Addressing the Chatelech Grads on Behalf of the Board

What a highlight to my educational leadership career as school trustee to address the Chatelech Secondary Graduates of 2012 on behalf of the SD46 Board of Education.  I worked at Chatelech for 16 years as a secondary mathematics, science, and chemistry teacher.  As much as I enjoyed teaching and leadership opportunities as an employee of the school district, I loved having the opportunity to speak to the Grad Class as a whole in addition to all of their families, community members, and honoured guests as school trustee.  The best part was being a part of the procession line, shaking hands as student receive their Grad Class composite photo, and reuniting with former students.  I could not do that as a practicing teacher.  I would have been on the side lines, looking from a far, clapping my hands.  As school trustee, I was right there immersed in the experience.  I could feel the students’ excitement and joy.  It was wonderful.  Congratulations Chatelech Grad 2012.

Attached below is my 300 word speech that I delivered to the Graduates.  Some words were adapted here and there, but overall it’s what I said.  Thank you all those who shared kind words to me throughout the evening.  I hope it showed on Coast Cable 11 that I was 100% stoked for the kids as school trustee and former mathematics teacher.  I am so proud of these guys.  What was full-circle of last night’s experience was being greeted by former students.  At the beginning of the ceremony, a couple of girls who graduated a handful of years ago said hello.  We updated what’s happening in our lives… what’s new… what’s not new.  It was super fun.  At the end of the ceremony, another former student said hello.  He even addressed my by former name, “Ms. Ho.”  Yup.  He graduated in the 90’s, over 10 years ago.  It was great seeing him and I even remembered his name.  To be honest, he was a memorable guy and I was so happy to reunite with him.  We chatted, talked about what’s new, and reminisced about the good times at Chatelech.

You see, this is the BEST part about education.  You change people’s lives.  In return, they change yours.  The thank you’s, shared stories, and reunions keep me excited about teaching, learning, and educational leadership.  Thank you everyone for the experience last night.  Very memorable.  Looking forward to the next 2 years of my term.