The Learning Tree

Autumn ascends in crimson swirls to celebrate the conclusion of the Spring and Summer of her teaching career. One year short of five decades marks a life of sharing, dedication, and creativity that had its roots firmly set in the nation’s capital. The defence of our country was her first calling, but not a career it made. A desire to express herself artistically, and with compassion for others, flowed through the corridors and classrooms of two centres for higher learning, and moved her closer to her goal. Rejection followed, but tenacious determination, and a friend’s amber light drew her closer to a place of reward and celebration. Anchored in Kanata, like a tree on reddish Granite, challenges and self-doubt touched a woman desperately reaching out for her own identity as an educator. Sherri and Marg shared unselfishly, and a young teacher was allowed to grow. The one individual who unleashed her creative teaching style was, and still remains, her buddy George. Comfort, and the absence of many early colleagues, grew into a need for change, and she sought out new challenges on the opposite end of the province in the Festival City. New challenges did present themselves, and at times she felt as if she was starting anew. Perseverance and support from new colleagues, and a principal with vision, helped her blossom into an award winning educator. Admiration by both students, parents, and staff followed her innovative ideas, spontaneity, and dedication to her craft. Her supportive parents and siblings have been willing, and sometimes reluctant listeners, as she shared the joys and struggles of her journey. Throughout it all there has been a wonderful give and take, as much can be learned by both student and teacher. Like pebbles shifting in the sand, she has challenged individuals to lift their roots from a place of mediocracy and transport themselves into a swirling world of crimson richness and creativity where learning is ever present. Like leaves scattering in the wind, she has spread her influence and prepared her charges for lifelong learning. To live fully is to search out learning opportunities every day of our lives. This is the message of the learning tree.

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Artist: Peter Allan Rice Materials: Glass, Granite, pebbles, and copper wire Date: June 2019 Categories: ,

Description

Autumn ascends in crimson swirls to celebrate the conclusion of the Spring and Summer of her teaching career. One year short of five decades marks a life of sharing, dedication, and creativity that had its roots firmly set in the nation’s capital. The defence of our country was her first calling, but not a career it made. A desire to express herself artistically, and with compassion for others, flowed through the corridors and classrooms of two centres for higher learning, and moved her closer to her goal. Rejection followed, but tenacious determination, and a friend’s amber light drew her closer to a place of reward and celebration. Anchored in Kanata, like a tree on reddish Granite, challenges and self-doubt touched a woman desperately reaching out for her own identity as an educator. Sherri and Marg shared unselfishly, and a young teacher was allowed to grow. The one individual who unleashed her creative teaching style was, and still remains, her buddy George. Comfort, and the absence of many early colleagues, grew into a need for change, and she sought out new challenges on the opposite end of the province in the Festival City. New challenges did present themselves, and at times she felt as if she was starting anew. Perseverance and support from new colleagues, and a principal with vision, helped her blossom into an award winning educator. Admiration by both students, parents, and staff followed her innovative ideas, spontaneity, and dedication to her craft. Her supportive parents and siblings have been willing, and sometimes reluctant listeners, as she shared the joys and struggles of her journey. Throughout it all there has been a wonderful give and take, as much can be learned by both student and teacher. Like pebbles shifting in the sand, she has challenged individuals to lift their roots from a place of mediocracy and transport themselves into a swirling world of crimson richness and creativity where learning is ever present. Like leaves scattering in the wind, she has spread her influence and prepared her charges for lifelong learning. To live fully is to search out learning opportunities every day of our lives. This is the message of the learning tree.

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