good luck and steadfastness in what used to be the second most important job on Earth: teaching.

Diane Rapson - Arthur Voaden Secondary School

Diane grew up in Ottawa and then went to the University of Waterloo, where she received her degree in Kinesiology. After attaining her education degree at Queen’s University, Diane accepted a teaching position at Arthur Voaden Secondary School in 1974. She taught Physical and Health Education for seven years. After taking Data Processing, Special Education and Co-operative Education at Althouse she gradually added some Business, Co-op and Resource classes into her timetable. In 2001, she completed her Librarianship course at Althouse and became the teacher-librarian at A.V.S.S. She has enjoyed working with staff and students in the many different programs at Voaden.

Career memories include extra-curricular involvement coaching Field Hockey, Basketball, Gymnastics, Track and Field, Badminton, Swim team and others. She taught downhill skiing at London Ski Club for several years and ran a Ski Club at A.V.S.S. with trips to Talisman for over twenty-five years. Many staff and students learned to enjoy a great winter sport. Those three-day trips to Talisman with eighty students and ten teachers will always be remembered. She was also involved with the Hiking Vikings Club and enjoyed many outings hiking, canoeing and camping.

Retirement plans include enjoying life around Village View Farm with her husband Jim (retired from teaching) and some travelling. They hope to enjoy regular day trips hiking, canoeing and skiing as well as camping, a trip out West and other destinations. She is also looking forward to getting involved in some volunteer activities.

Teaching is not just a job. It is a human service and a journey where you can make a difference in a life. You only live once ... make the best of it while you can.

Mae Rath - Continuing Education Instructors

Teaching, for me, is most gratifying. I have fond memories of teaching the primary and intermediate grades in elementary school. Most recently, I have enjoyed teaching English to adults. My love and appreciation for our language was nurtured in childhood by my parents, in particular my mother, and by some very devoted teachers. In high school, my interest in languages was enhanced by the teachers that I had for Latin, French and English.

My goal as a teacher has been to open the door to our wonderful language by passing on the skills and knowledge that others have imparted to me. Something a former grade eight student said to me following her graduation from the University of Western Ontario comes to mind. She said: "It is because of the way you taught me English that I was successful in university."

It is time once more for the torch to be passed - time for those taught - to teach, for those helped - to help.

Brian Ritchie - Saunders Secondary School

Brian attended Westminster Secondary School and enjoyed History, English, Latin, French and German. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario with a major in History and a double minor in English and French.

Brian’s career has been remarkable. His first position was teaching English at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School in 1973. In 1976 he transferred to H.B. Beal Secondary School where he taught History and English. In the early 1980's, Brian had an interest in assisting students with learning difficulties. He began taking special education courses and earned a specialist. Brian volunteered for an assignment in special education at the London Psychiatric Hospital in 1984. Sparked by his interest in cognitive behaviouralism from his special education studies, he decided to pursue a Masters Degree. In 1985, he worked part-time at the London Psychiatric Hospital and began his Masters of Education Studies at U.W.O. focussing on Psychology. In 1989, Brian returned to his alma mater, Westminster Secondary School, as a resource teacher. He completed his Masters in 1990. In 1991, he took Part One Guidance to help him meet the needs of his special education students at Westminster. In a reciprocal transfer in 1996, Brian moved to Saunders as a full-time guidance Counsellor and assumed the Headship in 2003.

All who have worked with Brian have benefited from his analytical and critical thinking skills, his extensive knowledge, his wisdom and his sense of humour. He is a man of integrity. Kind, calm, caring, compassionate, courageous, curious, knowledgeable and honourable are adjectives to describe Brian.

Brian is passionate about Heni, his children, Leslie and Andrew, his cottage and sailing. He is excited about his future as he completes his training in Marriage and Family Therapy with A.A.M.F.T. He and his wife Heni will take a well earned three week vacation in Holland this summer. This will be a brief respite before Brian resumes his duties as a Ward 4 Counsellor in Westminster Township. All the best Brian!

Don Rowdon - District 11 Office

Thirty-four years in public education has been an extremely enjoyable experience. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to teach both in the gym and in the academic classroom. As well, having the opportunity to experience various leadership positions enhanced my career as well as my personal growth.

