A high school English teacher....dabbles with writing...fanatic about fitness...thrives on coffee and reading professional books to gain new ideas to try with students...loves NHL, walking, travelling and reading for fun!
It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas! Do you remember those unforgettable childhood Christmas adventures? Reciting lines in church pageants, singing joyfully in the school choir, and walking through glistening snow with your parents and siblings in search of the perfect, full-bodied Christmas tree? That’s my vivid PEI Christmas memory with mom, dad, and brother—full of wonder and excitement.
We would decorate the spruce tree with sparkling tinsel, handmade paper chains, and treasured family ornaments reflecting cozy, magical moments. Stockings were the best part, and there was always one or two special gifts for each of us. Such simple joys. I cherish those family moments and the excitement of those Christmases, primarily stringing up the Christmas cards we once received in the mail in our grandma’s kitchen.
So, Christmas happens every year for my husband and me, decorating our place, attending get-togethers with friends and family, and most of all, reminiscing about memories from long ago. I love seeing our little tree lit up at night and listening to Christmas carols while wrapping those special gifts. Do you have a Christmas tradition? Do you keep your decorations the same every year? Do you buy one new ornament a year?
We’ve added a few ornaments this year, carefully placing our favourite decorations—such as handcrafted wooden and felt figures throughout our home. This memorable decorating effort has been beautifully completed and deeply treasured.
Commitment, confidence, and courage are the key drivers of a winning workout mindset. A resilient attitude, strengthened by unwavering dedication and consistent effort, can dramatically boost your physical progress and personal growth. Sometimes, small acts—like a quick 15-minute walk around your neighbourhood—can spark momentum and motivation, especially when paired with clear, achievable goals such as increasing daily steps or walk time.
Confidence builds naturally through patience, discipline, and past successes, fueling pride and mental clarity. Courage, exemplified by Paulo Coelho’s transformative Camino journey, is characterized by resilience in overcoming challenges and setbacks. Regular walking not only refreshes your mind and spirit but also improves heart health, strengthens leg muscles, and boosts your sense of self-efficacy through tangible progress. Moving, mainly walking, often sparks creativity and clarity, acting as a form of meditation that clears mental clutter.
Establishing daily routines centred on physical activity, mindfulness, and self-reflection enhances overall health, elevates confidence, and nurtures authenticity. Every day offers new growth opportunities, created through deliberate actions, resilience, and mindful practices. Reflect on small daily habits, such as conscious breathing during walks or setting achievable goals, that can boost your confidence and deepen your self-awareness. What’s one small daily practice that helps you feel more confident and connected to yourself?
Have you ever stopped to truly appreciate the moments that leave a lasting mark on your heart, long after the sun has set? Get ready for an exhilarating journey through some of the most unforgettable summer adventures!
One of my absolute favourite things is watching sunsets—it’s like the sky puts on a breathtaking fireworks show, swirling with vivid colours in that magical twilight. Taking a moment to soak in this natural spectacle fills me with peace and gratitude, reminding me to stay in the present moment.
This summer, a trip to PEI to visit my mom ignited a treasure chest of unforgettable memories. We explored charming local cafés, indulging in mouthwatering lobster rolls and juicy mussels. As summer gracefully gives way to fall, there’s nothing more exciting than sharing a picnic—laughter, delicious food, and warm conversations about future escapades. These joyful moments become lifelong treasures, etched in our hearts.
One unforgettable September evening, we discovered pure happiness while dining at our favourite cozy restaurant in the neighbourhood. Autumn’s crisp breeze invited us to savour the outdoors before the chill set in. The terrace at Pizzeria Gusto became our little sanctuary—warm, inviting, and full of charm. We relished their legendary Don pizza—an incredible combination of rich tomato sauce and fresh toppings—paired with a glass of wine and their signature pasta. Watching the sunset sky blush with hues while sharing these delightful treats made the experience truly magical, especially surrounded by loved ones.
Join me in celebrating these incredible moments that turn an ordinary summer into an extraordinary adventure!
Starting a journey is often more fulfilling than just reaching the end. It’s important to understand that the value of an ending lessens if you don’t gain knowledge and insights along the way. Every long journey begins with a single step, as shown by my gradual increase in walking distance until I made a routine of walking two miles every day. In the summer of 2025, my journey of over 500 miles began with that first step. Choosing comfortable footwear that fits well is essential for distance walking. I enjoy exploring scenic routes such as neighbourhood sidewalks and streets. Finding inspiring spots and switching routes can turn exercise into a fun adventure. Usually, I focus on noticing the small details of street life rather than chasing after specific destinations.
