Tuesday, November 29, 2011… the senior administration and exempt staff of School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) hosted the SD46 School Trustee Orientation at the school board office in Gibsons from 10 am to 2 pm-ish.  I was greeted by the acting assistant superintendent, whom I have known for many years, and met the newly hired secretary-treasurer.  We mingled and reunited with the other school trustees.  I shook hands with the Superintendent of Schools and had good feelings about the day.  The climate was welcoming and I much enjoyed the orientation.  We sat around the table discussing the role of the trustee, we toured the Board Office, and we had a unique opportunity to connect and get to know each other as the 2011-2014 SD46 Board of Education.  

Do you recall the feelings of returning home after a long holiday?  Although you may have merited a holiday to rest and recuperate…. and you may have enjoyed much of your time on holidays… returning home always feels good.  At the Trustee Orientation, I felt like I have returned home.

This may sound a little silly… it was so great to see familiar faces and meet new people.  I can see the potential of the Board and I am optimistic with the direction School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) is heading with this new senior administrative team.  I am excited about working with the Board and the Superintendent.  I believe I have much to offer and much to learn.  I want to give a special thanks to the exempt staff (aka. the highly skilled women behind the scenes who make things happen).  The day was orchestrated and organized well and I appreciate it immensely.

We have a dynamic Board of Education in SD46 and I am honoured to be a part of it.  Thank you.