To the editor:
I write this letter with pride and appreciation. However, it does come with a bit of sadness. I have always felt that it would not be right for me to leave the wonderful community of Barriere without letting the many people who I have had the pleasure of meeting know the impact that they have had.
First, thank you to the parents of Barriere, who I have had the pleasure of meeting over the last seven years, while working at Barriere Secondary School. Over those last seven years it has been very easy to see the pride and commitment that you have in your children; from the first day of classes, to the sporting events, science fairs, parent-teacher meetings, all the way to the year end graduation ceremony. It is impressive when hundreds of community and family members turn out to support 30-plus graduates every year. It is something that every school and community would be proud to be noted for.
Second, thank you to the students that I have had the opportunity to meet and teach over the last seven years. Watching young people mature and gain the knowledge needed to be successful in the world around us has truly been a wonderful experience. It was a learning experience for both them and for me. They played an enormous role in allowing me to become a better teacher and to become a better parent for my son and daughter as they mature.
Third, thank you to all the staff at Barriere Secondary School that I have had the opportunity to work with over the last seven years. Whether it was in our workplace, after school gatherings, or the many carpools that I shared, there was never a day that I did not laugh, enjoy a memorable moment, or just reflect on how lucky I was to be involved with such a wonderful group.
Finally, thank you to those few special individuals who I worked with that were not only staff but also members of the community. You showed me what it is to not only be a positive adult role model on a daily basis, but also just how much care and commitment to the students of your community you have. Your dedication of time to the many activities undertaken, where no recognition may have been received, did not go unnoticed by myself. You have made an impact on me to be a better teacher, a better parent, and a better community member. I do thank you sincerely for being such a positive influence.
As I begin my new job, I reflect proudly in knowing that I was a teacher at Barriere Secondary and that I am a better person for it.
Mr. (Mike) Tash
