Spirit Magazine - Winter 2014 'Volunteer Stories'

SPIRIT OUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SOUTHRIDGE SCHOOL

Winter 2014/Issue 31

Volunteers Making a Difference

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Pages 2-15 Volunteers tell their stories

Our Volunteers Ten years ago a number of our community members came together over a period of months to talk about their experience at Southridge and what was important and meaningful to them. They interviewed each other and the highpoints from these discussions between students, parents and teachers were collated. Southridge’s Guiding Principles were born.

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As a parent of two alumni, I know that both of my daughters received a solid academic education at Southridge. And their experiences were rich and memorable. But what they also learned is that truly belonging to something is a feeling, a connection that cannot be easily replaced. They tell me now, over ten years later, that watching everyone’s parents working for their school was meaningful to them, even though at the time I believed all they really cared about was the cake walk at the Country Fair.

As one of our Guiding Principles states – “we act knowing our children are watching”. Know for sure that what your children are learning about belonging, commitment and contribution will be carried with them as they step out into the world to make a difference. Once you have experienced it, you search for it.

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1. Shaping our relationships are the values of truth, tolerance, respect and compassion.

2. We act, knowing our children are watching.

The interview stories collected were rich and heartwarming and connected our community members to one another and to the contribution they made in service of Southridge. Our Guiding Principles came into being organically and serve as a piece of the foundation of our school. They reflect who we are as a community, what we believe and what is important to us.

After reading the submissions for this edition of the Spirit, I was reminded that our Guiding Principles are not just words on a page, rather ideals and values that are demonstrated at Southridge every day. Even as our community has grown in size, that ‘special feeling’ that is present when you give and do for others, the feeling you have when you contribute to something bigger than yourself is a feeling still alive and well at Southridge.

As members in the Southridge community we have both the privilege and responsibility to each choose how we influence our community and the world.

3. Our behaviour influences all; every member is a role model for everyone in the school community and society.

Jackie Through volunteering I have experienced it all – from hot lunch emergencies such as pizza shortages or sending out the wrong order form, to counting thousands of tickets for the Country Fair and performing a rain dance to ensure the sun was shining on Fair day! I would not trade any of these crazy moments because I gained so much more. I made wonderful new friends, shared lots of laughs and became an active member of the Southridge community. The most personal benefit I have gained from volunteering is that I have shown my kids you can make a difference by not being afraid to get involved and give freely of your time, energy and skills. Volunteering for any task, even stuffing envelopes, means you are making a much needed and valuable contribution. These types of things are the glue that keeps the community together and proactive!

This Spirit edition is a touching reminder of the Southridge volunteer story. Thank you to each contributor for their story and for sharing their experiences, and to those whose private stories support all that happens in our connected community. We Are All ONE.

As a full-time working mother, I have found volunteering to be invaluable as it provided me with concrete connections to the teachers, staff, parents and children of the school. I have been able to meet great people, that I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise, and these relationships have solidified my commitment to supporting the Southridge community. I have been energized and inspired by the constant dedication and enthusiasm shown by my fellow volunteers as well as the staff and parents of Southridge. It has been an honour to work with all of you, and in the words of my son Jack: “volunteering makes people happy!” To me, that is the best reason of all to volunteer!

Debbie MacDougall Director of Community Relations

Jackie Christofferson Keith (Grade 5) and Jack (Grade 3)

We Are All One Lingo I grew up with the impression that volunteer work and service are for people who have extra time. When our family moved to Canada, I was blessed to be a full time at-home mother. I thought I had tons of ‘extra’ time; not saying that being a full time mother does not require work (they are actually busier than most people would think). But I did have the freedom to arrange my time. When my kids were little, in elementary school, I went to help out during class time, on field trips, and for their sports activities. In the beginning, I simply wanted to volunteer to get involved and be helpful. Due to my ignorance, during my first year of being a full-time at-home mom, I filled in every single spot available on the volunteer form for my daughter’s Kindergarten class - just trying to be helpful. There was a mother standing next to me. She looked at me and said, “Excuse me, you took all the spots and left no opportunity for other parents!”

Well, that was an eye-opening experience for me. I thought I was helping other parents, so they would not need to sacrifice their time to work, without knowing that I was actually taking away opportunities for the other parents to serve and to help.

Do you know what I have learned from this? Volunteering is a privilege. It is not what I can offer, but it is a privilege that I am given, whether I have extra time or not. It is simply a good thing to do and it brings goodness out of a person and into others.

Guess what I learned next about volunteering, when my daughter came to Southridge School, in Grade 8? It is amazing!

Many parents and students – who do not have extra time – consistently inspire me. They make time to volunteer. They are business owners, educators, lawyers, professionals, doctors – even head of the health department, chief officers of public services, etc. We have many parents who are in roles and positions where their working organization needs them 24/7.

Yet, they make time to volunteer. Why? I asked them. Well, in summary from the answers I got… it is because it’s rewarding to be able to contribute to the community. It is an important heritage to pass on to generation after generation. When we make time, it is always for something we really want to do and we enjoy doing it. And that is the Spirit of Southridge Volunteers.

So, when I entered the Southridge community, I dared not to sign up for all of the volunteer spots but chose ones where my talent might fit in. There are services I do once a year like Café Concerto, Christmas dinner, and the Country Fair; but also, on a bi-weekly basis, I volunteer at the Senior library. Do you know that we even have a name for the Senior library?

