By Jennifer Brun, Blueridge Community News, November 2024
I recall mornings spent playing in our family room, waiting for the first bell of the day to ring out before donning my backpack and running out the back door with my brothers. Living on the edge of the forest at the back of Blueridge Elementary certainly has its perks. Not only could I enjoy my mornings at a leisurely pace, I also returned home for lunch each day. My grandmother came over once a week and brought freshly baked white bread, honey ham from the deli shaved that morning, and three doughnuts - one chocolate long john for me, one plain honey glazed for my older brother, and one jelly-filled for my younger brother. It was the same every time and when we walked through the door for lunch on the day Nana was there, the kitchen smelled of bread, doughnuts and spray starch from her carefully pressing each of my father's shirt collars and cuffs.
Growing up in the Blueridge community in the 80s and 90s was special. As a younger sibling, I was so excited to be able to start at Blueridge Elementary my kindergarten year. I already knew the school and many of the teachers. I was welcomed by the most incredible kindergarten teach, Mrs. Silverwood, and I cherished the time I spent with her. I still recall the layout of her classroom, the rice table that I loved so much, happy circle times and being so proud that I was able to attend school. In grade one I was fortunate enough to be placed in Ms. Sedola's lass. I adored her stirrup tights, blouses, and belts, and her fun and energetic teaching style. I always worked diligently on the enjoyable tasks she assigned. When Mrs. Denny started at Blueridge as our new music teacher, it was unanimous we had struck it lucky. Mrs. Denny was so passionate about music and the arts, it was contagious. She put countless hours of her own time outside of school hours into our exceptional music program. Suddenly we were having our holiday concerts at Centennial Theatre and I felt like a real star! And of course there was Mr. Stewart, the most kindhearted librarian who always wore a collared shirt and button cardigan. He taught us how to properly research topics and write coherent essays with paragraphs. I have wonderful memories and could go on and on, naming each teacher and administrator who inspired me to be my best - sending me on the trajectory that has landed me where I am today. The point, however, is that is is no surprise decades later my husband and I decided to return to Blueridge to raise our family here.
Upon returning to Bleridge just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we received a warm welcome from our neighbours and were quickly introduced to Eric Godot Andersen and the tremendous work of the Blueridge Community Association that he spearheads. Blueridge Cares and Blueridge Good Neighbour Day are two perfect examples of volunteer-led initiatives that further enhance our community, setting it apart from all others.
When our eldest child started in kindergarten at Blueridge Elementary last year, I as both hopeful and curious. Hopeful that my children would experience safe, happy and formative years at elementary school like I did, and curious to see whether Blueridge had somehow managed to retain its je ne sais quoi that makes it so special. I can truly say my hope was well-placed and my curiosity was quickly satiated. Under the strong and steady leadership of Bridgette Gerandol, Principal, and Courtney Johnstone, Vice Principal, Blueridge has incredible dedicated staff members who are united in their resolve to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for the personal and social development of our children. I feel the same fondness towards the administration, teachers, music teacher, librarian, and other allied professionals serving Blueridge today, as I do toward those from my childhood so many years ago. Further, the Blueridge Parent Advisory Council (BPAC) led by the current chair, Amanda Guest, is incredible active. BPAC hosts near-daily events for our children to enjoy, as well as numerous fundraising opportunities throughout each year, further enriching the Blueridge Elementary experience. I am grateful for the staff and volunteers that make Blueridge so exceptional.
In short, Blueridge is a unique and special place. We are all so fortunate to call it home.
