Staying Healthy During a Pandemic
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April 1, 2020
Dear Students,
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April 1, 2020
Dear Students,
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Deciding on an appropriate career path is often a daunting task for many high-school students. To assist in this process, nineteen grade 12 students from Brooks School recently had the opportunity to visit several colleges and universities on Vancouver Island.
The purpose of the two- day field trip was to provide students with first hand exposure to university life and for the students to learn about different programs, services and supports available to them. Students were fortunate to tour North Island College in Courtenay, Vancouver Island University (Nanaimo campus) and the University of Victoria. Tour highlights included meeting and talking to fourteen former Brooks Grad 2022 students who are currently attending the University of Victoria, seeing the CARSA Climbing Centre with its fifty-five-foot incredible climbing wall and experiencing the ‘spinning door’ in the photography room at North Island College. Student, Renae Babcock loved the tour because it gave her the opportunity to experience three different university campuses. “I have never been to U Vic before and it was great having the comprehensive tour and seeing the former Brooks students at U Vic.” One of the teacher chaperones, teacher Ms. Leach spoke highly of this trip: “It was an incredible opportunity for the students to experience campus life first-hand and to speak with first-year students about the highs and lows of campus life.” Events such as this go a long way in helping students share their experiences as a community of learners. Special thanks to Brooks Vice-Principal, Tanya Larkin for organizing the campus tours and to dedicated teacher, Ms. Leach for her time and effort in supporting this initiative.
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Dawn started working for the school district in 1989 when she was hired as an interpreter for deaf students. Her first five years were spent helping a specific student navigate through the school system while also assisting the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Vernon Currie. Her next challenge was helping autistic students or students with language difficulties. During her time in the school district, Dawn has also worked as an Education Assistant at most elementary schools. For the past twenty years Brooks has been her home base where she has worked as an educational assistant.
Dawn loves seeing her former students doing well in the community. “I believe everyone’s brain works differently and we are all people who need help with certain things. I believe part of my job as an EA is to help people figure out how to use the skills, they need to be successful. The most challenging part of her job is: “Finding common ground with people who are very different from you.” Colleague Vicky Bleaney is someone who has inspired Dawn in her job. “Vickey always encouraged me to take a step back and look at the whole situation before acting. This is something I still struggle with on occasion.” Dawn is happy to be coming out of COVID as she feels people are able to interact more freely again. Her idea on improving Brooks is: “Let people know that everyone has a story and the more you know about everyone, the easier it is to find common ground, empathy, and kindness. Their stories remind you that school is only one facet of a person’s life.” Outside of school Dawn previously enjoyed high energy activities such as white-water kayaking, skydiving, motorcycle riding and skiing. More recently Dawn enjoys walking the dog, and completing major home renovation projects such as bathrooms, kitchens and installing skylights. Dawn also enjoys reading anything that is not too scary and spending time with her family. Before COVID hit, Dawn was very active in helping organize billets for a choir for Kathaumixw. She has friends all over the world because of that volunteering. Dawn’s philosophy or motto in life is: “There is always work for love to do. For example, if you love your job, put energy into it. Or if you love your house put energy into it. The things you love always require work. “Dawn states that most people know that she is an introvert so standing up and putting stuff out there is not her comfort zone. She stepped out of her comfort zone by joining the school district wellness committee and being a Brooks staff rep. Her advice for students is: “Don’t let your fears stop you from trying something new.” Dawn’s patient, persistent and caring ways make her a perfect fit for helping students at Brooks be successful in school and in life. After spending a year playing soccer and attending school in Denmark, Adam Hopper has returned to Brooks to complete his Grade 12 year. “Spending time in Denmark was a real eye-opener for me because it helped to set me up for postsecondary school.” It has always been Adam’s dream to play soccer in Europe. Through a contact with the Upper Island Riptide Soccer Club, he learned about and was accepted into a soccer boarding school called Efferskole Ved Nyborg “While I was at the school, I received excellent soccer instruction from ex professional players. All the coaches were striving to get the best performance from their players. I felt all my soccer skills improved because of playing in Denmark.”