Teaching Math and Physical Education at Wheable, Clarke Road and Oakridge provided unique learning environments from which I gained insight into what public education is all about. Lasting friendships were established with colleagues and students alike.

Through the first thirty years coaching forty-five school teams made going to school each day a pleasure. I thank all those students who played for me for their dedication, effort and commitment to both the teams and the classroom.

Twenty years as the WOSSAA Executive Director provided me with opportunities to meet and work with people right across the province. I enjoyed taking a leadership position in high school sport and I am proud of the gains that were made during my terms, especially the growth of girls’ sport and the equity girls now benefit from.

Completing my career as President of OSSTF District 11 was a refreshing change from the classroom. Working on behalf of my colleagues alone with the assistance of dedicated Federation Services Officers was gratifying and at times very challenging.

I could not have had and enjoyed these experiences without the support of my family. My daughters, Julie and Laura, were students and athletes at Oakridge when I was teaching and coaching there. They handled the dual roles of student and daughter in a manner that made me proud. Finally, I would not have experienced so much without the on-going support, encouragement and sacrifices from my life-long partner and best friend Lynn.

John Sheppard - Oakridge Secondary School

My teaching career began at Saunders Secondary School in September, 1973. I didn’t really care where I got a teaching job, but now I am very glad to have had the opportunity to spend my entire career in London. I stayed at Saunders until June 1989 when I made a voluntary transfer to Oakridge Secondary School. The last fifteen years were spent there.

I truly enjoy teaching math. To be able to get ideas across to students at all levels of ability is honestly still an important reward. It has also been a pleasure to coach. I coached tennis for ten years at Saunders and five at Oakridge and cross country every year since 1982. Coaching is a great place to be your real self and get to know students at a special level.

My favourite memories are of the people I have worked with, including both students and teacher colleagues. At Saunders in the early years, it was an especially young, energetic and fun staff. Many friendships were made that have lasted as many as thirty years and will continue for many more. It is especially important to me to have met my wife, Karen, through teaching. As soon as we can get her retired too, we plan much travel, relaxation, golf and tennis!

Thanks to all who helped me along the way and best wishes to those who continue to teach.

Jane Shirley - South Secondary School

It is difficult to cover the highlights of such a varied and interesting career in so few words. Jane began teaching at Central Secondary School in 1976 as a Physical Education teacher. Although she taught in a number of schools and a variety of subject areas, the common denominator throughout has been a passion for helping kids. Whether it was coaching (volleyball, basketball, tennis, track and field, badminton and gymnastics), running clubs (baking, stamp art, library and fitness) or teaching in the classroom ( Physical Education, Special Education ESL, Library, Elementary, Secondary and Adult) her thrill was to see the neediest students succeed. Some of her fondest memories have involved helping the ESL students that she taught at Westminster Secondary School gain confidence in their new language and culture. Her efforts were recognized with the awarding of the Bishop Townshend Award early in her career.

In her retirement, Jane will continue to help people and pursue her hobbies. She would like to thank all those people, students and staff, who have made her teaching career so memorable and rewarding. You will be missed!

Nora Tingle - Montcalm Secondary School

Always wanting to be a teacher since grade two, and a "Home Ec." teacher since grade nine, I began a most rewarding career at North Middlesex District High School, then at Maplewood Public School in Essex. Following a nine year "motherhood" break to be home with three children, I returned to teaching first at the G.A. Wheable Centre then at Montcalm Secondary School where I’ve been a member of the Family Studies Department for the last seventeen years.

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with so many innovative and supportive teachers as well as many energetic and talented students. To all of you, thanks for the memories - MSS Playschool, Yearbook Club, school shows, Scrooge and Cancer campaigns, multi-cultural fairs, FS PD, and Parenting Writing Team to name a few.

Having already practised at retirement, I know that it’s the right time for me to take this final leave of absence. I look forward to beginning this new stage and all the exciting opportunities that it will allow.

Karl Vinke - Glencoe District High School

Glencoe District High School has played a large part in Karl’s life. He attended Glencoe D.H.S. as a student and then went to further his studies at U.W.O. He got married to his wife Anne Marie, received his Honours BA and his teaching diploma from Althouse and then returned to Glencoe D.H.S. in September, 1973 to begin his teaching career. All three of Karl and Anne Marie’s children also graduated from Glencoe. Karl has taught mostly Mathematics and Physical Education during his career.

