The Northwest Catholic District School Board recognized three retirees–including local couple Keith and Mariette McRae–at a dinner last Wednesday night at La Place Rendez-Vous.
After meeting through mutual friends Harold and Linda Huntley (nee Pennarun) back in the late ’60s, the two have been working together to become familiar faces in the local Catholic school system.
Keith McRae, who most recently taught grade three at St. Michael’s School, has been teaching for 34 years there, at St. Francis, and at the old St. Mary’s School where the Sister Kennedy Centre now stands.
“The best part of my career has been the people I work with. There’s been a nice group to work with–teachers, board members, custodians, and, of course, the students,” he noted.
His wife, Mariette, who has been principal at St. Francis for the past eight years, has been working in all three schools since 1969.
“I’ve had lots of opportunities and positive experiences while working within the system, and to work within it is wonderful,” she said.
“Good kids have got to be the best [part of it]. They’re what makes it all worthwhile,” she added.
And what are they planning to do now that they’re retired as of the end of this month?
“I’ve got all sorts of hobbies and projects,” Mariette McRae remarked. “But after all these years, I think I’ll give something back, stay involved.
“There’s a number of things I’ve been contemplating. I’ve been involved 32 years– can’t stop now.”
Her husband might be staying active in a different way.
“There’s a lot of things I want to do. Some recreational sports–golfing, boating, fishing, cross-country skiing, the list goes on,” he noted.
“Plus, we’ll be doing a lot of travelling visiting the kids who are all over,” he added, referring to their daughter, Christie, and two sons, Neil and Brad.
“I’m always pleased to honour members of the board,” remarked Education Director Carol-Lynne Oldale, who was on hand to congratulate the retirees along with several trustees.
“And with nearly 70 years between them, they’ll be sorely missed,” she added.
Keith McRae was last honoured by the board for 30 years of service back in 1997 while Mariette was recognized for 25 years of service in 1998.
A third retiree–teacher Dennis McParland of St. Joseph’s School in Dryden–was absent with regrets. He has been with the Dryden-half of the amalgamated board since 1969.
McParland already had been recognized at a school-level ceremony at St. Joseph’s.
All three retirees were presented with watches bearing the Northwest Catholic District School Board logo.
Fort Frances Times
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