Future soccer plans for Adam include possibly playing soccer at the university level or playing for a local club. Outside of school Adam currently plays for Villa Soccer Club along with two other Grade 12 Brooks students. This involves practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays and games on Saturdays. “Playing for Villa is a big adjustment for me as I am playing against more physical opponents.” Transitioning back to Brooks for Adam is challenging because of his heavy academic courseload. “My schedule first semester is loaded with a lot of academic subjects with no electives.” Adam also plays for our school’s senior soccer team coached by Mr. Rice. “Mr. Rice is definitely a tough but fun coach to play for.” Adam would like to join the school’s tennis team next semester. Adam credits his parents, Kim and Rick for being very supportive of all his athletic and academic pursuits so far in his life. “My dad is currently helping me with my future post-secondary plans.” Adam also acknowledges teacher, Dean Thorsell as someone who encouraged him to play competitive soccer at the young age of 12, when he started to train with Villa Soccer Club. “Mr. Thorsell was a big inspiration in my life.” After graduating Adam plans to attend Laurentian University in Sudbury Ontario where he hopes to study sports management. His eventual goal is to work in England for a professional soccer team. “I have always been very interested in soccer, so working in England for a pro soccer team would be an incredible experience.” Adam’s says his favorite spot in Powell River is the Brooks turf field. “It is like a second home to me.” His advice to younger students is: “You need to use your time more productively at school, so you have more time to play sports. Come to school ready to work.” Adam stepped out of his comfort zone and excelled when he spent the year living in Denmark last year. I am sure that he will continue to meet life challenges in the same determined and focused manner. Good luck with your soccer dreams Adam! Just last month, Grade 11 student Nathaniel Hargrave was a presenter at the prestigious ‘International Astronautical Congress’ in Paris, France. The subject of his presentation was the reliability of aerospace electronics. This 16-year-old student was the youngest presenter at the conference which featured university students, aerospace industry professionals, and scientists from around the world. “It was an amazing experience to have this opportunity to go to France to do my presentation and it was great to talk with other people working in similar fields.”
Last September Nathaniel joined Nexus Aurora, a ‘global community-based project incubator’ focused on open-sourced solutions to space colonization. From his association with this group Nathaniel submitted an abstract to present at the conference and he was accepted. While attending the one-week congress with his parents, Nathaniel also found time to visit the Eiffel Tower and enjoy French food. “If you travel to France, you absolutely must try their crepes!” This year at Brooks Secondary his favorite courses are Physics, Chemistry and Band. “I enjoy what I am learning and keep challenging myself to learn as much as I can. All my teachers are great at teaching their core subject areas.” Nathaniel enjoys coming to school but wishes he had more time to participate in the various clubs and activities. “Every free moment I have is somehow spent on working on something related to aerospace.” Nathaniel was home-schooled on Cortes Island for many years. His family moved to Powell River in the summer of 2021 so both Nathaniel and his sister Esiana, who was also home-schooled could attend Brooks. “The transition to Brooks from home-schooling was easier than I expected it to be. All my teachers were good and I was taking courses that I was really interested in and had a good understanding of.” Nathaniel credits his parents and multiple uncles for teaching him various skills and topics of interest. In addition to learning about aerospace, Nathaniel enjoys playing and singing in various school bands and Chamber Choir. Last year Nathaniel played the bass guitar as part of the band ensemble in Mamma Mia. “I have always loved playing various musical instruments and singing.” Future plans include attending an American university to study aerospace engineering. “There are so many cool subfields of aerospace that it is difficult to pick just one.” His dream career is helping with the colonization of Mars. “I would like to live on Mars one day.” His advice to younger students is: “If you know what you have an interest in, follow through and learn as much as you can. Never stop learning.” When asked for a concluding statement, Nathaniel responded with: “I have gotten to this stage in my life by constantly moving forward and building upon what I have learned. Determination is the most important quality, and if you know what you want to do nothing and no one can stop you.” Whether helping to colonize Mars or playing bass guitar, the sky is the limit for this multi-talented and forward-thinking young man. Travelling the world has always been a big part of Caroline’s life. At a young age Caroline developed a passion for travelling by taking trips to India, Kenya, Greece and throughout Europe. Caroline credits her parents for supporting her travel plans when she was younger. “My parents encouraged me to dream big and to try to see the world. They always came to visit me when I lived far away from home”
