97色网

| Year Started at WPGA: 1997
| First Position Title: Japanese Teacher & Music Teacher

| Current Position Title: Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher

 

In June 1998, Vancouver hosted the Sumo Canada Basho. In its 1,500-year history, sumo had been held outside Japan only 10 times, so this was billed as a "once-in-a-lifetime" event. Through a generous gift from a WPGA family, every student who wished to attend could do so, and several sumo wrestlers were also invited to visit our campus. As the Japanese teacher at the school, I understood even then that this was something special, though I could not yet fully appreciate its lasting impact. When the wrestlers arrived, the entire school lined the driveway, waving handmade Japanese flags. Clive Austin, our head at the time, wanted to introduce the wrestlers to White Spot, so we ordered burgers and shared a school-wide picnic on the North Hill. What stood out to me was not only the novelty of the visit but the sense of shared curiosity and openness it created across the community.

Later, at the tournament itself, one of my students, seated just behind me, called out excitedly for an autograph from the legendary Takanohana. To put this in perspective, Takanohana held the highest rank of Yokozuna and was a cultural icon in Japan, rarely approached so informally. Yet in a sea of 10,000 spectators, my student’s careful pronunciation, respectful Japanese and boundless enthusiasm caught his attention. Takanohana looked at him curiously and sent an assistant over with an autograph. I will never forget the expression of stunned disbelief and radiant joy that washed over my student’s face. 

At the time, the day felt like a memorable celebration. Looking back now, I see that day as an early and powerful example of what makes this school community special. It showed me the transformative power of immersive experience and affirmed my belief that when students are given authentic opportunities to connect with people, cultures, and moments beyond the classroom, learning becomes lasting, deeply human, and quietly life-changing.

 

For years, I have walked these halls with two distinct yet deeply connected perspectives. In the classroom, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside an extraordinary team of teachers whose collaboration makes every day better. I have also had the privilege of teaching so many remarkable children and getting to know their wonderful families. My connection to this community, however, deepened in a beautiful way when my daughter, Kaitlyn, began her journey here as a “lifer.”

Experiencing the school through a parent’s eyes allowed me to see the heart of our community from the other side of the desk. I am profoundly grateful for the dedicated mentors who have shaped my child’s life. Being at school alongside Kaitlyn has been a gift I will forever cherish. WPGA has been far more than a workplace; it has truly been a second home for my family.

Over the years, WPGA has evolved and transformed in numerous noticeable ways. The lower level of Junior School, for example, now houses all the music rooms, but it was once a single massive space where the entire student body ate lunch. Some teachers still remember handwriting every report card! Each year brings new programmes, renovations, and additions designed to enrich experiences and expand opportunities for staff and students alike. And yet, through all the change, one thing has remained the same: WPGA’s culture. No department or individual ever tries to outshine the rest. Everyone supports one another, working together toward the shared goal of fostering curiosity, growth, and community. That spirit of collaboration and care has always been, and continues to be, the heart of the school.

Even after many years of teaching, I don’t feel the weight of time, because the work itself is a constant source of inspiration. When you truly love what you do, you can lose yourself in countless invisible hours and still emerge feeling refreshed rather than depleted. It has taught me always to seek out the things in life that spark genuine joy.

As we celebrate 30 years, my hope for the next 30 is that, even as our school grows and creates new opportunities for every student, and as we aim high and pursue ambitious goals, students and staff can fully immerse themselves in each moment, finding joy in the journey as much as in the outcomes. I also hope we continue to nurture the close connections and attachments that have always made our community feel like home, ensuring every voice is valued and every person feels truly seen.