Bon Voyage, Dina!

After more than three decades teaching French at Little Flower Academy, Dina Chies is taking an early retirement from teaching.

Arriving at LFA in 1989, Dina is one of the longest serving members of our faculty. Our French Department will feel very different next year! Dina is particularly excited about her days not revolving around bells. In her own words: "recess can be as long as I want!" That said, it's more time for travel, cycling and especially for her family. With the travel and her love for photography, she's going to explore some business opportunities too. Dina is also looking forward to getting more involved in volunteer work - and has even put her hand up to help at LFA.

Reflecting on her Little Flower experience, Dina has some very fond memories. Travel with the school looms large. A trip with Linda Graham to Rome in August 2000 to attend World Youth Day and the long walk in the blazing heat of the Roman sun to Tor Vergata field to attend the evening Vigil Mass with Pope John Paul II. That night the group camped in the same field under a starry sky. Dina leaves with a trove of school trip memories, including educational tours to locations like Moutiers, Albertville, Avignon, Nice, Paris, Versailles, London, Oxford, Canterbury, Rome, and Florence.

More locally, the retreats to Vancouver Island stand out to Dina: seeing the legacy of the Sisters of St. Ann in action at Providence Farm doing so much to benefit the needs of the local community. She was touched to visit the retired Sisters in Victoria and hear their personal stories and words of wisdom.

For three decades, Dina led the production of LFA Yearbooks (with Tim Fenrich, Mimi Jones and Adele Coady), leaving a lasting legacy. From classroom and club, there was also the joy of taking part in the joy of school life. Her favourite Halloweens include her students dressing her up as Michael Jackson and Marge Simpson.

With all that in mind, what Dina will cherish most is the day-to-day classroom activities, with enthusiastic students who are compassionate and kind towards their peers. Dina has loved the students' humour and creativity. From creating and acting Dr. Phil episodes to singing songs in French (especially Let it Go from Frozen), it has been a wonderful time.

A kind and generous colleague, she will missed. From your many friends on staff and in our alumnae community, we wish you the very best!