I didn’t either. It is so much fun volunteering at the Senior library. You get to meet almost every student. For my benefit, I get to say “hi” to my daughter’s classmates and friends when they visit the library. Also it is like being in a treasure hunt, learning and discovering so many good books. One of them is David Lam’s biography that inspired me a lot! I don’t think I would have gotten to read that book if I did not volunteer at the library. And the huge bonus is Ms. Yee… it is so awesome working with her!! You have to experience it for yourselves!

Lingo Liu Jackie (Grade 12)

Cari I enjoy being able to give back to the Southridge community. As a full time working mom, it is often challenging for me to volunteer for events, field trips, and other activities. Organizing playground supervision is a great way for me to stay connected with other parents and give something back to the students and school.

Knowing that they are able to enjoy a great time playing and being active in a safe and monitored environment is a great thing!

The days I am able to be on the playground are wonderful, as it gives an insight into my children’s friendships, as well as the camaraderie they experience in the Southridge community.

Cari Shorrock Aubrie (Grade 2) and Lucy (Grade 1)

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Our Volunteers Karen Volunteering and giving back to the community has always been very close to my heart and one of the key reasons why my husband and I chose Southridge School for our sons.

In fact, contribution to community has been part of my job too. As a senior communicator, I have helped corporations spread the word about their charitable giving efforts.

My personal volunteer mantra is to give where my boys learn, play and grow. But more than just volunteering where it serves my kids well, I like to take it a step further and pay it forward to others as well. I’ve done everything from adopting a family in need, raised money to help atrisk kids get a chance to play hockey, and walked along with my sons to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes.

At Southridge School, I have shown leadership as a volunteer by chairing the annual Golf Tournament, recycled treasures, welcome back picnic and the Gala fundraiser two years in a row. I am very proud to say that with this year’s Gala, part of the proceeds went towards sending our students to Kenya and Ecuador to build schools in impoverished communities. That’s the ‘pay it forward’ impact that makes your volunteer efforts meaningful and worthwhile.

Along with these types of volunteer roles where you can make a big difference through service with others, I think it’s really important to set a good example and volunteer where your kids can see you demonstrate those caring behaviours. And that’s why volunteering in school-based roles such as serving as class mom, on playground duty, or driving for field trips is equally important too.

My best advice for other busy moms who may feel it challenging to find volunteer time is simple. Do whatever you can. Every little bit makes a difference and your kids are watching you closely. When you involve them in the true spirit of contribution, you are not only making a difference, you are raising good human beings at the same time.

My favourite quote about giving back is: ‘Give all that you can, with what you have, in the time that you have, in the place that you are.’

Karen Dosanjh Navin (Grade 7) and Dayvn (Grade 4)

Baksho I have volunteered in the Junior and Senior libraries since my son came here in Grade 6. I love reading and books; a gift I have been lucky to instill in both my children.

I have also volunteered with hospitality, Café Concerto and the Country Fair. I have always been involved in my children’s lives as much as possible, for as long as possible. I gave up my career to stay home with them. Volunteering was a way to stay involved in their lives. My daughter, Manjeet, is a Semiahmoo House participant and has volunteered with Dr Bespflug.

Baksho Ghangass Sooruj (Grade 12)

YY Hi, my name is YY and I have been helping out with playground duty for the past three years. I started out as a playground supervisor once a month when my daughter started in Kindergarten. It was a great experience, as I got to meet her little friends and got to know fellow playground parents and teachers. My daughters always look forward to me being there and I just enjoy seeing all the children interact with each other. For the past two years, Cari and I have coordinated the playground duty schedule. We have met many wonderful dedicated parent volunteers who all live up to the spirit of Southridge: that we are ONE community supporting our wonderful school and children.

YY Skleryk Amanda (Grade 3) and Caitlyn (Grade 1)

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We Are All One Gemma One of the reasons I originally considered Southridge for my children is that we, as parents, are encouraged to volunteer. I wanted to have the opportunity to be in the school so I could be in touch with what my kids are learning, who they are learning from and who their peers are. Now, in our 7th year at Southridge, I have gained much more from volunteering than my original intention of ‘keeping tabs on my kids’.

My monthly library shift allows me to ‘catch up’ with my friend and co-volunteer, Larisa Zenin. We enjoy working together to accomplish the long list of things that Joyce, our Junior School Librarian, needs done. We get to interact with students of all grades, and we always leave there feeling like we made a real contribution.

For the last two years, I have headed the bake table at our Country Fair alongside Deesha Thind. The Fair week always brings a great energy to the school and I love being a part of it.

As class mom in previous years, I got to know my child’s teacher better and supported them as much as they needed. As the Scholastic coordinator, I get to interact with many other parents who are class Scholastic reps as well as with the teachers when they place their own orders. As a parent driver on fieldtrips, I get to interact with other children who are in my car and be a part of my own child’s learning.

The list of volunteer opportunities is endless and I always seem to choose options that allow me to interact with the students, teachers, and parents. For me, it is important to leave any volunteer position feeling like I have made a difference both in the work that I have done and as a role model for my children.

