COMMUNITY NEWS
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 Oliver Chronicle B3
Greg Smith retires with many fond memories Lyonel Doherty Oliver Chronicle Long-time social studies teacher Greg Smith (60) has retired from SOSS. As many know, he has molded many students into leaders, and will be greatly missed for his
positive influence. The Chronicle invited Smith to a Q and A session. So let’s get at it. Q: How long have you been teaching? I started teaching in 1981 in Powell River at Brooks Junior Secondary. From there I went to Campbell River where I taught
Lyonel Doherty photo
Retired teacher Greg Smith (middle) is surrounded by friends and colleagues, including (from left) Richard Jensen, Dan Fuller, Marty Campbell, and Ken Liefke.
adult education at Carihi Secondary and young offenders at a correctional facility near Campbell River. I then moved to the Okanagan and have taught at SOSS from 1989 (except for four years when I was the provincial K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator at the BC Ministry of Education in Victoria. I have taught social studies, history, geography, law and even a little math in my career. Q: What did you enjoy about teaching? Helping young people discover the lessons that mean something to them. Q: What are your fondest memories? My fondest memories come from seeing excited kids and from being a part of a fraternity of teachers that care so much about helping students achieve their goals. I like hearing the stories that students tell about when I taught them years ago. Q: Can you compare the attitudes of students of yesteryear to the students of today. I don't really think students have changed too much. My perceptions change as I get older but the more I read about children throughout history, the more I think that students haven't changed too much. Q: Do you think the majority of students have become more socially responsible? I hope so. Social responsibility is all of our jobs. If the society values it then it will be more a part of our curricula and students will get involved. Q: What have you tried to instill in your students? Thinking skills. Take action, don’t sit back and wait for things to happen. Go with your dreams.
Q: What will you miss the most about teaching at SOSS? The joy of teaching. It is never boring and something new happens every day. Q: What are your career highlights with students? Meeting the princes (Charles, William and Harry) in 1998 as we showed off the new website celebrating the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria. Taking the first group of SOSS students to Oliver’s “sister” cities in Bandai, Japan in 1990 and Lake Chelan, WA in 2010. Studying the Holocaust with students from across Canada in Israel in 1999. Spending a week camped out in the backwoods of Oregon (in 1994), dressed in medieval garb with a bus load of SOSS Grade 8 students along with 2,000 other people bent on recreating any time period where it was common for men to carry a sword. Visiting 11 different churches in the Okanagan with students as we studied different cultures and religions. Taking a group of SOSS students to Niagra Falls in 1994 and being given the Key to the City of Buffalo, New York. Another thing I remember that was very moving was placing two wreaths on behalf of the Town of Oliver and Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Vimy Monument in France in 2007. There were 5,000 Canadian students in attendance. Q: What are your plans for retirement? Relax. Enjoy with family and friends . . . a little tennis, a little skiing, a little golf.
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3rd WEDNESDAYS - For ladies on their own. The Oliver/Osoyoos Friendship Club holds a lunch. We have interesting speakers and an excellent catered lunch. Call Carol at 250-498-2362 or Dorothy at 250-498-6210 for more information. THURSDAYS - Desert Sage Spinners & Weavers meet every Thursday from 9:30 am to 2pm. at community centre. New members welcome. Call 250-498-4959 for information. THURSDAYS - Come participate in an activity that will reduce stress. FREE Vipassana Meditation. 6:30 pm in the exercise studio below Desert Sun. Everyone welcome. THURSDAYS - Line dancing w/
Claire Denney 9am to 11am. Join the fun. Seniors centre. Call 250498-6142. 2nd THURSDAYS - The Oliver/ Osoyoos MS Group meets from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the basement of the Community Resources Building, Oliver. Contact Ron at 250-498-4372. SATURDAYS - Dance with the Oliver Senior’s Band at the Centre. 10:00 am – noon. 250-4986142. AL-ANON - Offers help to families and friends of alcoholics. Meetings on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at various locations. There are regular meetings in Oliver. Call 250-490-9272 for information.
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