They said the very first blog post of the year should not be depressing. It’s a good rule to follow, but one I decided to break anyway. And while this might seem like a downer of a way to start, this post is going to get inspirational, I promise. So, stick with me. First, allow [...]
Camping is a big part of our family’s yearly vacations. We’ve been camping consistently for years, and we always make at least one camping trip to Okanagan Lake every summer. Nothing beats the dry Okanagan heat and camping right on the lake! If you have any experience camping in the Okanagan during the summer, you [...]
“Are you our math teacher!?” Surprise! There were a few surprised faces on the first day of school in our math class. The past four years of my principalship have been marked with many highs and lows. The lows started to take their toll on me, and last spring I decided to re-enter the classroom [...]
“What would you do during a two-and-a-half-hour block that combined both math and drama classes?” How would you answer this question? Honestly, I don’t remember how I answered, when it was asked during my ACS interview many moons ago. But I was offered the job, so I must have done okay and began my teaching [...]
Every Friday morning, a dedicated group of parents gathers to pray for our students, staff, and school community (8:15 - 9:15 am in room 228 at the secondary campus). I have had the privilege of praying alongside them a few times. Recently we talked a lot about the many challenges faced by students, families, and [...]
The age-old question: “How was your spring break?” I’ve decided to go with the “It was a nice change of pace” response. Suzanne and I contemplated a trip to warmer places but decided to be responsible adults and save money. We are looking to buy a “new- to-me” truck in the future. It was a sound [...]
I had the “unfortunate” opportunity to join an illustrious club this summer. A special shout out to the senior members out there! I joined the “blow- your-trailer-tire-club.” My family and I were making the annual trek out to Bear Creek Provincial Park up the Coquihalla highway with our tent trailer and 2006 Nissan Quest minivan. [...]
Recently I underwent day surgery and spent a week recovering at home. Given the nature of my recovery I knew I had to be very intentional about taking time away from work so that I could physically recover and be ready to go the following week. I prepped the staff, set up an email autoreply, [...]
This has been a difficult start to the school year (I know…what a great first blog post, Mike…but I was told vulnerability is okay). For many of us the last 18 months have been hard. There have been times when I’ve wondered if I’m the right person ACS needs during this challenging pandemic. Last year [...]
My interactions with John Atsma, site superintendent for Fricia Construction, are usually two-fold: sometimes he stops by my office, or I give him a call. However, our conversations are rarely dull. Here are a few examples: “John, did you guys turn the water off? None of the taps work in the school.” “Mike, we need [...]