Gemma Martini Mila (Grade 6) and Vienna (Grade 3)

Wendy Ever since I started going to Southridge in Kindergarten, my mom, Wendy Lei, has volunteered at almost every opportunity given. She has clocked in volunteering hours with the school during field trips, library, playground duty and office work, band trips, chaperoning, Gala and Country Fair preparation etc. Most recently, she is helping the new families to settle in and helping them to get to know each other and also to meet other families. Sometimes, this comes as a problem, as all of her newly made friends (who I don’t know) often come up and greet me by name. I end up smiling awkwardly and laugh, since I have no idea who they are, or how they know me. I have learned, now, that it’s my mom’s doing. Obviously, she is just as proud of me, as I am of her.

With my mom at school almost as much as I am, there are obvious bonuses for me.

The multiple times I have dragged my friends to the library during recess to grab a treat from my mom cannot be counted.

Helping people is something that comes naturally to my mom, and is one of the ways she inspires me the most. She always puts every ounce of energy into what she does for the school, and will not back down after she has made a commitment, even if she only got an hour of sleep, or came down with a cold. I remember during my Junior School years, my classmates would come back from the library or office telling me they saw my mom there, and she took care of them. I also remember being proud that my mom was one of the ‘duty moms’ of the playground, and I would always help her look after the kids who got hurt. Now, most of my classmates and some students from other grades recognize my mom. This recognition would not be there if she had not spent so many hours helping out in the school. My mom truly has a passion for helping the school, and she loves each and every person who is involved.

Isabelle Lei (Grade 9)

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Our Volunteers Dorothy Volunteer opportunities at Southridge range from helping with large fundraisers to being a part of the operations of the school.

Through my volunteering as editor of the Southridge Spirit I have been lucky enough to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of members of our community. I have had the privilege of connecting with alumni, meeting current parents and students and exploring the history of Southridge. The themes vary from issue to issue, which means the input I receive is always unpredictable and surprising, yet impressive. Some contributors describe trips and events at length, while others write just a few words revealing the particular significance of their experiences. What does remain constant, however, is the enthusiasm and commitment of people seeking and living their passion.

I like editing the Spirit because of the people I have met, and because it is a way for the members of the Southridge community to tell their stories. I shall be sad to step down from this position when my youngest child graduates next year, but I know that I will always be connected to Southridge, and I will look forward to reading about the community in future issues of the Spirit.

Dorothy Podmore Hugh (Grad 08), Alice (Grad 10), Olivia (Grad 11), Louise (Grad 13) and Laura (Grade 11)

Mike & Barbara The house looked dark as we drove into the driveway for our second visit of the annual Legacy Giving Campaign. We looked at each other, confirming the address, time, date and first names/grades of this family’s children who were now attending Southridge.

Having campaigned for the school for a number of years we felt well prepared for our upcoming visit and to welcome another new family into the school community.

Binders in hand, the contents of which we had carefully checked for the meeting, we approached the front door. The lack of lighting made it difficult to find the door bell, however we found and duly pressed a switch. After a fairly long while we heard approaching footsteps. The door opened slightly and a face peered at us though the crack.

We started explaining the reason for our presence on the doorstep simultaneously. The person was difficult to identify, however as we continued to speak the door opened farther. A pause in the person’s response, their pyjama clad body and obvious confusion made us realize that, to our horror, we had the visit date completely wrong. The meeting had in fact been re-scheduled for the following week!

Without missing a beat, our kind host immediately changed pace and welcomed us into the home anyway. Introductions were made to the other parent and the meeting was underway. A wonderful example of the kindness and graciousness of our school family!

As Southridge parents since 2000 it has been our privilege to serve as canvassers for the Legacy Giving Campaign on an annual basis for many years. This affords us the opportunity to meet and welcome new families to the school and to provide important information regarding the school’s history and operation. It also allows us to share our very positive experience of Southridge, having had three children attend the school. Year after year, we have been consistently welcomed into new families’ homes and have certainly appreciated the warm reception.

The Legacy Giving Campaign will soon be up and running again this year. Hopefully we’ll get the meeting dates and times right, this time around!

Mike and Barbara Mittermaier Kate (Grad 09), Emma (Grad 12) and Peter (Grade 9)

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We Are All One Michael My son started at Southridge in Kindergarten and now he is Grade 3. Wow, how time flies; I have been volunteering for playground for the same amount of time. I can honestly say that it has been a fun and rewarding experience. I enjoy watching my son play and interacting with his friends. Getting to know the kids and talking to them have given me the sense of community, sort of like living in a neighborhood where all the kids play together and grow up together.

Every year my son goes into the next grade I look back at the new Kindies starting and say to myself: “Was my son ever that small?” or “Was my son that outspoken?” (When the kids approach me trying to tattle on their classmates.)

I also enjoy meeting the many other parents who volunteer to be playground parents, having a chat with them and with any new volunteers, showing them the ropes on what it is to be a playground parent.

Finally, the biggest reason I volunteer for playground duty is for the kids, making sure they are safe, have them play, make friends and enjoy their childhood!

Michael Wong Jalen (Grade 3)

Tammy Since becoming a Southridge parent in 2012, when my son started Kindergarten, it has been important to me to try to find time from my work schedule to volunteer with the school for many reasons, but probably the two most important are to be involved in my son’s education and understand what and how he is learning, and secondly, to develop a sense of community and friendship with the other parents, given we will be spending thirteen years together!

