I have been pondering the concept of a blog post dealing with my job change for quite some time now and finally think I have a way to talk about it that makes sense.
Roland School has been inspiring. The small town. The small school. The importance of community and connections. The flexibility and freedom that can lead to truly meaningful learning experiences. It is all really amazing and adds up to a great place to work, live, and send your kids to school. I have spent 13 years in Prairie Rose S.D., all at Carman Collegiate right up until I came to Roland to fill a temporary vacancy. I have poured my heart and soul into Carman Collegiate and that building will forever hold a special place in my heart. A person doesn't invest 13 years into very many things in a lifetime so to say it has had an impact on me would be an understatement. Oddly enough though, leaving Roland earlier than planned has also left me feeling very sad.
My elementary school years were spent in Oakville Manitoba where my Dad was the Principal of the school (my brother would later become the Principal there too) until I finished grade 4. Most of my views on what a Principal is supposed to be were developed from that experience. The holistic approach to education is most powerful in smaller places with closer ties between the school and the community and between kids and families. Roland has given me that experience for a few months and it has rejuvenated me and excited me for the next chapter in my career. I am eternally appreciative of my time here and the efforts I see people making on our behalf.
So.. after much time and much work... I am excited to go to Western School Division and Ecole Morden Middle School beginning in the fall to do something different and learn something new. It is an exciting and scary time but I feel like a leap forward is needed. Hopefully I land on my feet. Have a great long weekend.