An early morning walk invigorates my body by increasing circulation, sparking my productivity through mental refreshment. Living in a community that encourages active living—featuring accessible parks and walking paths—makes it easy to give myself an energy boost after consuming my morning caffeine. Whether I am taking a quick break between tasks, a brisk walk along scenic routes or shaded sidewalks can significantly enhance my overall well-being and help me maintain high energy levels throughout the day. I believe in movement. Sometimes, a short walk is all that is needed to do something great for your body. I advise anyone to start slow, do it, and be consistent!
Why not magnify your wardrobe with timeless, versatile fashion? Picture wearing this lightweight, breathable sleeveless dress in tropical hues—ideal with sandals or espadrilles for the summer of 2025. Meet Amanda—more than clothing, “she embodies joy and adaptability,” as Winnipeg sustainable fashion designer Lennard Taylor says. For me, layer with cozy sweaters, tights, and Blundstone boots for fashionable winter looks.
Amanda transitions seamlessly through seasons, ready for any event. Owning this piece opens up limitless styling options, allowing you to create outfits that enhance confidence and showcase your personality.
By embracing your unique style and focusing on comfort and fit, you leverage fashion’s transformative power to feel empowered and radiant in all areas of your life. This approach encourages self-expression and boosts confidence.
Your style story is an ongoing adventure. Reflect on your fashion habits, understand their origins, and make conscious choices celebrating your worth. Own your style, and let it reflect the exceptional individual you are.
As I conclude my third year as a practicum advisor, I’ve observed a wonderful trend among educators: their passion for teaching and learning. This enthusiasm is vital, enabling them to tackle daily challenges and create the best experiences for their students. The energy they bring to their classrooms makes a significant impact!
Fostering a passion for teaching and learning is paramount. The bond between teachers and students should be a mutually enriching experience. Mentor teachers play a vital role in sharing knowledge, encouraging student engagement, and meeting diverse learning needs. At the same time, students must take charge of their educational journeys, with teachers acting as inspiring motivators who equip them with the essential skills for independent learning. Every school’s mission is to cultivate an academic environment where every student is valued and supported—a vital goal for today’s classroom landscape.
Encouraging critical thinking and independent thought is vital in our fast-paced world. Educators create an engaging learning environment that helps students analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information by integrating diverse technologies and resources. This approach cultivates the skills and knowledge they need to navigate future challenges confidently.
My educational philosophy focuses on building strong relationships and meaningful engagement between novice and mentor teachers. I believe fostering a collaborative environment is crucial for professional growth, where experienced educators can share valuable resources and insights. By discussing effective teaching techniques and exchanging experiences, we enhance our teaching practices and inspire continuous learning, ultimately providing our students with a more dynamic educational experience.
One of the most rewarding experiences for educators is witnessing a student suddenly grasp a challenging concept or the joy that lights up their face when they conquer a difficult learning obstacle. These moments of clarity and triumph signify academic progress and reflect a deepening understanding of the material. Additionally, observing significant improvements in student behaviour and motivation from one term to the next is a powerful source of inspiration for teachers. It highlights the impact of consistent encouragement, tailored instruction, and cultivating a positive learning environment. Each small victory reinforces the belief that every student has the potential to succeed, further fueling an educator’s passion for teaching and commitment to fostering a love for learning.
As I think about the priority goals set by my school division, I encourage my teacher candidates to join me in this reflection. Three core objectives stand out: First, how can we, as educators, elevate student achievement through dynamic and engaging literacy instruction? It’s crucial to ignite our students’ passion for reading and writing. Second, we must ask ourselves: How can we implement a dynamic and practical curriculum catering to all learners’ diverse needs? It includes integrating meaningful texts and materials reflecting our students’ rich cultures and experiences. Lastly, let’s explore the myriad instructional strategies we can use to engage our students in their learning journeys actively.
As educators, our commitment goes beyond teaching; it’s about crafting an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can truly shine. Imagine a school buzzing with collaboration—educators, families, and community members joining forces to foster a culture of inclusivity that enriches every student’s experience.
We don’t just acknowledge the rich tapestry of backgrounds and abilities among our students; we celebrate them! Engaging parents and community members as partners in this journey is essential. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, we create a vibrant learning atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Together, we can make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of our students and the community around us. Let’s embrace this opportunity to transform our educational landscape and ensure everyone thrives!
My experiences as an educator have profoundly shaped my commitment to the teaching profession. Each interaction with my students and each lesson I craft reinforces my belief that continuous improvement is essential in this role. As I actively seek to enhance my skills, I recognize that embracing digital technologies is beneficial and necessary for creating an engaging and richly diverse classroom environment.