I have been involved in numerous volunteer opportunities including field trip driving, hot lunch, playground duty, Country Fair, Senior School career day, helping in the classroom for computer lab and spelling bees and, this year, being class mom.

My favourite volunteer opportunities are helping within the classroom and as class mom. In the classroom, I have been assisting with computer lab and spelling bee practice and the time to help out that I set aside during the workday is important to me as I know how much my son looks forward to me spending some time in the class with him and his friends. As well, I enjoy getting to know all of Brody’s classmates, I get to learn how the kids learn and are challenged and how I can support Brody at home! I also really enjoy being class mom this year as I am getting to know the parents better, as well as Ms. Kooner and it helps me feel a part of the Southridge learning process. As class mom, my job is to keep the parents informed of classroom and school activities, help support the teacher so she can spend more quality time with the kids and less time on administration, and I help lead the class in various volunteer opportunities throughout the year including organizing the Christmas hampers, organizing field trip drivers and in-class volunteers. Our Southridge experience just wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for these opportunities available to be part of the learning process!

This year I was able to help out at the Senior School career day by speaking to the Grade 12 class about the practice of law.

With a son in Grade 1, it was encouraging to meet with the soon to be graduating students of Southridge, to see how articulate and thoughtful the class of 2014 has turned out to be with their years at Southridge: a window to eleven years from now for our son!

Tammy Huculak Hart Brody (Grade 1)

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Our Volunteers

Harris

2 We commit to the power of community.

At the foundation is the trust born of knowing that our values are shared and lived.

1. The students, parents, teachers, staff, alumni and alumni parents and grandparents create a supportive, safe and loving environment through their positive, caring relationships.

2. By providing a light-hearted place of serious purpose, one where our students can take risks in finding their potential, they find joy.

3. With commitment to our shared vision and highest aspirations, we have the power to make a positive difference in the world.

Harris Wong (Grade 12)

Alison

When I stepped forward to help at the annual picnic at the start of the year when our son entered Kindergarten, I had no idea that our family would forge such a close connection with the Southridge community. Now, thirteen years later, I have enjoyed the many opportunities to meet and get to know like-minded people committed to the school, including parents, teachers, staff and students. Volunteering has allowed me to become involved with many aspects of school life that I may not have otherwise participated in, including governance, fundraising and event management.

With my heavy workload, it is not often that I could volunteer for various tasks/ duties/events at Southridge.

However, I’ve been fortunate, being able to help out in the toy and clothing department, pre-Country Fair, working in registration at the welcome back BBQ, and doing numerous parent volunteer task in the class, such as spelling bee and computer helper. What I have gotten out of these activities has been an evolving camaraderie shared with other parent volunteers as well as the positive energy I receive from the kids when they greet me in class. Their level of cooperation astounds me and I am so impressed with their respectful attitudes and their eagerness to learn.

The discipline that they have in staying on task and end of day class clean up has been admirable. I am most honoured to have the opportunity to give back to this Southridge community and look forward to many more years of giving.

Barbara Collett Nick (Grade 12)

Alison Fuller Colton (Grade 1)

Barbara

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After being at Southridge for ten years, I can safely say that it is hard for a student not to be involved with some sort of service activity. Students are required to have at least 30 hours of service per year. But there are so many service opportunities that are so rewarding and enjoyable that one can easily surpass 30 hours. I feel that Southridge wants students to experience the fulfilling aspects of being involved with community service. For example, the annual Southridge Summer Camps really helped me discover my passion for working with children. Ever since I did my first camp I loved every minute of it. It was because of those experiences with the Summer Camps that I decided to volunteer for the Junior School outdoor education trips.

From there I learned a lot about myself and how to work effectively with children, all while helping out my local community. I owe a lot to the service program here at Southridge as it helped me figure out what I love to do and really helped me grow as a person.

We Are All One Victoria When I reflect on the tradition of volunteering at Southridge, my mind rests not on the years of Country Fair baking and book-sorting, Gala organizing, playground duty, field trip driving, library book shelving, archiving records or assembling graduation invitations but rather, beelines straight back to 1993 and the heady, exhilarating years that created the foundations on which Southridge was built. Those were the years of guerrilla volunteering.

When the first whispers reached me that an independent school might be built in South Surrey, with the legendary Alan Brown of St. George’s as prospective headmaster, my interest was piqued. With all the hopeful energy of a mother with a pack of preschoolers (who I immediately envisioned at this someday future school, bedecked in supernaturally crisp uniforms and shining eyes) it was only natural that I propelled this news into the Development Office at Crofton House School, ground zero for one of the most cohesive volunteer machines around.

“Well,” remarked my friends, co-workers, and seasoned alumna (most of whom had sons at St George’s, which made them doubly sage), “How large are the grounds and buildings?”

Note plural. Uh, buildings? No building (singular)! Just some farmland! Isn’t it exciting???

“Wow, okay and, uh, how is the school going to be launched? Is there an endownment? Have consultants been hired?” they would ask. The answer to those questions was that aside from the surveying engineers hired to vet potential properties (paid for by parent donations), volunteers were going to launch the school and volunteer power would fuel a capital campaign to create an endowment. And eventually answer the phone (once we had a phone number), maintain the grounds, order school supplies, source uniform suppliers, and do anything at all needed. Daunting? Yes! Achievable? We hoped so! It was clear that only a relentless volunteer effort would effect success.

