Palsson Elementary School held a retirement ceremony for principal Jann Drake on Oct. 27. Drake has been principal at the Lake Cowichan elementary school since September 2013. Her last day is today.
Drake shared that she’s worked with children for 40 years.
“I do love working with children. My career started working with young children in Early Childhood Education and then I returned to school and started teaching in the district for about 20 years. Within that 20 years I went back to school and obtained my Masters and then I started my principalship for the last five and a half years,” said Drake.
Prior to her position at Palsson, Drake was principal at AB Greenwell for four years. When that school was closed, Drake moved into her position at Palsson.
Drake loved many things about her job, like when students came to tell her stories. She loved seeing smiling faces when they arrived at school and was happy to work with great staff.
“I also enjoyed having the ‘Happy’ song played on the school PA system every Friday morning and all the students dancing in the hallways,” said Drake.
She shares that she plans to fill her retirement by spending more time with her granddaughter and parents, and by working in her garden and on crafts.
“I also may find a need to make some visits to the school,” said Drake.
Mrs. Jan Bradley takes over as Palsson principal tomorrow.
