No matter where you go, or whichever community you visit,
there are always certain things that stand out when you see something for the
first time. I was reminded of this recently, when I was driving down the
streets of Prince Albert, SK, and realizing how certain buildings and homes are
taken for granted, until something happens to one of them. Then we take notice.
As the new guy in town, living at the Desert Sands RV park
for a few weeks until we get housing in order for me to move my family into for
Sept 1, I’ve had a few observations. Small towns are as small towns anywhere.
And Bassano is no exception. Whether I’m running my 5km in the morning, or
driving down the street in my green Avalanche (Proud Saskatchewan Roughrider
fan), I’m greeted by a friendly nod or wave followed by a smile. I am feeling
welc
omed here. It also helps that Tom Rose, our friendly mayor, was one of the
first people to call me back in June and welcome me to Bassano. I must say that
was a first, but he and I have had many talks since, and I look forward to
working with him. Then there was our local School Board Trustee, Melanie
Chapman, who took my wife around house hunting while I was in meetings and made
her feel right at home.
My second impression is an important one. I am thrilled with
the school. We have a great school, not only the building with its shiny
floors, and well groomed yard, but also from the reports I have been reading
and the conversations I’ve had with the staff and community members. The
previous administration has done some great work, and I hope to continue this
work further. But a school is only as
good as everyone working together to make it the best. You need to know, I’m a very community-minded
guy, who will rely on each one of the parents, students, teachers, and staff to
help me in this role. I don’t know if you already know this, but the most
recent Accountability Pillar Results from Alberta Education paints an
amazing picture of academic improvements with our students over the past three
years. I think we have great teachers and a great school in Bassano.
My wife, Janice, and daughters, Maryn & Brynn, are
moving here from Prince Albert, SK. We are excited about the move. We look
forward to getting to know many of you over the years, and we plan to be here
for awhile. If any of you have ever moved, it’s an incredibly stressful
experience. So we don’t plan to do this again for awhile.
Please stop by and introduce yourself anytime. I’ve been
working on the school website over the past few days trying to make it a little
more user friendly. We will post lots of pictures, events, forms,
announcements, policies, and so forth for parents, students and community
members to see over this year. If you have suggestions, please call me or drop
by for a coffee to discuss them with me.
The school motto is Respectful –
Responsible – Involved, that isn’t just for the school, but a call to each
one of us to practice this, live it, and teach for the betterment of the
community. It looks like from first impressions, Bassano is well on its way
with this motto. You’ve made me feel welcome and I look forward to working with
you to take our students beyond their potential. Thank you and we’ll talk soon.
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