Thank you, Miss St. John
By Kate Winquist
One of my favourite parts of my job since returning to West Central Saskatchewan four years ago is reacquainting myself with familiar names from the past.
Earlier this week, I received a form submission through our website: "Hi Kate, I'm Alexis from Regina. I'd like to place a Memoriam (Eston area) for my Dad, who passed ten years ago." Of course, I responded with information on how to submit, make payments, etc. Alexis returned my message with a photo of her Dad and a write-up to go with it. It was signed, Alexis (St. John) Antony. Right then, I had a lightbulb moment! Could this be the same Alexis St. John who taught me at Westberry School in Grade 7 in 1981? Curiosity got the better of me, and I came out and asked. "Yes, that is me!" was the reply.
Immediately, I felt the need to apologize for my 13-year-old self. Grade 7 was a challenging year with hormones and peer pressure, and now that I've raised three children of my own, I can certainly appreciate what middle school teachers must go through. I realize that I didn't need to apologize, but in my heart, I felt it was the right thing to do. What I did not expect was the reply I received, which totally made my week.
"Katie! You do not owe me an apology. If you have figured out in life, we all do the best we can and that your 13-year-old self was a tough year, you forgive yourself! Those lessons taught you how to be a great adult, get married (Congrats!), and survive three sets of 'teen' years with your family.
I have worked with adults at SGI that would outdo bad 13-year-old behaviour, believe me! I am a teacher at heart and just want everyone to get over the finish line to live their best life. I hope you are living your best life. I have memories of grade 6/7 in Kindersley, and all is well with those memories! I kept in touch with Miss Karen Martens until shortly after 2007. She is high up in the Mennonite Church in Winnipeg the last I heard.
It is so nice to hear from you and I am sending a virtual hug!
Thanks for getting a proof and quote ready for me on my dad's memorial. Much appreciated.
Talk soon.
~ Alexis
I got Alexis her ad proof, and she called to pay, and we had a nice chat. It got me reminiscing about that final year at Westberry School, and I even managed to dig out my class photo. It's been a long time, but I remember everyone in the picture!
WESTBERRY SCHOOL GRADE 7 (1981-1982) Back Row (L-R): Corie Bull, Rob Faichuk, Tracy Derr, Kathy Auger, Carmen Nokleby, Katie Drummond, Kevin Zemlak. Middle Row (L-R): Bruce Kowitch, Lamonte Williams, So Ling Mah, Teresa O'Krane, April Smith, Janet Hyatt, Julie Kosteniuk, Doug Strachan, Bruce Penner, Miss Alexis St. John. Front Row (L-R): Sam Istace, Harold Lea, Trevais Mellum, Bonnie Geddes, Janice Walde, Danora Weber, Cherie Rousson, Tim Lauder, Rob Curle, Bryan Maclennan.
