RETIREMENT SEASON: FAREWELL MRS. NELSON

Since she is retiring this June, we as the members of The Luther Tatler felt that we should commemorate Mrs. Nelson’s teaching and conducting career here at Luther!.

In 2002, Mrs. Nelson was invited to the Luther staff when she began directing the Girls Choir while the former director, Mrs. Fry, was on leave. Four years later, she was asked to also teach Christian Ethics 9. “I have loved teaching both of these courses and getting to know all of the new grade nines,” said Mrs. Nelson during our interview.

Mrs. Nelson’s favourite part of teaching Christian Ethics 9 is the “interesting and thoughtful discussions with students.” Her favourite part of directing the Girls Choir is “being able to watch so many girls that were once new to choir commit to noon hour practices and then sing with meaning and beauty.” Mrs. Nelson says another amazing part of teaching at Luther is working alongside her “dedicated and talented colleagues.”

The activities she will miss most about Luther are: “Sunday afternoon musical choreography practice, musical opening night, visiting with students at LIT admissions, plugging in the lights prior to the Candlelight service, directing the Girls Choir at Music Festival, presenting roses to our Senior Choir graduates at Home Concert, and walking with colleagues into the Belsher for the Graduation Ceremony”.

For all students, some highlights of having Mrs. Nelson as a teacher include: the very first quiz she gave us on the chapters of the Torah, tracing the family tree of Abraham and making it pop with some colour, proudly yet painfully working on our Matthew Prep Notes, and of course, seeing Mrs. Nelson dress up as a biblical character (I will not spoil it for the grade nines who have not yet experienced it). The Christian Ethics 9 course will not be the same without her, for her helpful memorisation tools and enthusiastic way of teaching will be missed.

As for Girls Choir members, some highlights with Mrs. Nelson include: singing Diva warmups, coming to understand why she is called the Vowel Queen after working with her time after time to achieve the perfect vowel shape, hearing her questionable piano skills, seeing her get excited about new repertoire, and hearing her say “good for you!” when we sing well. Mrs. Nelson’s passion for singing allows for all of her choristers to develop a love for choir. Thanks to Mrs. Nelson, Girls Choir has become a happy place for many Luther students. The singers at Luther have been incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Nelson direct them with her wisdom, passion, talent, enthusiasm, dedication, and love.

After her retirement, Mrs. Nelson plans to travel with her husband and spend her time with her family and friends. She is very excited to no longer spend time marking!

Mrs. Nelson, you will be missed dearly, and Luther wishes you well during your retirement.

LILA GELOWITZ