Shelley's Introduction

I am a mom, a wife and a Kindergarten teacher. My husband and I are the proud parents of three children: Cindy 21, Alysha 18, Thomas 13, and our feisty Boston terrier named Mac. Both of our girls are attending university this year. Cindy is completing her 4th year at MSVU and Alysha is just beginning her studies at Laurier Brantford. Our son is quite independent at 13 and involved in hockey, guitar and generally busy with school. I suppose I thought this would be a good time to return to school myself.
I grew up in New Brunswick and moved to Halifax to attend university. I met my husband and we lived in Halifax for 20 years. I love the Maritimes and all the cliché Maritime things- the water, seafood, kitchen parties and of course my family that is still there. I would like eventually to return there and live my retired years in a cottage by the sea.
I began my teaching career in my late thirties, after working for sometime in a “small options” home for children. Just as I completed my B Ed, Bob (my husband) was offered a position within his company in Toronto. It seemed like a perfect time in both of our careers to make the move. We came with some trepidation about the big city, but I think we have adjusted quite well!
When we moved to Milton, I began working as an occasional teacher with the PDSB. I was thrilled to gain a full time position at my favourite school- Kindree. I have only taught Kindergarten there, and initially I was anxious to try my hand with older students. Now I feel much more content to be teaching K. They bring enthusiasm, energy, curiosity and honesty every day and they are truly funny! I could definitely relate to the little guy wondering “who wipes bums around here?”As a colleague of mine said one afternoon as we wiped tears of laughter from the corner of our eyes: “who else can say they have so much fun at work?”
When I am not teaching and parenting, I love to read and travel. Each summer since living in Ontario, we return to the Maritimes. I have also done some travelling in Europe and last summer we visited Ireland. This year while in New Brunswick, I braved the cold waters of the Bay of Fundy to try sea kayaking. Much to my surprise, I loved it! I look forward to the return of summer to get back on the water.
In the meantime, I am very excited to be embarking on this journey.