Advice for Graduates?

June 25, 2025.Reading time less than 1 minute.

I’m trying to think of words of wisdom to impart to our eldest granddaughter as she graduates from Grade 8. Since high school was not a good experience for me, I’m finding it difficult to be encouraging. Here’s what I’ve come up with: – Get involved. Find something that interests you and join in. Yep. […]

Missed Opportunity?

June 18, 2025.Reading time 1 minute.

“Are the children being taught Canadian curriculum or Ukrainian?” Did I detect a tone of disapproval? I was speaking at a Women’s Institute regarding the Ukrainian School we have set up in town. I explained that the children all attend Canadian school during the week, and this is an extra-curricular program which occurs on Sunday […]

Build It and They will Come

December 18, 2024.Reading time 1 minute.

Our third Ukrainian/Canadian Christmas will take place this Sunday. Two hundred and forty guests have signed up. It’s just amazing how much our community has grown, not just in numbers, but as a whole. My role as an ambassador – helping Ukrainians get started in Canada – has morphed into a support role. Our latest […]

What Children Have Taught Me

January 3, 2024.Reading time 2 minutes.

When I was a teacher, I created a mailbox for each of my students on the bulletin board. It consisted of an envelope, decorated by each child, posted to the board. It was strictly for communication between the individual student and myself. As I taught high school, many of my colleagues doubted the efficacy of such an effort. They […]

The Coach Learns a Lesson (excerpt)

May 31, 2023.Reading time less than 1 minute.

We All Play a Role

February 16, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

February is Black History Month.

Take It In

February 11, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Robert Stephens, 26, Kansas City, MO “It was the last day of school, and I was walking with my dad, preparing to leave. Suddenly, he paused, looked at me intently and said, “Son, you’re a black male, and that’s two strikes against you.” To the general public, anything that I did would be perceived as malicious and […]

Niceness Doesn’t Negate Racism

February 10, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Courage

February 5, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

As a white woman, waking up to the implications of her privileged existence, I marvel at the courage of those like Rosa Parks who stand up for what they know to be right and good. I pray for the courage to step beyond the limitations of my own prejudices that I may become an empowering […]

The Coach Learns a Lesson

May 29, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

“Whatever you do, we have to beat this team!” Eight eager heads nod, mouth consent. We all hate this coach. Two of my girls are injured but have come along to support their teammates. Our center, a tall blonde, new to basketball waits for the ball drop. She easily catches the ball and dribbles towards […]