Final school assembly inspires all
Janina Stajic
janina@soundernews.com
Tuesday, June 30 2009
Parents, grandparents, older and younger siblings packed Gabriola’s school gym last Tuesday to honour students, teachers and PAC members, witness the annual “passing of the bench” and say heartfelt goodbyes.
Ruane Dumler, principal (affectionately known as Rooney) began the proceedings by declaring “how proud she was to be principal’ before welcoming two graduating classes – the Grade 7s and their kindergarten buddies (complete with grad hats) “graduating” into Grade 1.
Michael Brown, PAC president continued the festivities with a humorous speech highlighting how much Gabriola’s PAC does: “Last year PAC raised more than $13,000, used to fund things like field trips, sports equipment, clubs, music programs and guest artists.”
He also thanked teachers who, “particularly in a time of budget cuts,” volunteer time to run extra-curricular activities, and recognized Rooney who is hanging up her principal hat. “PAC will donate $50 per year to the school library on behalf of Rooney, as she helped get the library to where it is today.”
Thank yous and goodbyes were also given to Allana Thorne for the exceptional work she’d done in her many years on PAC.
Teacher Alix Hodson, who runs the After-school Art Program, made an announcement many had been waiting for since May – which student had won the Community Art Award at this year’s Gabriola Arts Council community art show? The answer: Emma Hooten.
More than 46 students were recognized for their contribution to programs like the Hot Lunch and Garden Club. As Rooney said, “It’s nice our students are recognized for their service not just academic achievement.”
Then it was time for the Grade 7 diplomas. As each grad was called, Brenda Peacock, Grade 7 teacher, recognized them for a specific talent or characteristic which included such things as top math student, the student who read the most, the most fashionable; even the student who rode the ferry the most.
Other awards went to the following:
Overall Fine Arts Award (drama, music, art): Maireid Reid
Creative Arts Award: Maddy Warr, Julien Jorgensen
Women’s Institute Scholarship: Sarah Megyesi, Camilla Marcus
RCMP Community Spirit Award: Grade 7 class
Meagan Visser Award (excellence in sports): Arden Thorne, Brennan Mattes
Liz Matthews Humanitarian award: Trent Linklater
Allana Thorne was behind the most poignant moment of the assembly: “Every year PAC awards the Grade 7s something representing their class. This year’s class is strong, active, caring, kind … leaders of tomorrow. We’ve created a new award to commemorate much-loved former PAC president Peter Marcus. It recognizes students who share some of his attributes such as courage, staying active, sharing knowledge, achieving one’s best and stretching one’s mind.”
Four students received the honour -- Mataya Noseda, Camila Marcus, Devon Theberge, Zac Upton -- as the audience looked on in tears.
After a surprise goodbye to Kindergarten teacher Lisa Ellis, each class made a presentation to Rooney. She accepted her accolades graciously saying she’d learned so much about herself during her time as principal of Gabriola.
The students sent her off in style with a rappin’ blues song composed for the occasion by John Capon.
Then, amid a lot of laughter, an “ode” to the bench and the pounding beat of 80s rock anthem Final Countdown, the Grade 7s passed the bench to the Grade 6s.
It was an assembly that received top grades from all who were there.
|
