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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-07-08, Page 3After teaching in this area for 36 years, Marg Rogerson retired from Clinton Public School this year. During a surprise party held for the retiring teacher at the school by the mothers of her students, Mrs. Rogerson was presented with a Royal Doulton figurine by her final Grade 1 class. ( Vito Stecca photo) CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1987—Page 3 Marg Rogerson retires after 36 of teaching elementary school years CLINTON - After teaching for 36 years, Marg Rogerson has retired from Clinton Public School so that a younger teacher might have the opportunity to work in the field. Mrs. Rogerson, who began teaching in 1951, stated that she decided to retire because, "I felt there were other people, younger people, waiting to get into the field. I thought it would be selfish to stay on." She received her own elementary and secondary education in Seaforth. After graduating from high school it was on to the Stratford Normal School, or Stratford Teachers' College, as it is now known. Following her graduation from the college Mrs. Rogerson began her first teaching assignment i:t SS No. 3 Tuckersmith, a one room school house. Although she was teaching Grades 1 through 8 in a single classroom of around 42 students, she still en- joyed the work. "It was just like one big happy family, everybody would help each other," she explained. During her time there she spent many hours at night preparing lessons and mark- ing papers because there was no time at school to do these duties. "I had no break with all of the children; you are on your own with eight grades. It was extremely busy, I would just iiimp from one class to another, I was on the move con- stantly," she explained. The pace slowed down a bit when, after seven years at the Tuckersmith school, Mrs. Rogerson moved on to the Hugh Campbell School at the Royal Canadian Air Force base in Clinton. At the base she taught Grade 1 to the children of the people stationed there. Because the students were always moving around to different bases, they proved to be interesting pupils. She stated, "I found the children at the base to be most interesting. They carne from all differnt areas, they had a wide knowledge of the country, and they made friends quickly." With the closing of the base in 1971, Mrs. Rogerson found herself searching for another job. By the end of her final year at Hugh Campbell the number of students in her class had dropped to eight as all of the families were moving on. After 13 years at the base, she was out of work for a very brief time before being hired for the next school year at Clinton Public School. "I've taught Grade 2 there, Grade 1 and about 12 years of kindergarten. This last year I taught Grade 1," Mrs. Rogerson ex- plained, addifig that when she moved up to Grade 1 for her final year, she took her kinderuarten Class un with her. "I knew them, they knew me, and we didn't have to make new acquaintances." Over the years she has seen changes in the educational system, but the biggest change has been in the students themselves. "I think when the children come to school they are more knowledgeable because of television and video. A teacher has to make up a variety of interesting activities to hold their interest, they now have to get something really exciting for the enjoyment of the children, there is no doubt about it." As to her retirement plans, Mrs. Rogerson said she will take care of her husband, and do some knitting and sewing, which she en- joys, but never had time for before. In the future, some travel may also come into the picture. "Whatever comes along, that will be it," she said. When asked what special event she remembers most about her career, or what she will miss most, Mrs. Rogerson couldn't come up With one single answer. When pressed she noted that the little children coming in with love notes is a very fond memory. "They look up at you with their sweet little eyes and say 'I love you', they were always coming up with something," she said, but concluded, "There are so many things." Summing up her years and experiences of teaching At the Huron County Board of Education retirement reception, and later at a school retirement tea, Marg Rogerson reflected on her 36 years in the teaching profession with the following poem. Back in the year '51 Is when my teaching career begun. Good old Tuckersmith No. 3 Is the place where I chose to be. Guess who had left that school Before I was the one to rule? "Director Bob" had left Grade 8 I wish I had some tales to relate About his public school days I'm sure it would make your eyebrows raise. From the school house I kept an eye As he caught