Born and raised in Glasgow Scotland, Caroline graduated from St. Ambrose High School in 1986. She worked in a law-firm in Glasgow as a legal secretary for ten years. When the travel bug hit again, she wanted to be located in a more central location, so she ended up going to Grand Cayman. There she worked as a legal secretary for a law firm for 14 years. “Living on Grand Cayman was an incredible experience for me to see different Caribbean islands and cultures. I met people there from all over the world.” It wasn’t always an idyllic experience for Caroline to live on the Cayman Islands. In 2004 Caroline experienced the devastating category 5 Hurricane called Ivan. “It still gives me goose bumps and makes me nervous when I think about it or see hurricanes in the news.” In 2006 Caroline left Grand Cayman for another Caribbean Island, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, working for the same legal company as an office manager for four years. Caroline then returned to Grand Cayman for another seven years. In November 2017, Caroline moved to Powell River with her husband Randall and their son Zach. Initially the move was a hard adjustment after living in the Caribbean for such a long time. “I had a young child at the time, but my family supported me during this transition.” Caroline started working casual for the local school district for two years before landing a full-time secretarial position at Brooks working in the main office. “I love my job in the main office as a secretary because of the many different personalities that I deal with on a daily basis and the great colleagues I get to work with.” Her biggest challenge with her job is getting everything done in the allotted time. “There are not enough hours in the day to get everything done.” If Caroline could change one thing in the school: ”It would be to encourage students to be more respectful to each other. School should be enjoyed and it should be a part of making amazing memories for everyone.” Outside of school Caroline describes herself as a hockey mom. “Zach is on the Under 11 A Rep team so we are away from town every other weekend.” Caroline also enjoys spending time in her garden and camping at Emmonds Beach. Her advice to students is: “The best part of life’s journey is who you get to share it with.” Office Manager, Jacquie Scarpelli is happy to have Caroline on the hard-working secretarial team at Brooks. “Caroline provides strong support in our office. I can always count on her to get things done.” We are very pleased that after a life of travel and adventure all over the world, this hard-working and thoughtful individual ended up with us at Brooks. During his high school years at Brooks in the late 1990’s, Brendan excelled in a variety of sports like volleyball, hockey and basketball. He describes himself as a shy introverted student who was unsure of his post-graduation plans. Brendan took a GAP year after graduating in 2001 and worked at the Recreation Complex as a life-guard, and swim instructor. He also ran summer camps for special needs students as part of PRACL. At this time in his life, he realized he wanted to be a teacher because of his patience and interest in working with youth. After spending several years at Camosun and Douglas College, he transferred to Simon Fraser University to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography. The next year he did his teacher training at U.B.C. earning his Bachelor of Education degree.
Brendan taught for four years in Burnaby before moving back to Powell River in 2012. During his time at Brooks, he has taught a variety of subjects in almost every department. Brendan enjoys teaching Humanities at all levels focusing on current world issues. “I enjoy getting students to engage in real world events and issues.” This year Brendan is coaching junior boys’ volleyball. “Volleyball is definitely the sport I am most passionate about. I had a lot of good coaches and team mates when I played in high-school and college.” Brendan completed his Masters in Educational Technology from U.B.C. in 2017. Brendan singles out current P.E. teacher and colleague, Cam Miller, his high-school coach, as someone who was a really supportive coach and mentor. “Cam took it upon himself to learn as much as he could about coaching volleyball and was really good at getting the best from all his players.” Brendan also credits his parents Brian and Sandra for always supporting his efforts to keep a balance between sports and getting an education. Outside of school Brendan enjoys playing hockey and golf. He also swims and rides mountain and road bikes. He likes reading non-fiction and making music with his daughter Hazel who provides vocals. Brendan’s philosophy in life is: “Be critical of what is happening in the world but try and remain calm, positive and critically optimistic.” In five years, Brendan would like to take on a bigger leadership role in the school and district, but he doesn’t really want to leave the classroom. “The best thing about teaching is that it keeps you involved in the community by connecting with new students each year and there are always new challenges and opportunities.” His advice to students is: “To be successful in life you need to be curious and explore new things. It is important to accept new challenges in your life.” This once shy and introverted student has blossomed into an outgoing and confident teacher who is a valuable member of our teaching staff. By Gerry Brach, Brooks Secondary School Counsellor
