Goodbye, Breakers...

Hmmmm....  This is tougher than I thought and I am not entirely sure what to say...

 

For the past 9 years (6 as a Vice-Principal and the last 3 as Principal), I have had the distinct pleasure of working at J.N. Burnett Secondary School in Richmond, BC.  I consider myself very fortunate to have worked at this school.  The time spent here has been the most professionally rewarding of my career because I have learned and grown so much and developed important relationships with many students, staff and parents.  Each of you have helped, challenged and supported me, and I am forever grateful and hope that I was able to do the same for you.  I am sad to be leaving behind the many great people (staff and students alike) and close friends I have made at the school and in the community.  I will treasure the memories and relationships formed here for years to come and I can't thank you enough.

I would also like to say farewell and thank you to some staff who are also leaving Burnett.  Mr. Whittingham, Mrs. Kusec, Ms. Johal and Mr. Ghaug are all long-time Burnett staff members who will be moving on to other assignments in the fall, and I would like to wish them good luck and thank them for all they have done to help the students of our school.  You have had an indelible impact on many lives and you will be dearly missed.

 

I am, however, eagerly anticipating my move across the island to Matthew McNair Secondary School.  Change is never easy, but to quote Jim Rohn, "Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by CHANGE".  This is a new opportunity in a different community with much to learn and experience.  These growth opportunities do not happen without some pain and longing for familiar faces and routines, but I welcome the challenges to continue learning, and encourage you to face the changes in your life the same way.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge incoming Principal, Mr. Bert Wiens, who comes to Burnett after four years as Principal of Cambie Secondary.  I would like to wish Mr. Wiens every success as a Breaker!

 

Have a great summer!  You have earned a restful, relaxing and fun-filled time with your friends and family.  Please know that I will miss each of you.

 

It has been an honour working with you.  Best wishes for a safe summer and hopefully, a smooth start-up in September.

 

Jason Leslie