Using technology in education changes traditional teaching methods in our fast-moving digital world. It helps teachers use multimedia resources, interactive platforms, and personalized learning experiences that fit different learning styles and paces. This change boosts our passion for teaching and provides new opportunities for creativity and teamwork among teachers and students. By using technology, we make education richer, more accessible, and more engaging for all students.
As the school year comes to a close, we must take a moment to reflect and recognize the many accomplishments we have to celebrate together.
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience at Modernism Week in Palm Springs, California—an electrifying celebration of design and culture that captivates visitors worldwide! This ten-day event showcases the best mid-century modern architecture, design, art, and fashion, giving attendees the rare opportunity to explore stunning homes, attend informative talks, and participate in guided tours. Each year, Modernism Week brings together designers, architects, and enthusiasts to celebrate the innovative spirit of the 20th century. We had an unforgettable journey into the world of modernist creativity and style. We walked headfirst into the stunning world of mid-century modern architecture, vibrant art, and a lifestyle that screams innovation while envisioning a stylish and sustainable future.
Start your day with an exhilarating burst of flavour at Cheeky’s, a lively gem hidden on Palm Canyon Road—the vibrant pulse of Palm Springs! This colourful bistro, bursting with enticing pinks and greys, is so much more than just a breakfast spot; it’s a feast for the senses that captures the artistic spirit of the trendy Uptown Design District. Here, you’ll stroll through a haven of artist-owned galleries, quirky coffee shops, and eclectic boutiques overflowing with mid-century modern furniture and vintage treasures.
But let’s talk about food! Greater Palm Springs is a culinary paradise with a dazzling variety of restaurants ready to tantalize every craving imaginable. From casual bites to sumptuous fine dining, you’ll find no shortage of mouthwatering options to ignite your taste buds!
For all you coffee aficionados, Koffi is an absolute must-visit! Wherever your adventures lead, this coffee sanctuary consistently serves up the finest espresso in the desert. Get there early, though—those lines can get pretty long! But trust me, each sip of that divine coffee makes the wait worth it!
One of the most unforgettable highlights of our seven-day getaway was stepping inside the reimagined midcentury modern shop of the incredible artist Josh Agle, known as Shag. This immersive tour transports you straight into a vibrantly colourful Shag painting! Meeting the dramatic artist Josh at an art reception was just the icing on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So travel light, pack your luggage with simpilicity in mind and prepare to bask in the sunshine, style, and the heat of the desert in the future. It is one adventure you definitely won’t want to miss!
Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant resort town famous for its nightlife but also has a daily charm. A great way to start the February holidays is by walking, shopping, and enjoying sips along the Malecon boardwalk. After that, explore the cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta, where you can browse a collection of fine art galleries in El Centro.
During our time in Malawi, Africa, we had the opportunity to share stories from the field and learn about the local culture. Each day of our service trip was an adventure, and our firsthand experiences truly opened our eyes to the richness of this journey. Volunteering on a service trip is a purpose-driven experience that allows us to make a meaningful difference. The unforgettable moments from our volunteer work, cultural exchanges, and service learning are lessons we will cherish for a long time. The smiles on the girls’ faces are especially poignant when we witness the limited resources available in their dorms and classrooms.
Mom’s 90th birthday party in PEI was a memorable family celebration that brought together family members and longtime friends. The Inn Echo band played island music in her honour. Her strength, wisdom, and love have been a guiding light in my life, and she continues to inspire everyone around her with her laughter.
Turning sixty-five is just a number that shows my energy and spirit are still vibrant. The celebration filled me with wonderful memories, love, laughter, and joy, which I shared with family and friends. I received numerous birthday wishes, all hoping for many more years of health, happiness and laughter.
Exercise is crucial for maintaining good health. Aim to stay active every day—any form of movement is beneficial as long as you enjoy it. Try to find ways to include exercise in your daily routine, making it an easy and convenient part of your life. Focus on a process goal, such as a specific number of weekly workouts, rather than concentrating solely on more significant outcomes.
Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite authors. She has won the People’s Choice Award for Best Fiction. I enjoy reading her eBooks, especially her historical fiction, The Women. In addition to reading, I love listening to playlists that complement my reading experience.
True friendship is both unique and enduring. We cherish the moments spent reconnecting with friends over homemade pizza, barbecues, or evenings out sampling delicious food. We genuinely enjoy all the get-togethers as they become the best chapters of our lives. As my grandmother would say, “It’s not the place but the company that matters.”
The spectacular return of iconic musician Bruce Springsteen and the legendary E Street Band, who played live in Winnipeg at the Canada Life Centre, was an incredible highlight. Additionally, attending a Winnipeg Jets hockey game with friends on Hockey Night in Canada was thrilling. The fans were enthusiastic, and three of our top six players scored goals against the Ottawa Senators.