the bus for Seaforty High. Thi- wind would ruffle his brown hair But now that head seems rather hare. Grades 1 to 8 and up to 42 There was indeed so much to do. No prep time, no spares at all The busy teacher was in charge of it all. Parties, dances, Christmas Concerts too, Ball games, field trips just to mention a few. The older children helped a lot They gave assistance to many a little tot. Buddies really started away back when'.' Has education changed much since then? So after 7 busy, but delightful years And amid many, many tears On to Clinton Air Force Base A/M Hugh Campbell was the place. Grade 1 was what I had to teach Believe me, it was sure a treat. Pupils came from everywhere And always had so much to share. Principals' Trott and Harland were just great And only once did Garnet create A little turmoil around the school When he forgot the school's rule. At A.M. recess he started for home Only to realize it was not time to roam; A little embarrassed he headed back with a smile To discover some staff had been watching all the while. The teaching staff was super too We were just one big happy crew. The base closed in '71, That created quite a hum. 'Where do we go, there's teachers galore? I guess I won't be teaching any more." One Saturday, I'll never forget, The principals of the couIy met To hire a few teachers for the fall, Boy, what a crowd lined the halls. At good old Clinton Public School To try their luck in this big pool. An interview I had with Principal Bert Gray And this is what he had to say. Any court house buyers? • from page 1 pointed out that seeking information was the committee's only intention. "We are just interested in finding out if the pro- vince is interested," Mr. Hanly said. "If they are not, then we have nothing further to investigate." Hay Township Reeve Lionel Wilder plac- ed strong emphasis on his opinion that the county should not be getting itself involved in such an issue at this time. "It's the county's building and not the courts," Mr. Wilder said. "And, if thev'are not happy with the accommodations. then let them find or build their own. With the county now faced with its museum and Huronview projects, he add- ed, "as Far as I'm concerned this is the wrong time to be thinking about building a new Huron County Court House." Mr. Wilder's suggestion to refer the issue hack to the committee for further consideration was adopted quickly by council. Thursday - Friday - Saturday, July 9 - 10 - 11 Boneless Chicken Breasts 4.19 Chicken Chops........ 1• 59 2Boneless Skinless Cl�iticin Lead • 49 THE POULTRY PLACE 8 KING STREET, CLINTON OPEN: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.. 8 p.m.: Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. "Go home and bake your pies," said Bert. Boy, oh boy, that really hurt! Very depressed, I went home all right And then the phone rang later that night. You're hired for Grade 2 rang in my ears, That sure was good news to hear. Bert was great, one can't deny, He sure was one great guy. After Bert retired, then came Al And things continued on quite well. Colourful clothing he always wore I'm sure he could start a clothing store. He particularly liked lemon oil. But a lovely jacket he did soil. With lemon oil Mr. Don shone his desk And thought he had done his very best. Now Ron McKay puts up with me And he's super to hear the little ones read. "May we read to Mr. McKay today?" Is what I hear my little ones say. ..Then down to the office they go with delight They think their Principal is just all right. After 36 years with many little tots I sure have learned a "heck of a lot". About Mom and Dad, Granny and Gramp Aunt and Uncle and even the Old Tom Cat. I haven't regretted a. single year I have many memories that I'll hold dear. Things haven't always been the best Sometimes children put you to the test. But when a little child looks up at you With the wide eyes and says "I love you!" No finer reward could one receive After 36 years when it's time to leave. CLINTON FARM MARKET WEEKEND SPECIALS ONTARIO SWEET CHERRIES 4 LITRE BASKET 1/ e QUART .7.99 BASKET - Fresh Picked ONTARIO BLUEBERRIES PINT 6 QUART BASKET 1.69 17.99 PINT Fresh Picked ONTARIO RASPBERRIES 1.69 ^6 nk 3�aae�1 r.e.n ONTARIO SWEET CORN Fresh ONTARIO FIELD TOMATOES in 4 Titre Baskets Fresh from the Tropics GOLDEN YELLOW BANANAS Ib. .29 Produce Ontario GREEN OR YELLOW BEANS 9 9 Ib. You'll enjoy the convenience of our newly expanded produce showroom. Produce Ontario MINI CARROTS .196. Special price in effect 'til closing time Sat.. July 11 soot oft #1* Ivt .41k,�14 o 4se9 to*.4, 0 %crilot‘i' 1'4'446%itt$ r vi 0 6i P 212 Victoria St. (Hwy. 4 South Clinton OPEN 'i 7 DAYSA WEEK 9 AM - 9' PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS 9 AM, - 6 PM. 1