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Bluewater Director of Education announces retirement

Education

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Director of Education, Mary Anne Alton & Chair, Jennifer Yenssen

Mary Anne Alton, Director of Bluewater District School Board, (BWDSB), officially announced her retirement at the last board meeting of the year on Tuesday, June 15 2010.

Alton began her career as a grade 2 teacher in Markdale and, prior to becoming Director five years ago, held a number of elementary and secondary school administrator positions in addition to elementary superintendent.

With the exception of a year's study in England, Alton's entire 39-year career has been with the Grey County Board of Education and Bluewater Board.

Although the past two years have seen much controversy,  Alton points to her accomplishments while with Bluewater:

  • a strong focus on human rights that has put Bluewater ont he provincial & national map and created a more understanding culture in local communities

  • creating relevant and engaging learning environments for students in the 21st century through interdisciplinary planning that is taking root in Bluewater

  • establishing the 10 Bluewater character attributes and seeing how they have become part of the culture

  • building strong relationships with First Nation and Metis peoples and helping all staff and students develop an understanding and appreciation for cultural gifts

  • signing a three-year agreement with "Free the Children", a youth social justice movement

  • focusing on partnering with Grey Bruce Health to support personal health and well-being of staff

  • investing in building strong organizational health through working with union leaders

 

 Chair, Jennifer Yenssen said that she has never worked with a Director who has put in more hours and hard work.  "Mary Anne is leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to meet.  I want to especially highlight her efforts when it comes to human rights, equity and inclusivity."

Alton, who was in Korea recently to promote a summer 'English as a second language' initiative, which would bring Korean teachers and students to Bruce County on a cultural exchange, will continue to serve on the International Student Exchange Board.

Alton says that she is looking forward to the birth of her second grandchild and will be pursuing other avenues.  "I want to do many more things in life before I get too old," she said.

Although Alton's last day is June 30, her official retirement date is August 31st.   

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010