Education

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It was an exciting time for the Grade 8 graduates and all the students at Ripley-Huron Community School, but a sad time as well, as they said goodbye to long-time teacher Marg MacDonald, during an assembly on the last day of school (June 29).

MacDonald has been teaching, full-time and part-time for the past 33 years. As the students' council and staff presented her with mementos, she became overwhelmed and had to pause for a moment before thanking her colleagues, friends and family for their support throughout her career.

She began as a secondary school teacher at Ripley District High School, and then taught Grades 7 and 8 at Ripley District School before going to Ripley-Huron Central School (later Ripley-Huron Community School). There, she taught physical education and music to the primary grades, and was librarian and resource teacher, working part-time at Elgin Market Public School in Kincardine as well.

For the past 11 years, she has been Ripley's well-loved Kindergarten teacher, a job she said will be hard to leave.

Marg MacDonald (L) holds up a plaque presented by Emily Scott

She laughed and cried as she was presented with a plaque, depicting pictures from 1978 to 2010, a "Special Me" board (which she conducts with her Kindergarten students), a caricature drawn by fellow teacher Barb Grubb, and a Book of Memories.

The students sang a special song for her and she was given a T-shirt with the moniker, "Assistant Director of Music RHCS."

All the Kindergarten students sang and played "band" instruments for her, and then the staff, wearing the old band sweaters, sang the school song, which means "It Can Be Done" in Latin.

MacDonald said she has had a wonderful time teaching and will remember it all with great fondness.

"I hope to come back and supply-teach and volunteer at the school," she said.

She also wants to enjoy more travelling, birding and hiking. She and her husband, Barry, live in Ripley and have two children, Leanne and Kyle.

Marg MacDonald (L) gets a charge out of colleagues Cheryl Wilken and Ann Ellis singing the old school song

Also leaving the school are Paul Ryerson who has accepted a teaching position closer to where he lives; Roberta Hayes who has been seconded to work at Amethyst School in London; and Lindsey Raymond who has completed her temporary assignment with the school in Ripley.

Joining the staff in September are Erica MacDonald as the new Kindergarten teacher, Joanne Wilson as the French teacher, Irene Splettstoesser as the new learning resource teacher, and Bridget Lyons as the new educational assistant.

The Grade 8 graduation awards were presented again at the assembly.

Award winners are as follows:

• Scholastic Medallion for academic excellence - Jordan Bell, Tommy Harris, Logan Howe, Jordan Jarvis, Jean Ann Keelan, Benjamin Lange, Robyn Quinn, Emily Scott, Logan Shewfelt and Drew Thompson
• William Turvill Scholastic Achievement award for top average in the graduating class - Drew Thompson
• Sub-Lieutenant John A. MacLeod Memorial prize for second highest average -  Benjamin Lange
• Hamilton and Annie MacKinnon Proficiency award for the top third to sixth highest average - Logan Howe, Jordan Jarvis, Jean Ann Keelan and Robyn Quinn
• Point Clark Kinsmen award for school spirit - Jordan Jarvis
• Valedictorian - Emily Scott
• Raven award - "Best you Can Be" - for positive attitude, good citizenship, academic achievement and leadership - Emily Scott, Ryan Hallam
• Tara Chatham Memorial Athletic award for leadership, participation in sports and demonstrating fair play, team spirit and good sportsmanship - Jordan Jarvis
• CUPE service award - Garreth Rock
• Ripley and District Lions Club Athletic award - Robyn Quinn, Victoria Krulicki, Jordan Bell and Logan Shewfelt
• Steven Taylor Memorial award for a student who demonstrates consistent effort and has overcome significant learning challenges to perform to the best of his/her ability - Jonathan Karsten
• Joe Fitzgerald Congeniality award - Andrea Hoeper
• Hurontel leadership award - Jean Ann Keelan and Logan Howe
• Helen Henderson Science award - Logan Howe
• Bruce Power Technology award - Drew Thompson, Benjamin Lange and Mitchel Card
• Art award - Brandon Treverton

Kelsey Hunter (L) presents Marg MacDonald with her own "Special Me" board

Teacher Janet Browne (R) presents a "Winit" certificate covered in stickers of achievement to Marg MacDonald

Marg MacDonald sports her new T-shirt

Teacher Barb Grubb (L) presents a caricature of Marg MacDonald and her Kindergarten class

Teacher Janet Browne (L) presents a "Winit" certificate to teacher Paul Ryerson who is leaving the school

• English award - Rachel Stewart
• Ripley-Huron Legion Ladies Auxiliary English award for significant improvement in written and oral communication - Tommy Harris
• Grubb Memorial Math award - Drew Thompson
• Reid's Corners Women's Institute award for progress - Peter Freimanis and Kelsey Hunter
• Purple Grove Women's Institute Music award - Jean Ann Keelan
• French award - Jean Ann Keelan
• Albert Wylds Geography award - Benjamin Lange
• Albert Wylds History award - Spencer Russell

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Thursday, July 01, 2010