Message from Margaret Dupuis, Director
I grew up in a family of educators. My mother and her two sisters were teachers, and because my mom taught all day, our father was our homework tutor. Their efforts and high expectations were crucial in assuring our academic success. I was also from a small community, and as I think back, many of my teachers took on the same role. They protected, guided, and encouraged. They pushed us to learn, made sure we were involved in all kinds of activities, sports and clubs, inspiring us, and keeping us safe. Together, the family unit and our teachers were all very actively involved in encouraging all three children in our family, to reach for the stars and find our niche in life.
As an administrator, I look at the great educators I work with and I have to say you are amazing people. You give unselfishly, spend hours trying to find ways to engage and stimulate young minds. You comfort during crises, are empathetic when life is cruel. In a time of divided families and isolation, you often provide kind words and a happy environment where your students can feel safe and supported. You listen and provide great advice, or sometimes just listen. You rejoice in your students’ successes and feel sorrow in their losses. You can be funny and silly at times, bringing joy to the lives of your pupils. You always seem to be there when most needed. You allow your students to fall but not too hard, and are there to pick them up – certainly sounds like a parent to me. And, of course, you also enlighten young minds with knowledge and lifelong skills. You are a friend, a confidante, an instructor, a facilitator, a crutch to lean on – how lucky our children are to be surrounded by such extraordinary individuals.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate our teachers, tutors and educational staff, who together, accomplish all of these great and wonderful things. I hear so many great stories from parents such as, “how kind you were, how their child would not have passed without your help, how you made a difference in their child’s life, how you helped their child enjoy school…” I could go on and on.
Your dedication has made an incredible impact on the accomplishments of the learners you work with and you play an essential parental role in their successes and future. In this very busy world where everything seems to be moving so fast and time is very limited, you are needed more than ever to ensure safe and nurturing environments for your students. Without you, where would our children be!
Maggie, thank you so much for this. My favourite part:”You allow your students to fall but not too hard, and are there to pick them up – certainly sounds like a parent to me.” That’s our job in a nutshell, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Thank you!