Taking the next step in their journeys and continuing along their life paths
I can’t believe how quickly the school year has passed. Thank you for your trust and commitment in us; parental and family support is outstanding. We could not do what we do without your support, and our partnership ensures that St. John’s-Ravenscourt School goes from strength to strength as we continue to work together for the benefit of our children.
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The march of time is marked by our end-of-year closing ceremonies. A few days ago, the curious kids of KCB and KJM graduated. Today marks the graduation of our Grade 8 students from Middle School, and tomorrow will see our Grade 5 students bid their farewells to Junior School. On Friday, our Class of 2018, 101 young men and women, will graduate. It is profoundly moving to witness students taking the next step in their journeys and continuing along their life paths.
Our closing ceremonies also allow students to acknowledge the people who have supported them in this part of their lives. SJR’s faculty and staff are remarkable; their level of commitment and dedication is impressive. I am grateful for their collective efforts in supporting the School’s vision and values and ensuring that the quality of their practice and the ensuing impact on the children’s learning is of the highest standard.
Some beloved teachers and staff members leave us this week to embark on new adventures, pursue new challenges, and to enjoy retirement. I wish them well and thank them for their dedication and service. I want to pay tribute to five long-serving members of the SJR family, all of whom are retiring.
As our school nurse, Kathy MacRae was a pivotal member of the SJR community. Her care for every aspect of our students’ health and wellness 24/7 over 15 years showed dedication that went well beyond expectation. Whether caring for boo-boos or championing events such as Rock Show and Kendra’s Walk, her compassion and vigour affected everything she did. She helped students, parents and staff in so many ways, and provided tremendous support at times of sadness and joy.
Crystal Procter started her SJR career in 1998 as the Student Records Officer and took on several additional positions over the years including Administrative Services Manager. Crystal took pride in her work and cared about the SJR community. With an innate sense of fairness, a close eye for detail and the initiative needed to manage significant change, her legacy is a strong and well-coordinated Administrative Support Team.
Russell Britton led our Facilities Team for 25 years, starting in 1993 when the school was a very different place than it is today. As Director of Facilities, he was a key participant in several major construction projects including the Riley Fitness Centre and the replacement of Hamber Building with the Richardson Senior School. Russell’s door was always open; he was a great support to his team. He formed respectful relationships with constituents and his kindness and gentle humour were appreciated by everyone. Russell leaves us in exceptional shape, in the knowledge that our grounds and buildings are the envy of our peers across Canada.
Michelle Grynol devoted her life to SJR for over three decades as the Librarian for Bonnycastle Library, Boarding Master, Resident Advisor, and Head of Girls’ Boarding. Michelle was a quiet but passionate advocate for those in her care and willingly shared her love of learning with her students, always encouraging them with good humour and mentoring them as if they were part of her own family. Michelle ‘walked the walk and talked the talk’. Her gentleness, fairness and positive energy will be missed.
After 35 years of faithful service as teacher, Head of Department, Boarding Master, mentor and coach, Ray Grynol proved himself to be a superior example of a ‘schoolmaster’. His academic credentials are beyond question. He enjoyed his teaching and built excellent relationships with students and colleagues who repaid his high expectations and rigour with their affection and loyalty. Ray put everything into his work; he went beyond the call of duty to provide professional teaching of the best kind.
Kathy, Crystal, Russell, Michelle and Ray are men and women of integrity whose dedication to improving young lives is inspiring. We wish them well.
I am thankful to the parents and family members who volunteered their time this year for the benefit of our school; your service is invaluable. Other groups of committed volunteers also provided support. The Board of Governors put in many unsung, unpaid and largely unrecognized hours on behalf of the students. The SJR Parents’ Association invested hours and energy to enhance our provision. I am also indebted to the Alumni Board and the SJR Foundation, as well as the many alumni who gave willingly of their time and talents.
I wish you and your family the best of summers with a respite from the hectic pace of life at SJR and the chance to recharge the batteries and broaden your horizons. Those of you leaving SJR go with my best wishes and thanks for your commitment over the years. I look forward to welcoming our returning students and families back to school in September.
SJR is proud to be accredited and affiliated with several local, national and international educational organizations.
St. John’s-Ravenscourt School was founded in 1820 principally to serve the children of the Selkirk settlers. By 1834 there were forty students, evenly split between boys and girls. SJR has inevitably grown and changed over the years since, though its success throughout has been unimpeachable. Today the programs are as strong as our reputation. A strong academic program is paired with an equally strong attention to the values of stewardship, ethical leadership, and excellence in all areas of academic, social and athletic life.