From kitchen table meetings to the epic Pink Palace presentation where Mr. Brown placed his trust in a group of large-thinking parents, none of whom, I believe, had any experience in starting a school from scratch, it was the ‘onwards and upwards’ fervour of volunteer spirit that ignited the ‘idea of Southridge’ and united families from a spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives. There is nothing like an ‘against all odds’ cause to create and cement lasting friendships which was one of the fringe benefits of the pre-Southridge volunteer effort. Of course, the first hurdle was to gain City planning approval for the school site and plunge into creative banking investment commitments to enable survival. This was achieved through committed volunteer effort which was blessed by a pool of gifted leaders who formed the first school Boards and tractor-beamed their professional experience into the Southridge project.

Memorable volunteer tasks include being amongst the small army of caffeine-fueled parents who trudged every inch of the then-rural Grandview Heights for petition signatures in the rain (stroller in tow, in my case) and reporting back to the Alderdice home (Southridge HQ) to collate results. We whipped up support for the contentious, but ultimately victorious, public hearings, researched potentially conflicting land development politics, spread the word in the press and by mouth, and of course, delved into the particulars of septic holding tanks and modular buildings. We knew enough to leave the educating piece to the experts, of course, but it was the practical basics that were needed and it was volunteer power that was virtually going to build the walls. Prospective Southridge parents pooled resources, sweet-talked grandparents, picked the brains of those in the know, tapped into experiences, and built the most amazing team that weathered storms left, right and centre in order to even achieve the beginning.

It is interesting that the term ‘volunteer’ evolved from the 1700’s, courtesy of a Monsieur Voluntaire, who described ‘someone who offers himself for military service.’ Indeed, the creation of Southridge demanded the same strategy, organization and dedication one would ascribe to a successful military operation (a peacekeeping one of course!) I think the most amazing and memorable element of the founding of the school was that the school was so passionately desired by its prospective parents and friends that there was never a lack of volunteers to fill the most daunting task … or the most menial. The reward was not recognition per se, but the chance to have a school because nothing was taken for granted. Once the school opened its doors in 1995 and priorities evolved from the need to survive to the opportunity to thrive, volunteering at Southridge also evolved to create different opportunities – less guerrilla, but never, ever, vanilla either. Creating Southridge was a sink or swim adventure, and swimming alongside people who shared a vision and who virtually created a community out of an idea was in equal parts an experience exhaustingly fun, challenging, revealing, and most importantly, a visible message of example to the first students of the school that it takes a village to raise a child.

Victoria Blinkhorn Emma (Grad 08), Jeremy (Class of 10), Meredith (Class of 11), Ethan (Class of 14)

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Our Volunteers Shaida For me, the hot lunch program started as a selfish tie and reason to see my daughter.

When she started Kindergarten, she was ready for school but I was not, and the hot lunch program gave me an opportunity to spend an additional twenty minutes with Millie while she had lunch.

I was new to the school and frankly, I was more excited to have Millie attend Southridge then she was; I loved the uniforms, and watching all the kids in uniform, with their innocent smiles, made me happy. The hot lunch program for me started last year, as a helper, and this year I was asked to be one of the leads. I thoroughly enjoy my position.

I love being a part of Southridge and for me it is a pleasure to serve our school. It goes without saying that the school, and especially the Junior School is a very tight knit group, with all of us wanting the best for our children and knowing that most of us and our children will be together for twelve years.

For me what started off as a need to spend time with my child has become a very rewarding experience and one where I have met some very dedicated parents who have unconditionally contributed their time and resources for the betterment of the school. In performing the various services for the school I have also found the spirit of the Junior School to be very community oriented, and dedicated to having happy, well nurtured children who are welcomed by the teachers and are well nurtured and respected by their peers and their teachers alike.

I would encourage any parent who has a child in school to take up a volunteer service. You will, in short order, come to realize the gratifying experience it is for you, and you will quickly come to realize the tremendous school spirit and care which exists amongst the teachers, the parents and the children. We are like one big happy family.

I have only been a part of Southridge for over a year and feel like the school is my second home. I love helping in various areas, I love how the parents are so open to helping each other. I know that my daughter Millie is at the right school and the time I spend at Southridge is one that truly makes me a part of Southridge.

Shaida Nanji Millie (Grade 1)

Jenn Volunteering for the annual Southridge grandparents’ tea has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Grandparents play such a special loving role in our kids’ lives and it is wonderful to be able to take the opportunity to thank them. The Junior School students bring a level of enthusiasm and pride to their work in hosting the grandparents’ tea that is truly heartwarming. The students’ excitement and eagerness is infectious, from greeting and seating to serving tea, sandwiches and cake, they do it all with warm smiles and gracious attitudes. The wonderful Senior School students who volunteer and assist with pouring coffee and tea demonstrate a tremendous level of patience and kindness and we greatly appreciate their generous help. Last year a group of Grade 7 students saw us struggling to transport vases of flowers and glass cake stands from our car during set up; these students jumped in and helped without being asked. I was both moved and impressed with their compassion and the incredible level of care and respect that they took in conveying numerous fragile items. Did I mention it was during their break time and pouring down buckets of rain?