Karl has coached every year, except one year when we didn’t volunteer in 2000. Many years he coached in all three seasons. He has coached football, soccer, track & field, basketball, badminton and volleyball. During the years of coaching volleyball, Karl received the OFSAA Award for Leadership in School Sport. His highlights of coaching include: 1) working with dedicated athletes and seeing them improve themselves through sport, 2) many trips to OFSAA and the medals earned by the Glencoe athletes.

As an active member of OSSTF, Karl has been a Branch President for a number of years. With the former Middlesex District 41, he was a member of CBC and served as a member of the Negotiating Team in the eighties.

During retirement Karl and Anne Marie have decided to explore the world. Their first stop is a two year contract at the International School of Panama in Panama.

Gord Welshman - Glencoe District High School

During my thirty year career I have had the pleasure of teaching and coaching at two wonderful schools, Glencoe District High School and East Williams Memorial Elementary School. The last sixteen years of teaching have been at the secondary level where I have taught Mathematics, English and Physical Education, as well as assuming the role of Athletic Director for the last number of years. Coaching has been one of the aspects of education that has been most enjoyable and I have been fortunate enough to experience some successes at the WOSSAA and OFSAA levels, especially in volleyball.

While I look forward to retirement and will work part time in the pro shop (as well as play a little golf) at Fanshawe Golf Club, I will miss the rewarding times that students and athletes have given me. Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank the many staff members with whom I have worked over the last thirty years. It is these people who have made my teaching career so enjoyable.

Brian Weins - Arthur Voaden Secondary School

It all started with a phone call in May 1970. "How would you like to teach Math and Computer Science in Toronto?" Brian said "Yes". He taught one year and then did his teacher training in London before settling at Arthur Voaden Secondary School for thirty-one years, where he taught Math and Computer Science. Brian coached football after which he was the "timer" at the night football games. Brian then coached senior boys’ volleyball for three years.

Brian was involved with OSSTF as Branch President and he was also seen on the Collective Bargaining Committee table team for Elgin County. Brian was staff advisor for Students’ Council, Chair of the Commencement Committee at A.V.S.S., and Statistician for the Activity Awards at A.V.S.S. and an Associate Teacher at Althouse College. Brian was also instrumental in raising $100,000 for Student Awards (1976-1984) through his many chocolate bar drives. His introduction of celebrities "Candy Man" and "Kid Chocolate" will always be remembered.

Brian helped the administration at the school with attendance procedures (1987-1990). He spent one year at West Elgin Secondary School where he was Head of Mathematics. Brian has always used humour in his daily connections with staff and students. His oft quoted story "You’re not Brown" is legendary. Brian is looking forward to spending more time at the family cottage and doing some work around the house. His hobbies should keep him occupied; if not, he plans to take up golf.

Best wishes to Brian in his retirement!

Dave Wilson - Clarke Road Secondary School

After close to fifty years in the London education system, Dave Wilson is finally saying good-bye - for now - to regular attendance in a London school. Dave attended Tecumseh Public School for kindergarten to grade seven. He then was accelerated on to grade nine without completing grade eight - that explains why he has trouble with spelling, but why did he excel in Math? South Secondary School was his next destination for grades nine through thirteen, graduating in 1968 as an Ontario Scholar.

Next on his local educational journey was four years at Western from which he graduated with an Honours B. Sc. in Pure Mathematics in 1972. Again, staying in London, he completed his one year teacher education at Althouse College.

The London Board of Education hired Dave to teach Mathematics at Clarke Road Secondary School, commencing in September, 1973. Next were short stints (1986 - 89) at A. B. Lucas Secondary School and a Headship (1989-92) at Sir George Ross Secondary School. He returned to Clarke Road as the Department Head of Mathematics in September, 1992, completing twenty-five years as a true Trojan.

Dave looks forward to the time he will have to hone up his golfing and curling skills, cottaging and camping. With his wife Lesley continuing to work and his sons Adam and Jordan still in school - Adam in his third year of apprenticeship in plumbing here in London and Jordan beginning his second year in Honors History with emphasis on teaching at Trent University - Dave will probably pop up somewhere in the London educational scene.

Thanks for the thirty-one years of successful teaching in London, and best of luck in the future!