A positive mindset at work is essential for enhancing the culture around you and contributing to the best of your ability. The little things truly make a difference when developing that positive mindset. I start my day with a cortado coffee with my husband.
Imagine that it’s the day of your retirement party. As you look back on your career, what makes you proud? What will you say to the people who have gathered to celebrate with you? What do you hope to hear them speak about you and your work?
I am celebrating two years of retirement and continue to learn what I can from every situation while working with teacher candidates at the University of Manitoba and being a guest teacher in my former school division. A message to new grads and retirees is to enjoy your time. Don’t worry about the little things because life changes quickly.
What is next for graduates and retirees? During the summer, I look forward to leisurely drinking my Cortado, going for long walks, and I reflect this time of year on my fondest memories of teaching students. I am grateful to have met so many great kids and supportive staff members over the years. I loved getting to know students because they have stories, backgrounds, and experiences. Teaching is such a rewarding career. I feel lucky to have enjoyed the camaraderie of the staff at many schools. Also, I have loved that every day is different.
The best thing about being a teacher is having made a lifelong positive impact on students in many ways, from opportunities for career choices to advice on their direction in life. The yearly relationships teachers create with each new class, and the growth we see in our students are admirable at the end of each school year.
Whether teachers are retiring or students are graduating, it is an emotional rollercoaster. Excitement, nervousness and at least a hint of sadness are just a few of the many emotions senior students feel as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
I can remember all the “lasts” of 2022:
The last semester
The last spring break
The last parent-teacher conference
The last report card
The last graduation class
The highly anticipated last day of school, and many more.
It’s a lot to take in. Before catching your breath, it’s time to toss the caps and gowns for pomp and circumstance, accept the diploma you’ve worked so hard to get, say your farewells, and celebrate with your favourite playlist as you depart the parking lot on that last day of school. You all have many skills to share with the world – continue to work hard, take reasonable risks, and push yourself to excel in all areas of your life! Have a much-deserved summer holiday.
Completing my second-year university practicum advisor role has been rewarding. It’s an opportunity to share my knowledge and skills to prepare new teachers to use diverse instructional practices and evaluation procedures that support today’s learners—reflecting upon my experiences and continuing to learn and grow as I provide learning opportunities for myself and others has been worthwhile this year.
Students learn best when they feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings and valued. For those reasons, my teacher candidates took the time to plan and establish a positive, responsive classroom community. Every student needs to know that they are a significant part of the class and that their voice matters. Creating a nurturing environment where there is respect amongst the students and the teacher makes the classroom where everyone can succeed. I was most proud of my TCs this year, who met the required practicum expectation outcomes.
One of the most essential members of a classroom is the teacher. Each day requires unlimited effort between knowing the content, caring for the students, and managing the classroom. Teachers teach their students the curriculum and serve as positive role models for their students.
I noted my teacher candidates’ strengths and areas they needed to spend more time on and provided suggestions and opportunities for reflection. They implemented lesson plans and collaborated with their mentor teachers to promote student success. I observed them and offered ideas on various classroom management strategies, curriculum implementation, and activities for the learners to grasp. At the beginning of their practicum, TCs learned about their mentor teachers’ willingness to go above and beyond and their eagerness always to teach.
Teacher candidates’ practicums allowed them the freedom to grow into the teachers they hoped to be. They were encouraged to inspire hope, ignite imagination and foster a love of learning in all students who entered the school doors. Excellent teachers have techniques that can design unique lesson plans, manage their classes well and adapt their lessons when needed. Teachers love what they teach, and there is a stronger bond with students when there is enthusiasm. They accept all their students, recognize that each has something unique to bring into the classroom, and are compassionate and caring about their students’ learning.
Additionally, teachers are helpful to their students, constantly encourage them to improve, and give them incentives to keep succeeding. Great teachers reflect on their practice, and in turn, they grow as well. It was another year of success working alongside teacher candidates and mentor teachers.
Teacher candidates have observed with surprise and relished the number of experienced teachers who still possessed a deep passion for teaching, which is vital, yet managed everyday demands while remaining motivated and empowered, allowing them to be their best selves. The zest and the belief in the value of teaching and learning remind us of the motivations for becoming a teacher and maintaining enthusiasm.
My message to the 2023-2024 teacher candidates included a warm welcome to a great profession. The passion for teaching and dedication to their students will make a difference in their lives. Using different technologies in the classroom and other resources assists in imparting and developing vital skills and knowledge that lead students to think critically and creatively. Collaboration with staff and active involvement beyond the school, including coaching and running a club, creates positive collegial relationships and makes learning in school meaningful.
Uncommon Beauty in Writing 