Get To Know Your Guild: Guild Executive

Reason for joining Meadowridge.
We first visited the school when my eldest son was in Grade 1. During the tour, it was really about seeing if my son wanted to come, who was then quite happy at his school. We spent an hour touring the campus and learning about Meadowridge and even ran into Mr. Burke who talked to us for half an hour. After our visit, my husband and I were keen, and our son decided he’d try it for a year and would make his decision after that. It took only a week before he declared he’d be staying here for good. For me, it’s always been about surrounding my children with the right people.

Favourite Meadowridge tradition.
I really like the Christmas Assembly – it’s loud, hilarious, wild and you never know what is going to happen.

Reason for becoming Guild Chair.
I was PTA president at my son’s old school, but it’s never something I necessarily wanted to do. It just sort of happened since I had a lot of experience organizing special events and professional and educational experience working with and teaching kids. I like helping and know how to keep organized, so these positions are things I always just fell into. At Meadowridge, I started by selling Mabel’s Labels and soon was serving as the Guild Chair.

Something you’d be surprised to know about me.
I was nervous about coming in as Guild Chair because I do not like speaking in front of groups of people. I have no problems with talking one-on-one, but groups have always been harder for me. As the Guild Chair, it was actually much easier than what I expected. All the parents have been super supportive.

Reason for joining Meadowridge.
Mr. Burke is a huge reason for my family joining the Meadowridge Community. Also, when I was investigating the school, I saw photos of a woman wearing a beautiful sari and I loved seeing how our culture was connected to the community.

Favourite Meadowridge Tradition.
Meadowridge is my extended family and is a place where my kids feel at home. I never have to force them to go to school; they want to be here. Any time we talk about potentially moving away, they don’t want to leave Meadowridge. I love Spirit Days when I can connect with families, all the culture celebrations, and volunteering at every event. I’ve made friends and this place has become my community and extended family.

Reason for becoming the Vice Chair.
I am a very social person and I love talking to people, especially during volunteer work. I saw how hard Marisa and Idelis have been working and I loved what they were doing. They asked if I would be interested in stepping in and I figured, why not? I will give it a try.

Something you’d be surprised to know about me.
I am an Aerospace engineer. I am completing my second master’s in aviation and aerospace management. I want to do my PhD while my son completes his undergrad.

Reason for joining Meadowridge.
We had never considered private school as an option for our kids, but when issues crept up in public schools, back then, we wanted to find something more stable. It was at that time that we talked with another family who was at Meadowridge and decided to come for a visit. When we talked to some families and saw the campus, we fell in love with the atmosphere and the different cultures at the school. We joined Meadowridge for its distinct ‘family feel’.

Favourite Meadowridge tradition.
Spirit Days are the best – the kids get dressed up and are so excited! As a volunteer, it’s great to see them so happy and running around like crazy. I also love the Christmas Assembly, which is always over the top.

Reason for becoming a Guild Executive.
When we first joined the school, I wanted to contribute but was also quite busy. That’s why I started as Grade Liaison, which let me contribute and be involved while also working. I started as Grade Liaison for my eldest’s grade, then later on my son’s, and became the New Family Liaison later on. Now, I’m helping and serving as a member of the Guild Executive. I like to stay involved and help out where I can.

Something you’d be surprised to know about me.
My family and I love to travel, and it’s something we look forward to every year. We just travelled to Africa over the summer, but also love Mexico and going back to Winnipeg whenever we can to visit my family.