Submitted by Brenda Brewer, Principal, and Breanna Heels, Vice-Principal
I think the summer weather is finally here! The sun is shining, and there are so many exciting things on the horizon. There are class trips, Prom, Grad and more! The school play – A Lighter Shade of Noir – was performed last weekend (hopefully you had a chance to see it!), Secondary Soccer has also just finished (we had a Boys and Girls team this year!) and the Bruce Peninsula District School (BPDS) Envirothon team just competed in the Envirothon Provincial Competition – more on that in the next issue!
Green Industries Class – Making Our School More Green
Mr. Kuipers’ Green Industries class has been working really hard on cleaning up the green spaces at our school! They have beautified the gardens at the front of the school, and the three atriums that line the secondary hallway. A few of our elementary classes look into the atrium spaces as well, so they are also enjoying the refreshed and revitalized spaces!
It truly takes a community, and there are several people who we would like to thank for their contributions towards the Green Industries program. Special thanks go to Hayes Timber, Wendy and Donald Cameron, Peninsula Roots Landscaping Ltd. And Westside Nurseries.
Featured Staff – Secondary
We would like to take an opportunity in each issue to highlight the amazing staff at BPDS and St. Edmunds. In this issue, we would like to introduce you to the amazing Secondary teachers at BPDS!
Jodi Naves has taught at BPDS for 24 years, teaching lots of different courses. Jodi is currently Student Success and Guidance, working closely with students who need additional support. Her door is always open, and she is someone that the students know they can come to for support.
Emily Cameron is currently teaching Travel and Tourism and World Cultures at BPDS. Although she has only been teaching at BPDS since February, this is her third time teaching at BPDS – she got her very first full-time job at BPDS 13 years ago. She says: “I love that I got my start here and am very much enjoying being back. I love the way everyone supports one another and works together as a team. It is like being part of a big family.”
We welcome Jessica Rice as a permanent staff member this semester, and she is teaching Developmental Learning, French and Food and Nutrition this semester. Jessica brings a cheerful and positive attitude into the school, and she is a great addition to the team!
Kevin Kuipers has been teaching at BPDS for 3 years and brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm into his programs! This semester, he is teaching Construction Tech, Communications Tech and Green Industries. He always has a project on the go and works hard to have the materials he needs to provide the best opportunities to engage students.
Dr. Mike Laing returned ‘home’ this year, after teaching at SDSS for the past few years. The school community has been happy to welcome Mike back. This semester, he is teaching Science, Law and Senior Outers, and is getting ready to embark on the Algonquin Canoe Trip!
Ashley Myles currently teaches Phys. Ed, Co-op and Outers. She says: “I have been so fortunate to have worked at BPDS since 2018! As a BPDS graduate, it is such an honour to be the Outers Teacher, bringing the traditions and opportunities to the next generation of students on the Peninsula! My other teaching areas include physical education, cooperative education, and science.”
Tara Stanton has taught at BPDS for over 20 years and has championed the Music and Drama programs. She has just wrapped up the school play performance, which takes so much time and effort (so hopefully you were able to come see the show!). Tara is also a teacher who students know they can trust and come to for support.
Jen Cameron has been teaching at BPDS since 1998 and there is no place she would rather teach! She says: “Our school is a very special place, filled with remarkably talented people who all contribute to our identity as the BPDS family. Our small size is our strength, as it has enabled us to work as a team to creatively overcome many challenges over the years.”
John Rodgers has been teaching at BPDS for 24 years and is our science and math expert and is always trying new teaching strategies and embraces using technology as a teaching tool. John is always bringing innovation into his classroom!
Learning for a Sustainable Future Pilot Project – Oh the Places You’ll Go
In April, we had Adriana, a student teacher and LSF volunteer, and Judy, who works with LSF, at BPDS to help support programming and professional development around integrating the UN Global Goals into our classrooms. To sum up their experience, Judy wrote a Dr. Seuss inspired poem about all of the wonderful things going on at BPDS:
Updates from St. Edmunds Public School
Students enjoyed a story (above right) and craft (above left).
and a school-wide roadside clean-up (above right).
If you don’t already follow our Facebook page, you can follow us at Bruce Peninsula DS to see all of the amazing things happening at the school. If you ever have questions or concerns, give us a call at (519) 793-3211 or by email: Brenda_Brewer@bwdsb.on.ca and