Grandparents’ tea also has a team of incredibly dedicated and hardworking Southridge parents who lend their valuable time and energy to making sure the tea is a success. Volunteering with fellow parents is a tremendous amount of fun, there is a fantastic sense of community and boundless positivity. I have felt truly lucky to work together with this amazing group of parents.

Taking time out of their busy days to work together to scrape plates, collect dirty cutlery, and fold down tables and chairs is a perfect example of the labour of love that is put into making Grandparents’ Tea such an inspiring event.

Jenn Toporowski-Smith Finnegan (Grade 3) Jenn is also very involved with the Kids’ Art which the students create for the Gala

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We Are All One

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Contribution is at the heart of what we inherit and what we pass on.

1. “Every spirit soaring” is made possible by the contributions – the passionate and compassionate selflessness – of everyone, from a small kindness to investing one’s life in the greater good.

2. Membership in the Southridge community has always called us to shift our emphasis to “we” from “me.”

Jim I have been volunteering at the Country Fair since my children started at Southridge back in 1999. It has been a wonderful experience, to say the least. The majority of my time has been spent volunteering at the large items section alongside my father. Being situated outside we are always the first section to receive the anxious buyers and I enjoy the excitement in their eyes as they stand there with a new found treasure in one hand and money in the other just waiting for the official opening of the Fair. It’s amazing to see some of the items sell that people call treasures, while others that appear to be of great value sit there until they are discounted at the end of the day. The most enjoyment I get is out of the interaction with people. They tell us what a wonderful Fair it is and how they look forward to it every year. Occasionally, conversations lead to our school and I am given the opportunity to brag about how much it has influenced my children and what a very special place it is. I think one of the most satisfying things I get out of the day is watching my 80 year old father interacting with the patrons and, when given the opportunity, proudly boasting about how much his grandchildren enjoy attending Southridge.

Jim Bonneville Braxton (Grad 12) and Serena (Grade 12)

Rachael I started out at Southridge as many parents do, volunteering in the Kindergarten classroom. While I had many fun experiences and met the parents of other Kindies, I only had a small circle of friends within the school community. That all changed when May rolled around! It wasn’t until the Country Fair that I really came to know what volunteering at Southridge was truly about. To see the school transform from what we see every day to a huge event is no small task. But everywhere I looked, there were people working together and getting things done. Most of all they were having a great time! The Monday morning after the Fair was over, I walked through the halls to the Kindergarten room, as I had every day since September, but it was different because there were so many more faces that I knew.

When I chaired the Fair several years later that community spirit was even more evident.

So many people say to me, “Wow, that’s a crazy job to take on,” and I would have to disagree. Southridge has a great parent team that works together to head up the various areas and many of them have been doing it for years. It really was fun to help them out, to get to see all of the workings of the Fair and to meet parents and staff from the whole community. I experienced many instances of families contributing of their time and effort without being asked and without wanting any recognition. Many times, we would run down a list of to do’s and before I even had delegated them out, they were completed. Just getting it done, because that is what we do and who we are. I never truly appreciated this until I saw it in action.

I’m proud to be associated with such a hard working community so willing to help out at a moment’s notice. What an amazing legacy to pass on to our kids, the notion that they can and do make a difference through giving of their time and talents. For me, contribution truly is at the heart of what we inherit and pass on.

Rachael Lawson Emma (Grade 5), Elizabeth (Grade 3) and Andrew (Grade 1)

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Our Volunteers

Jacquie As a founding parent of Southridge for eighteen years, it has been a privilege to be part of Southridge School community since before the doors opened in 1995. The school has been a very instrumental part of our family’s life. For myself, I am grateful for being able to share and assist with volunteering at my kids’ school which has been, and still is, a very rewarding part of my life. My commitment to volunteering started with the soliciting of signatures in order to approve the school when it was in the planning process at Surrey City Hall.

Working as a team with other parents during many different tasks at the school I have developed many relationships with other parents who share a common goal to achieve success for our children’s education and school environment.

From Kindergarten teddy bear picnics, pumpkin patch trips to Alder Acres, Grade 2 Chinatown tours, Grade 4 frog sewing, Grade 7 grad, Country Fairs, class representative, Terry Fox run…these are only a few of the many areas which have been an extremely memorable part of my volunteer commitment at Southridge School.

I can even remember when we first created the Southridge Gala, with Michael Levy and Martin van Keken. I was in charge of silent auction and Davis (now in Grade 11) was an infant at the time, asleep in a baby car seat in my dining room that was filled with all the auction items and me sorting and collecting the items. Also, creating and implementing ‘Kids’ Art’ was a very important part of my time, as I would spend hours with the kids painting and creating the items for the Gala.

In addition to being the Junior golf program coordinator, I remember writing and creating a volunteer manual for Hope Mulhern for the Southridge Golf Classic which I coordinated for seven years!

Volunteering in the early years when my children were in Grades K-7 was so exciting: watching the students grow and develop over their eight years. The Junior School teachers were so friendly and appreciative of the parents being there to help with all the children. The time spent helping out was such a privilege to be with my kids and their friends while they were in school.

Once my kids entered the Senior School the teachers welcomed me as a newcomer to assist in many areas where volunteers were needed. In addition to being coordinator of the annual Senior School feast, I have assisted with Trek, Café Concerto, Grade 12 grad, driving to sporting events, golf team practice sessions, year end BBQ and many more areas.

