I have a very clear memory of the day I first was assigned to Princess Anne School

1951 Estevan Road Principal: Jacquie Poulin

Nanaimo, B.C., V9S 3Y9 Secretary: Linda Cowling

Phone: 250-754-5442

Fax: 250-741-8310 Date: June 28^th, 2004

Dear Princess Anne Families,

As a final tribute to all the wonderful students and families at Princess Anne, I asked the staff to write a short farewell message to you. Many of the staff have commented on the difficulty they had with this task, however, many did complete them and here they are, please know they come with deep emotion and heartfelt good wishes!

Mrs. Jacquie Poulin

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I have a very clear memory of the day I first was assigned to Princess Anne School. I timed my drive in to see the classroom and meet the staff – exactly 13 minutes obeying the speed limits!! Little did I know that I would stay for 12 years which have been the most enjoyable of my career. Princess Anne has been very good to me. I have enjoyed the close knit community of staff, families and students. Teaching brothers and sisters, watching children grow, from babes in arms in some cases, and then teaching them and watching them continue on to higher grades has been a treat. I feel a great deal of sadness at the closure of our special school. I will miss the wonderful staff who are much more than working colleagues-they are special supportive friends. I will miss the children and families who mean so much to me. I wish you all the very best as you move on to your new schools. I know everyone will take that special Princess Anne caring spirit with them and will enrich their next school. Memories of Princess Anne School will hold a place in all of our hearts forever.

- Mrs. Wendie Harrington, Grade 1 / 2 Teacher

Thank you for your spirit, support, and ongoing enthusiasm over the past years! May we all have everlasting and happy memories of our “home away from home” community school.

- Mrs. Tamara Kanachowski-Biggs, Grade 6/7 Teacher

The staff in the Life Skills class has really enjoyed the time we have spent with all the students of Princess Anne School. We’re sad that we won’t be in the same school with you next year, but we’ll be following your accomplishments in the papers and we will look forward to seeing you and your families in the community. Our best wishes to you all!

- Mrs. Karen Birch, Mrs. Karen Elliott, Mrs. Carolyn Greves, Ms. Susan M’Gonigle, Education Aides, and Mrs. Jeanne Wiseman, Life Skills Teacher

Thank you to all the students and families at Princess Anne School for a very memorable 11 years. It’s always hard to say good bye, especially when it’s a place you love. I hope someday I will see you at other schools in the district. My thoughts and best wishes will be with you all in the future. I am proud to say that I was part of the Princess Anne Team – “A TRULY GREAT PLACE TO BE!”

- Mrs. Joyce Wenner, Education Aide

I’ve only been at this school for a year, but I’ve loved every minute. It is hard to say good-bye to so many wonderful people. The staff are a hard-working and dedicated bunch, and the parents have been incredibly supportive! And, of course, the students are terrific! I wish every Princess Anne student good luck in their new schools next September. Thank you for a great year and memories I will cherish.

- Mrs. Rebecca Bayda, Kindergarten Teacher

During this time of sadness at the closing of our beloved school, it is time to reflect on the joy that it has brought to all of us:

v The joy of the children playing on the playground

v The joy of watching the children working hard to become the best that they can be

v The joy of being a part of the Princess Anne family.

However, the time has come for all of us to take these joys to our new schools and become a part of a new adventure and a new family. I extend my best wishes to each and every Princess Anne family. Let’s make each of our next destinations “A Great Place to Be”.

- Mrs. Anita Mayor, Grade 2/3 Teacher

Princess Anne School has been a community of dedicated, caring staff and parents, working together to contribute to the positive learning experiences of the children. The skills and interest in learning that they have developed will enrich our community for generations to come. Thanks for the memories!

- Helen Lunney, School Counsellor

To ALL the students, parents, and staff of Princess Anne! Thank you, thank you, thank you! for making the 5 years I’ve been here the BEST 5 years a teacher could ask for! The kids of Princess Anne ROCK! Keep that special spirit alive in the future and make wherever you go “A Great Place to Be!”

- Mr. Fred Shaw , Grade 4/5 Teacher

Thank you to the staff, students, and parents of Princess Anne for making me feel so welcome this year. It has been a privilege to be part of the Princess Anne family, even if only briefly. Best of luck to everyone.

- Mrs. Elsa Armstrong, Learning Assistance Teacher.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed my experience at this wonderful school. It’s been fun to hear footsteps coming up the front stairs, and to watch happy faces come into view! Thank you to the children and parents, who have brought me four years of joy (and the odd dose of writer’s cramp!). I also bid a very fond farewell to the Princess Anne staff, which has been so professional and so caring, both with the children and with their co-workers. I rest easy, knowing that Princess Anne’s splendid tradition of hard work and caring hearts will move on with our families and staff.

All the best, to all of you.

- Mrs. Linda Cowling, School Secretary

GOOD LUCK, GOOD HEALTH, AND PLAY SAFE ALWAYS! It’s been a great experience working with the Princess Anne Family. I’m going to miss you all.

- Mrs. Valerie Harvey, Noon Hour Supervisor

This year was my third time teaching at Princess Anne School (the other times I taught Band to Grade 7). It was always heartwarming to receive the many greetings and good-byes from students as I raced to or from school. (I taught at six schools this year) It’s sad to say a final good-bye and know it really is good-bye. But we carry the memories of terrific students and staff which last a lifetime. As our morning announcers say, “Princess Anne . . . a great place to be.” All the best as you make new friends and memories as you continue your educational journey. Maybe our paths will cross again. Have a wonderful summer.

- Mrs. Barb Jubenville, Music Teacher

We send best wishes, and hope you will have a happy summer, as well as a successful move to your new school(s)/

- Amy Fleming, Speech-Language Pathologist, Naomi Hurwitz-Adams, School Librarian, and April Shade, First Nations Education Aide and Noon-hour Supervisor.

As I mentioned above, this is one of the toughest messages to write. Although I have only been here for one year, it has been a year of tremendous growth, many experiences, and lots of memories. Everyone here has truly shown me that Princess Anne is “A Great Place to Be”. I want to thank everyone for the support and kindness you have shown me throughout the year. The first year as a school principal can certainly be a daunting experience, but with the support of the staff and parents, and gentleness of the students, it has been a rewarding year. Princess Anne will hold a very special place in my heart as my first prinicipalship, thank you! As I wrote this note, I looked around my office and my eyes fell on a plaque I have up, I see a message that I want each of you to remember;

“Remember these things – you are valued, you are precious,

you are needed, you are loved.”

Thank you again, have a safe and happy summer! My thoughts will be with each one of you in September!

- Mrs. Jacquie Poulin, Principal