A time for saying goodbye

LEAVING IN STYLE Mr. Styles can’t leave Logan Lake Secondary School until he cleans his desk.

Barrie Ogden/Herald

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I’ve frequently said that it’s much easier to do stories of welcome than of farewells.  And, now for me, I have the sad task of saying goodbye to Mr. Roy Styles who has taught classes at both Logan Lake schools.

When I asked him what were some of the positive changes that have happened during his five years here, he felt that transferring grades 5 – 7 to the high school was the right, best move.

I was taken aback because I was very much against this shift so I had to ask why?

His explanation made perfect sense when he described older students needing/wanting to act differently around younger kids and, how, as a result, they have become both mentors and leaders.  Consequently, teachers, and support staff have, together with the students, managed to create a sense of family at the school.

The first year the younger students were at LLSS, they and their lockers were, in a sense, isolated in one section of the school. Now, with these kids and their lockers integrated with those of older students, there’s a greater feeling of belonging for all students.

Styles also credits these positive changes in both structure and perspective to the arrival of Ms. Mochikas in 2010 who became the principal of both schools.

He says Mochikas is just what the school and the community needed because she’s created the sense that students and their families are being cared for and about while, at the same time, holding everyone accountable for their actions.

Another positive Mr. Styles talked about was having been able to coach 10 basketball teams during his time in Logan Lake while, a special highlight from this year,  was assisting Mr. Clark with the coaching of the boys and girls soccer teams.

For obvious reasons, this year has been difficult, to say the least, but our teachers have clearly demonstrated their dedication and commitment so Logan Lake students wouldn’t miss out on anything – and the trip to Eagle Bay is a perfect example of going above and beyond the call of duty.

Time for goodbyes

Mr. Styles had work to do but before I left, he wanted me to be sure to tell you: “I have been a part of many staffs or have seen them operate and none compare to the cohesiveness of this” staff! It’s a special group of people and Logan Lake is fortunate to have them teaching their kids.”

So, as the 2011/12 school year comes to an end, our students will be saying goodbye to  Jacquie Brugger who, in the fall, will be teaching at David Thompson Elementary School in Kamloops, Judy Hunter, and Mr. Styles who will be teaching at Arthur Stevenson – the elementary school he attended from K – grade 5.

I hope this community will offer special goodbyes to these individuals and, more importantly, a great big thanks to all our teachers who have achieved A’s on their report cards.