Alix Burdett (she/her) - Comox Valley
How many years have you been working in education? Since 2005.
What do you love about your role? I have always loved helping people and sharing knowledge.
What is your favourite book? The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Tell us something about yourself! I used to think I was really "bad" at math. Now, I know that I can understand complex math, I just have to work really hard to understand it!
Sabrina Mendoza (she/her) - qathet Region
What do you love about your role? I love getting to know my students and their families and sharing in their learning discoveries, aha moments, and successes. I love getting to be part of my student's long-term learning journey here at PIE, and seeing how much they grow over the years we get to learn together.
What is your favourite book? It's impossible to pick just one; I love to read all kinds of books. Harry Potter does have a very special place in my heart, though, and I am enjoying re-reading them now with my kids!
Tell us something about yourself! I stayed at a sloth sanctuary on my honeymoon and got to feed and snuggle a baby sloth!
Saffron Gurney (she/her) - IDLC
How many years have you been working in education? I have been working in Education for 30 years, and 10 of those years with IDLC. I have worked in before- and after-school care with the YMCA; in Montessori early-years education; in Adult Education; in Indigenous ECE accreditation Adult Education; as an "Artists for Kids" educator; as the owner/operator of "Serious Play Studio;" and as an IDLC Educator.
What do you love about your role? I have a number of roles but I have to say my favourite role is designing and teaching Art to the entire Bowen HBL hub of 60 students, Grades K-9. I LOVE watching the students grow in their skill development and to witness their joy when creating and expressing themselves. Once a student and their family leave the close connection of working with me as their K/1 classroom and HBL support teacher, I am still present to work with students and families as their Art teacher. The students are so proud of their own growth and I think it feels comforting to them to know that I remember their early years. I have been with IDLC long enough now to see students complete the Grade K-9 program and that is incredibly rewarding. I document many projects and learning along the way and love to share images with parents of their child that span multiple years!
What is your favourite book? Hmmmmmm, it is difficult to choose one book, but I will say that Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer has been a text that I enjoy immensely. The writing, the pace, and the detailed observations of nature and thoughtful reflections by the author are so sensorial and important to my soul. I often read a chapter as a transition from a busy teaching day to home life in the forest setting of Bowen Island.
Tell us something about yourself! I went to Art School in Melbourne, Australia. I woke from tent-camping to find kangaroos passing by. Once I was resting on my paddleboard in the ocean and I could see below me harbour seals feeding on herring schools and larger sea lions approaching. Once I found a small dead salmon on the ground by a small quiet lake. I threw the fish up into the air and an eagle swooped by and grabbed it in its talons!
โญ K -2 students in qathet Region
"Frog" in Ayajuthem is walฮธ. Click here to learn how the word walฮธ is pronounced!
After, students coloured art from Michelle Stoney's collection of beautiful art work. If you would like to colour one, too, click here!
About Us
Email: stephanie.hall@sd47.bc.ca
Website: https://www.sd47.bc.ca/school/pie/Pages/default.aspx#/=
Location: 7105 Nootka St, Powell River, BC V8A 5E3, Canada
Phone: (604) 485-2756
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16157794226
Twitter: @pie_partners