Bluewater District School Board's Director of Education is preparing for retirement after a 38-year career.
Alana Murray said it is a bittersweet moment and she is full of gratitude for the adventures and rewards of her career in Grey and Bruce.
She said the board is following the provincial government’s directives in planning for a few possible scenarios for the upcoming school year during the pandemic.
She added at this point the board is focusing on planning on a hybrid model that would combine face-to-face and online learning opportunities for the month of September, depending on local public health approval.
Other options are a modified routine with smaller class sizes under 15 students where cohorts of students attend on alternate days or weeks, or a full reentry plan that follows a normal school day routine with enhanced public health protocols. Considerations being discussed provincially involve ways in which to strengthen online learning, solutions for those with limited access to technology and or internet connectivity, and child care for families and staff during a possible phased in reentry. It will all depend on where the province is in terms of the severity of COVID-19 cases.
Friday is Murray's last day in the office.
"As I prepare for the bittersweet moment of retirement, I feel tremendous gratitude in my quiet reflections of the many adventures and rewards that I have been so fortunate to experience during my career. It has been an amazing honour serving the students and families of Bruce and Grey counties, and to have been in a position to witness the growth and transition of so many young lives. I think about the former students I have known and taught, and their progression from kindergarten and elementary, to secondary and eventual career success. Many of them have become parents of a new generation of Bluewater students," she said.
"I also think of the colleagues I have been privileged to work and learn with over the years. While the list is far too long for the purposes of this message, I acknowledge all of them for their support and expertise in a vast range of capacities, which has helped to shape, guide, and inspire my path. This extends to the wonderful families, volunteers, trustees, and partners who have made a positive difference, not only on a personal level but especially in the lives of our students through their contributions to local public education. I could not be more thankful."
Murray said it is an absolute pleasure to pass the torch to Lori Wilder, my successor as Director of Education. Wilder is a longtime member of Bluewater’s senior team, Murray says she will be a great leader
"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and deepest respect to all our students, families, and staff for stepping up to the challenge in the face of a very difficult situation and adapting to this new reality. Everyone’s experience and personal circumstances are different, and I fully understand that not everyone was able to engage in remote learning in the same way. I stand by my earlier statements in that our plan in Bluewater was always meant to be flexible without adding unnecessary pressure to families. Students will not be penalized if they were unable to fully participate, and no one should feel the slightest bit of shame or guilt over this. Our students are a very resilient bunch, and I am fully confident that our staff will meet them where they are at and work to narrow any gaps when school resumes," she said.
Murray congratulated those students celebrating special milestones as they prepare to make exciting new transitions.
"It has also been a difficult end to the school year due to the postponement of elementary and secondary formal graduation ceremonies until the fall, or when it is safe to proceed. Despite this setback, I know that when the time comes, these events will be meaningful and well worth the wait for our deserving graduates."
Murray ended by extending goodbyes to retiring staff and sharing thanks for their years of service and dedication to enriching the lives of the students of Bluewater.
"I wish them all the enjoyment, rewards, and continued learning opportunities that retirement offers. This year, it feels surreal for me to address this particular cohort as I get ready to join them!" said Murray.
She closed her farewell letter with, " it only seems fair that every student, staff, and family receives special accolades in the wake of an unprecedented school year. While this is not quite how I envisioned ending my career in public education, I also personally thank our trustees, my senior team colleagues, and Corporate Services staff, whose daily encouragement and support in my role as Director of Education have brought great fulfillment during my final years in Bluewater. You are all in my thoughts and deserve the very best."