One of the most memorable tasks that I have had the privilege to volunteer for over the past eight years has been the Senior School Christmas feast. This event includes cooking and serving a traditional style turkey dinner for 400 people (all Senior School students, teachers and staff) and coordinating over 40 volunteers to help set up, cook and serve. To be present and watch the interaction between the students and teachers when the school community is in a relaxed and fun atmosphere has been a worthwhile experience. Watching the student and teacher skits after dinner is definitely a Southridge highlight.

Now that two of my three kids are in university and Davis is in Grade 11, I have our last year and a half left to volunteer and I can’t believe where the time has gone as the years have flown by.

As a founding and lifer parent my heartfelt experience of volunteering at Southridge has been a big part of my life. I have so many fond memories over the past eighteen years and will cherish those memories and connections I have made during all my volunteer days with the school community.

Next year will be my final year at the school and I will miss the faculty and spending time at the school but I will reflect and remember the great times I have had during my days helping out at the school. I feel that volunteering at Southridge has enhanced my life and I have truly enjoyed the Southridge journey!

Jacquie Lougheed Alexander (Grad 09), Lauren (Grad 11) and Davis (Grade 11)

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We Are All One Will Our family is relatively new to Southridge School, with our daughter joining part way through Kindergarten in January 2013. Since our first Open House, we knew that we wanted to be involved and contribute our time and energy, as one small piece of the amazing volunteerism puzzle that powers the Southridge community. In the past year, I have been involved thus far in a wide variety of volunteering roles, including weekly playground duty shifts, helping at numerous events, and co-chairing the 2013 Welcome Back BBQ with my wife, Wendy. Wendy is also regularly involved in hot lunch, playground duty, and library.

Chairing the welcome back BBQ was an amazing experience for us and a real pleasure to organize and coordinate. What stands out the most to us was the endless help provided by our parent community to make the event a true success. We were overwhelmed with volunteers not only from our grade, but from Junior and Senior School parents as well. The BBQ began as a very busy afternoon working with our assembled team of volunteers, and quickly turned into an easy afternoon with a team of friends. The selfless efforts of our community were most evident at the end of the BBQ, when even non-volunteers stepped in to expedite the potentially tedious take-down and clean-up process, rather than just heading home on a beautiful Friday afternoon!

As an orthodontist, I create smiles - lots of smiles. But as a school volunteer, I’m surrounded by smiles! Which smiles are the most memorable, and which ones are the most rewarding? Could it be the tiniest of smiles that peek through from a stream of tears after successfully treating an injury or mediating a quarrel on the playground? Or is it the wide-faced grin from the child who finds an absolute treasure in the massive stuffy pile at the Country Fair? Or maybe it’s the ubiquitous blazing smile of a Grade 1er, catching her first glimpse of Dad showing up for a volunteer shift in the middle of the school day?

It would be impossible to pinpoint which smiles are best; big or small, from a Kindy, a Grade 12, a teacher, or a parent, the warm and inviting smiles that surround us at Southridge make volunteering absolutely worthwhile to me. One question is easy... which smile is the biggest? Definitely my own, as I drive out the gates on the way home.

Will Chow Hilary (Grade 1)

Wayne One of the annual Board functions I look forward to is serving breakfast to the teachers and staff on the Tuesday after Labour Day. Although I am around the school a lot for meetings, I don’t have the same opportunity to interact with the teachers as when my daughter was still in the school. I enjoy renewing acquaintances with teachers I have not seen for a while and seeing the new faces that I have read about in the Wednesday.

There is always a positive, cheerful, forward-looking climate in the cafeteria that morning. It makes for a great start to the day.

In order to learn more about the Harkness (student driven, discussion based, collaborative learning) method being introduced in the Senior School, I chose to go to Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire in December 2012 with Mr. Stephens, after he completed a learning experience nearby at Harvard in Boston. We met with a wonderful group of three dedicated teachers (like the ones we have at Southridge) the evening before being able to sit in on three classes. We observed how the students interacted amongst themselves and with their teacher. I was very impressed with how their learning was enhanced by this method. When we asked the students if they liked ‘Harkness’ and why, they were very enthusiastic, stating things like, “We don’t have to just learn from one person, we can learn from everyone around the table.”

I have volunteered to assemble two of the new Harkness tables Southridge has received and my experience at Exeter has made this more rewarding, knowing how our students will benefit for years to come.

Wayne Peace Taris (Grad 06)

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Our Volunteers Chris My role as a volunteer coach since 2001, when the rugby program was in its infancy, has allowed me to witness the growth of a rugby culture at Southridge. I smile as I see students walking along the halls carrying rugby balls, and to see them on the playing fields at lunchtime, playing a pick-up game of touch rugby.

I take great pride in playing a small part in the development of rugby players that we first introduced to the game in Grade 6 and 7, who are now competing at the provincial and national levels. I have enjoyed every minute of contributing to four rugby tours to the UK. However, what has made the hundreds of hours of volunteer work most worthwhile is the eagerness of many alumni to return to school each year on the day of the Country Fair to enjoy an afternoon of fun rugby, and to recall our shared rugby experiences from their school days.

