Teacher retires after four decades
"I have mixed feelings about leaving." said Linda Campbell, who graduated from teachers' college in 1966.
"I'll miss the kids. It'll be a reminder every Labour Day."
Kelly McTavish, also a kindergarten teacher, met Campbell in 1996 when McTavish was new to Wellesworth.
"We were kindergarten teachers together," said McTavish. "She was familiar with everyone and she helped me to get settled in. She was always such a joy to work with."
Campbell said she has taught at 10 or 11 schools in her career. She said she's seen a lot of changes to the system over the years,
"The academic expectations are higher now. Basic math and spelling (skills are expected)." she said.
Deon Cohen, 10, said he will never forget his time in Campbell's classroom when he was in kindergarten.
"I felt happy just by looking at her face because she is really happy."
Cohen said he remembers being approached by Campbell once, as he was playing by himself in her classroom.
"I was playing with a train and she asked if I wanted to be an engineer."
Cohen said although he did at one point, he now dreams of being a hockey player.
Campbell said she thinks kindergarten is a crucial time for student development.
"It's important that they get a good grounding. And it has to be play-oriented, children learn through play." Campbell said she will stay involved in the community, either by supply teaching or volunteering.
