Dear Allenby Community,
The first time I came to Allenby school, almost 25 years ago, I was still at the Faculty of Education. My associate teacher from Runnymede School was attending a workshop at Allenby, and I was advised to join her. It was a warm Friday PA day. Coming from Bay and Dundas, it took me over an hour to get here, mostly because I wasn’t sure where I was going. As I huffed and puffed up Avenue Road (a smoker back then), I wondered who worked here! No shops, coffee shops, restaurants!! How did people get their lunch? Where did they go for fun, after work? Little did I know that six years later, I would be walking up Avenue Road, vaguely remembering that I had been here before! Thanks to the Market Lane Vice-Principal’s recommendations, Janet Aitken-Christie (may she rest in peace) offered me the LD position at Allenby. I moved into the neighbourhood, and discovered Roselawn Avenue! The following year, I taught Core French before I found my niche in Primary French Immersion. Regardless of my teaching position or classroom location (9 in total), I tremendously enjoyed working with my students. They always brought out the best in me. I will always remain very appreciative of parent and guardian support and generosity. Most of all, I’m grateful to you all for recognizing and appreciating my qualities, and not dwelling on my shortcomings. Now that June 2014 is coming to an end, my walk up and down Roselawn Avenue is fleeting; I realize that I am leaving home and, although sometimes necessary, it is never easy. Thank you for making my stay with you so memorable, and my walk to work so much more pleasant. Your smiles, waves, chit-chats and honks always made me feel like a celebrity! Wishing you all healthy, happy, fun-filled lives!
Amicalement,
Madame M.