Chris Collett Nick (Grade 12)

Robert I’m very thankful for the opportunity to give my time back to a school that has been able to provide me with opportunities that I might not have been able to partake in had my primary and secondary education taken place elsewhere. That is the reason that I decided to fully participate in the Southridge Alumni Association as we look to actively form the building blocks for a strong post-Southridge graduate student network.

The school itself has been instrumental in fostering and maintaining relationships between its former students, but also helping to maintain that connection back to the school and that is what’s truly important. With Southridge being our common ground, I find that we, the alumni, need to play a leading and active role in maintaining this bond, and that’s why I am happy to offer my time.

Robert Levy (Grad 06) Robert was part of the 2013 Senior School Career day

Monica What better way to show your children that you care about their school than to volunteer? When we started at Southridge we had a farm house for an administration building and a modular building for the school. We didn’t have much but we all had big dreams and my husband and I wanted to be a part of it. It started off with playground supervision once every two weeks and led to running the Junior School office for many years. The volunteer committee asked if I and two others would chair the Gala; I thought they were insane but it was my children who said, “Mom, be a risk taker.” Stepping out of my comfort zone, the Gala was a huge success, not only in raising money for the school but also in personal fulfillment.

I volunteered for selfish reasons. I wanted to be around my children, I wanted to be part of their schooling and what better way than through helping out at their school. I wanted to make a difference. Teachers would know that every Monday I would be in the Junior School office and they would have jobs for me to do, or if a child was sick or injured they knew that I was a registered nurse and would take care of the student.

Volunteering was a big part of my life when my children were in the Junior School. During those earlier years I worked part time but made time to volunteer. Now that they are in the Senior School I have gone back to work full time. I still find time to head up Cinderella project, Café Concerto and volunteer at the Christmas feast.

Now that our children are finishing their Senior School years I look back on our journey with fondness. These years gave me a chance to participate in the building and evolution of this very special institution. One can only feel pride when you see what we have all accomplished by pulling together and building our school. For the next generation of parents there will always be opportunities to help the school grow and to become part of the legacy that this school will be to children for generations to come.

Possibly the greatest reward from volunteering at Southridge is seeing how leading by example affects the attitudes and actions of our Alumni who give back to the school, community and beyond in so many ways.

Monica Froh Matthew (Grad 10), Bryan (Grade 12) and Samantha (Grade 9)

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We Are All One Chantal Unlike many schools where children are dropped off at the front door with a kiss and a wave, Southridge is a school that welcomes parents with open arms. Southridge embraces and encourages parents to take part in the daily activities of their children. Over the last eight years I have had the opportunity to participate in field trips from the pumpkin patch to Grouse Mountain and everywhere in between. I have worked in the Junior School office, served hot lunch, supervised students on the playground, helped with sports teams and been a class parent. My time in the library was particularly enjoyable working with other parents and the school librarian, Joyce Chong.

Watching the children interact and meeting new students and teachers was wonderful but getting to know Joyce was special. The wealth of information she has shared over the years about reading, research and learning was invaluable to me as a parent but even more than that, she became a true friend who I could discuss all sorts of issues with. I have helped with all of the major fundraisers and worked for several years as a member of the volunteer committee. Every time I have volunteered at Southridge, I have met interesting new people, learned a variety of tasks and enjoyed every minute of it. What I love about Southridge is the sense of community, the feeling like we are all working together to make a special place for our children to develop and grow. I think for me personally, the most meaningful part of being a volunteer at Southridge is that I have been able to watch my children and their friends grow and mature. It has been remarkable to watch them evolve into responsible, mature, gregarious young people and that would not have been possible if parents weren’t given the opportunity to volunteer at the school in so many meaningful ways.

Chantal Goodmanson Landon (Grade 9) and McKenna (Grade 7)

Lori Volunteering for Southridge is a way of life for me. My first volunteer experience at the school was at the Welcome Back Picnic in 1998. As the picnic was winding down and the organizers were cleaning up, my husband Gordie and I just jumped in. We started breaking down and carrying in the tables. Before this time, we didn’t know a single person at the school, but during clean up, we started chatting with different parents and several parents introduced themselves to us, realizing we were brand new to the school. We learned right away that working together was such a bonding experience and made us feel ‘at home’. We never looked back. Co-chairing the Fair for three years was the best experience ever. I met so many parents, made so many friends and really learned what this community was all about. Being so involved in the school set such a great example for our girls too. They have both continued with service in their lives and will set the same example for their kids someday. Even though we have been alumni parents for many years now, we are still very connected to the school. I can’t imagine my life without Southridge as part of it. The friends we made all those years ago are still our friends even though all of our kids are grown and gone. Our girls hold such a special place in their hearts for this school. I really believe that was made so much stronger because of the family commitment. The school was a central focus for all of us for years. The greatest part about that is that we got so much more back than we ever gave. We will always be grateful to Southridge.

Lori Dams Rebecca (Grad 05) and Halee (Grad 09)

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Country Fair Volunteers

For more information about Southridge School, please contact us at:

T. 604.535.5056 F. 604.535.3676

WWW.SOUTHRIDGE.BC.CA | 2656 160 ST., SURREY, BC | 604.535.5056

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Editor Dorothy Podmore Design Steve Culley, mgdc culleycreative Thanks Contributors Photos Various Send us your news at alumninews@southridge.bc.ca Please contact lboudot@southridge.bc.ca with your address.