Grade 12 student Gabe Dickson has wanted to be part of Canada’s Armed Forces since he was in Grade 8. “I like the physical challenge and responsibilities that it entails.” Last summer Gabe successfully completed his basic military qualification (BMQ) at Area Service Unit Chilliwack. “This training was both physically and mentally challenging. I was very pleased with my performance.” Gabe is currently a member of the Canadian Scottish Regiment based out of Bay Street Armouries in Victoria. As part of his training and to maintain his operational readiness, he travels to Comox on a weekly basis. Future military plans include attending infantry school in Wainwright Alberta, where he will become a fully trained infanteer. Gabe credits his dad’s cousin for influencing him to look at the military as a possible career. “My dad’s cousin told me lots of stories about when he was in the junior militia in the 1970’s.” To further his academic career, Gabe would like to attend the University of Victoria in September 2023 to study Biology. While attending university he also plans to attend further military leadership schools. “I hope people look into the military as a tool to further themselves and others.” Gabe is excited to be in Grade 12 this year as he is looking forward to getting out on his own after he graduates. He likes attending school as it is another way for him to challenge himself. This year he is interested in seeing some of the younger students at Brooks step up and challenge themselves. “I really like my Chemistry class as it is a practical and hands-on science. Ms. Balzer is a great teacher who teaches her students to stay organized.” At school Gabe participates in the Mental Heath Advocacy Group which promotes the importance mental health for students. “It is very important to keep both your physical and mental health in good form.” Since Grade One, Gabe has been a French Immersion student and plans to graduate with a dual French/English diploma. “The French Immersion program gives students more opportunity for education, employment and socialization.” Gabe describes himself as someone who is pretty laid back but is organized when he needs to be. Outside of school Gabe likes to scuba dive, especially at Saltery Bay. “I really like the flora and fauna that the ocean has on display.” In the next five years Gabe hopes to finish university, do some travelling and possibly transition to a full-time military career. His advice to younger students is: “There are times or situations in your life that you are not going to like, but somehow you just have to do it.” An example of this advice in his own life was when: “During my BMQ training I took on the responsibility of carrying and using an inter section radio communication device which allowed our squad to communicate with other sections and members of the platoon.” Gabe has a very clear sense of who he is and where he wants to go. He is a hard-working, focused individual who likes to challenge himself in school and in life. Being of Greek heritage is a large part of Principal Bill Rounis’s identity. He was born in Canada, but when he was three years old, his family returned to Greece for a year before coming back to Canada. They settled on the West Coast, in Parksville, where Bill attended an English as a Second Language Kindergarten. “As I only spoke Greek, my older brother used our T.V. as a teaching tool for me to learn English. I remember how some people at school were shocked at how quickly I learned the new language.”
From Parksville the family moved to Nanaimo and Bill graduated from Woodlands Secondary School in 1990. Following high-school Bill attended Malaspina College in Nanaimo for two years and later graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Education degree in math and P.E. in 1995. Bill spent the next 17 years teaching and being a Vice-Principal at four secondary and one elementary school in Nanaimo. Bill became interested in volleyball when he was a student at U Vic. He coached volleyball at every high school he taught at, and he ran the Nanaimo Volleyball Club. “Volleyball is a high-skill sport that requires a lot of specialized training. I believe the better the coach, the better the team. I love the team concept and the fraternity of coaching. I have built a lot of strong friendships over the years through coaching,” In 2015 Bill stepped out of his comfort zone to move his family to Powell River and take on the principalship of Kelly Creek Community School. For the past five years he has been principal at Brooks Secondary. A highlight for Bill during this time was hosting the B.C. Provincial Volleyball Championships in 2018. “Sports are always a big part of peoples lives in Powell River and the way they rallied around the tournament was incredible. It felt like everyone tried their best for it.”. Bill takes pride in improving the school’s grad rate every year since he has been at the school. He likes being around the students and the best part of his day is seeing them be successful. The most challenging part of being the principal at Brooks was managing the school during the pandemic. “The hardest part was watching the news and finding out what my next step should be. I enjoyed helping people manage their way through it.” Bill credits his high-school P.E. teacher, Dave Stupich for being his ‘everything coach’. “He was incredibly likeable and approachable. He always had time for kids.” Bill’s leadership philosophy is to try and bring leadership out in others. He likes to treat other people like he likes to be treated. Outside of school, Bill enjoys his family’s involvement in showing haven use dogs. Five years ago, his daughter and him won a ribbon at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City. As a result of working in his fathers’ restaurants while growing up, Bill has a passion for cooking and smoking different meats. “I love sharing a good meal that I have cooked with family and friends.” One thing Bill wishes more people knew about him is how much he enjoys joking around and having a good time. Bill’s advice to students is: “The most important thing in life is not the mark you receive, but the learning you get as you go through the process. You are not the mark you get.” Bill is deeply rooted in his Greek culture and history. His immediate and extended families play a very important part in his life. In five years Bill hopes to be still running a school as he considers it the best job in the w Whether flying a Harvard Mk training aircraft or navigating his way through the My Ed gradebook, teacher David Yare has never backed down from a challenge: “I love doing two crossword puzzles daily, which are a great challenge for the brain.”
