This spring, Fort La Bosse School Division is bidding farewell to staff - 266 years of service in total which includes seven people who have worked for FLB for over 20 years.
At the Recognition Night held at Oak Lake June7, two special teachers, Howard Hole and Randy Kalynuk were present to receive their due.
Virden Collegiate Principal Mark Keown introduced Howard Hole as “a very interesting man” who could talk to anyone in the many roles he played in Virden schools.
Keown said, “For myself, going over to the high school, not knowing how that world unfolded, Howard was a pretty good support for me.”
Howard Hole
“Teaching WAS NEVER on my career list.”
In his address, Hole revealed that he was an unlikely candidate for school teacher. “Teaching WAS NEVER on my career list. I really did not care for teachers.”
He didn’t like school.
“Teachers would comment that I was a ‘busy boy’… which is why my mother would bury her nails into my thigh during church…(laughter); therefore, I struggled.”
He credits Andy Murray for reaching out to him in a life-changing conversation one night after a hockey game in Moose Jaw, to encourage him to attend University and play hockey.
Hole graduated from BU and in 2010 he was recognized for his strong contribution in teaching, receiving the 2010 Distinguished Teacher Award sponsored by Brandon University.
Hole could see through the eyes of the student he used to be.
He said, “Throughout my career, I found myself wanting to spend time with students who struggled. I found these students to be interesting. They had much to say. And wrote with their hearts as their worlds were often confusing and complex.
“Writing that may be in the form of a song lyric, rap or a poem, or any genre that made them feel connected. In time they became good writers and they became better students. I learned to understand.”
Hole started teaching at Virden Junior High in 1986 and eight years later moved to Grand Forks, B.C. for a year, but returned to VJH to teach before moving over to VCI.
Hole has taught Gr. 7 science, been a guidance counsellor, taught senior English and for the last seven years he taught home economics, foods and nutrition.
Fruit of his labour
“I’ve instructed many young people who have gone on to benefit our society,” he said, indicating a sense of accomplishment from the many students he has encountered outside the school.
“They explain how their lives were changed during their years as a student… and how they enjoyed their time in my class. This is why teaching is one of the most rewarding careers in the world.”
Leaving on high note
Hole says this has been one of his best teaching years ever.
“I’ve truly enjoyed this year, connecting with students.”
He coached JV boys volleyball after taking a four-year hiatus.
“Sure enough, we win the Zone 9 Championship in five sets, over my alma mater.”
After 32 years in teaching, he took this win as a sign that it was time to step away from teaching and move on to other adventures.
“I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie and collaboration, and the learning from colleagues.”
Randy Kalynuk to retire after 35 years
Nahachewsky
Retiring gym teacher Randy Kalynuk was roasted with stories related by Virden Junior High Principal Don Nahachewsky, with whom he has worked since 1994.
A strong athlete from Angusville, Kalynuk’s love for hockey led him to Brandon University where he played for coach Andy Murray.
Before his first teaching job at Waywayseecappo First Nation, Kalynuk subbed at Elkhorn School and VJH, foreshadowing his career with Fort La Bosse.
Then Kalynuk accepted the phys-ed teaching position at VJH.
He was vice principal for five years, acting administrator for several years, worked for the Department of Education developing the phys-ed curriculum; and he taught in Melbourne, Australia for a year through a teacher exchange program.
He took leadership in another area.
“Terry Fox is near and dear to Randy’s heart,” said Nahachewsky. “He organizes the run every year and raises thousands of dollars for cancer research. He has shaved his head, he has dyed his hair and has even taken a pie in the face that almost broke his nose.”
‘Mr. Naha’ told of the time Kalynuk’s favoured Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup - an occasion to run the Bruins flag up the school flagpole.
“He has had a terrific career.”
“You know where you stand with Randy. He is honest and straight forward. He also believes that the best defense is a good offence. We sometimes disagree on some things, but we always respect each other at the end,” said the principal, thanking Kalynuk for his help through the years.
Kalynuk has been involved in hockey all his life, as an Oil King, a minor or senior hockey official, a skate sharpener and has met many people through hockey.
VJH’s outdoor rink was under his care.
“Many mornings I would be coming to school early and it would be dark. As I walked from the parking lot to the school, there would be Randy on the tractor getting the outdoor rink ready for the kids that day – 25 below and he would have a smile on his face and always a friendly wave.”
Kalynuk responds
Kalynuk thanked his first principal, Rick Plaisier, for offering him the position at Virden Junior High.
“The second principal I worked for was Mr. Routledge, a big thank you, a true friend and man of reason.
“Thank you to the energizer bunny… Mark Keown (laughter). Mark had a heart of gold. And his students’ success was where his heart was.
“Mr. Mike Thiessen… probably the kindest principal and co-worker you will ever meet. His support to students and staff was outstanding.
“Finally, to Don Naha, our current principal. Don and myself have been co-teachers for 20 years. He’s been fantastic, like Mark and Mike, Don has a heart of gold for his students and staff.”
Kalynuk treasures his ongoing relationship with the community.
“It’s been very rewarding being a teacher for 35 years with Fort La Bosse, being able to work with students and see them grow up to be fine contributing citizens.”
He finished his impassioned speech saying, “Thank you to my wife, Leanne, for your support throughout my career.”
