Tag Archives: retirement

General, OASBO

OASBO Triple Tribute

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It was great to attend the final OASBO ICT meeting of the 15/16 school year yesterday.  It was my first meeting in quite some time and it was great to feel the friendship, passion, and energy in the room – such a strong sense of team and professionalism.

To me though, this particular meeting seemed to be a marker in time as the close of this school year brings change.  Three members of the ICT family are retiring: Greg Elliott, Ron Plaizier and  Wayne Toms.

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 11.46.45 PMGreg                                       Ron                                Wayne

These IT leaders are exemplary professionals who have provided leadership, guidance, mentoring, visioning, problem solving and openly learned while forging a strong and vibrant ICT family in the Ontario K-12 education space.

Congratulations to all of you.  I wish you a long and happy retirement. Please don’t stray too far from our IT/ICT family!!!

~Mark
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reflection

Tribute to Marilyn Allen

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Today is one of those markers in time.  For the last 7 and a half years, I have had the pleasure of working with and reporting to Marilyn Allen,  Executive Superintendent of Business and Financial Services at the WRDSB.  As Marilyn winds up her final day and prepares for stepping into retirement, it seems appropriate to share a few comments.

baseball hat

Over the years, there have been many hats worn: mentor, coach, cheer leader, planner, organizer, advisor, team builder, strategist, problem solver and friend.  All hats were worn with purpose, integrity and thoughtfulness.

Mark&Marilyn

                    The #selfie

I have appreciated the qualities you emphasized in our going work: up front and open conversations no matter what the challenge or topic, pro-activeness, no surprises and clear language.  On a personal note, I loved that no matter what was going on, you ended every meeting with a resounding “go forth and do your best work“.

ducks in a row

Marilyn, you have been the champion of “awesome” and “keeping our ducks in a row“.  Thanks for being  a great mentor, open to new ideas and believing in me!!!

You have much to celebrate.  I wish you a long, happy and healthy retirement!

~Mark