‘Mr. Yare’, as he is affectionately referred to by most students and staff at Brooks, grew up in Liverpool England. He was quick to point out that Liverpool is home of the Beatles! He added that he met John Lennon and Paul McCartney while attending Quarry Bank High School in Liverpool. While growing up in England he attended a strict, private boys’ school. “I got a very good basic education which provided me with the foundation for everything else in my life that followed.” He emigrated to Canada in 1952 where he attended Lord Byng Secondary School. After graduating from high school, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he trained as a pilot. Wanting to become a teacher, he left the air force and attended U.B.C. where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology. He would later go on to complete a B. Ed. from U.B.C. and a M.Ed. (Remedial Reading) from the University of Oregon. Mr. Yare’s first teaching job was at Trail Secondary School where he taught English and Social Studies for three years. The 1970-71 school year saw Mr. Yare move to Powell River where he taught mainly English and Social Studies at the old Brooks School. During the next 20 years he was Head of the English Department, sponsored the yearbook committee and chaired every staff meeting. In 1990 he transferred to Oceanview Junior High School retiring in 1999. While at Oceanview he travelled to Japan for three summers where he earned a diploma in Japanese language. Looking back at his teaching career at Brooks and Oceanview, a main highlight for him was seeing so many students move on to university and do well in their chosen careers. In comparing students from 30-40 years ago to today’s students, he notes: “Students back then were more organized and disciplined. They didn’t have the internet or cell phones to contend with.” For the last two months we were fortunate to have Mr. Yare’s expertise in covering Kim Leach’s English 12, and Comparative Cultures 12 classes. He attributes his teaching longevity to very good health and love of the profession. Mr. Yare has worn a tie to work every day of his 53-year teaching career! He estimates to have taught over 7,000 students during this time. He still enjoys teaching because he likes the unique differences between students and the challenge of meeting their individual needs. He feels the most challenging part of teaching today is keeping students involved and motivated. Mr. Yare is married to Karen, and they have an adult daughter, Michelle, who recently completed her teacher training at V.I.U. in Nanaimo. Finally, his advice to students is: “Take the road less travelled and believe in yourself.” At 83 years young, Mr. Yare’s affable nature, zest for teaching and accumulated wisdom make him an inspiration to all. *Pictured above is the very aircraft that Mr. Yare flew. It may come as a surprise to some, but Matthew Hull considers himself to be an extraverted introvert! During his high-school years at Brooks Secondary, he took lead roles in the school musicals: Fiddler to Grease and Dick Tracy. He also taught himself to break-dance! “I always enjoyed engaging with music and dance. They helped me determine who I am.”
After graduating from Brooks in 1999 Matthew studied Vocal Performance at Rick’s College in Idaho for one year. Realizing that University made performing into a job, he decided to switch majors. Also wanting to make the world a better place, he spent the next two years working with Hispanic people in the barrios of Los Angeles. Matthew graduated from Brigham Young University in Idaho in 2006 with a degree in Spanish and History Education. He did his teaching practicum at a middle school in Las Vegas, where he taught Spanish and US Nevada history. He moved back to Powell River in December 2006 with his wife who was pregnant with their first child. After 6 months of TOC work, Matthew filled in for Jerry Reghelin’s 2007-2008 paternity leave. He taught Spanish, Computers, and Health and Careers. With a growing family to take care of, and few teaching positions available, he decided to switch gears. Matthew took a Data Tech job for the School District and later obtained a master’s in educational technology from U.B.C. “I became passionate about using technology for education and engagement.” For the next thirteen years Matthew worked out of the Board Office where he performed a variety of tasks from ICT Coordinator, Transportation Supervisor and Director of Technology. “During this time, I worked with all the schools in the District, spending time in classrooms and consulting with teachers. I always had the thought of getting back in schools” This year when the Vice-Principal position at Brooks opened, he jumped at it. As it turned out he absolutely loved the experience of connecting with staff and students in his new role. Next year Matthew is looking forward to being the principal of Henderson Elementary School. “Throughout my life I have had many opportunities to engage in different leadership experiences that have helped prepare me for this challenge next year.” When asked who Matthew admires in his life today, he credits Director of Instruction, Allison Burt. “Allison is someone that I have come to highly respect and admire. She is always available when I have a question – and I have so many questions” He also admires Buddhist Monk Thich-Nhat-Hanh for his work on Mindfulness. During COVID, Mathew built a small farm on his Wildwood property where he has raised ducks, rabbits, quail, chickens, goats, and pigs. “I enjoy this type of work as it keeps me busy along with my five kids.” Outside of school Matthew has taught Powell River Boys’ Choir and participated in a Bollywood production. Matthew’s advice to his own children, and students he works with has always been: “always remember that someone’s perception is their reality and to never forget that life is good.” We thank you Matthew for your dedication and hard work this year at Brooks, you will be missed. |