In the spring of 1998, I answered a newspaper ad for a biology teacher at a new private school in South Surrey. I arrived at Southridge to find portables and construction workers everywhere. The offices appeared to be in a barn. At the end of my job interview, Head of School Alan Brown walked me along wooden planks and painted a picture of the school that was being built — a place where every spirit could soar. I was hooked.

That summer, the new Senior School was ready for occupation. The biology lab was full of boxes to be unpacked and set up. Little did I know that I was not just unpacking lab equipment but also setting up my place in a community that would play such a huge role in my life for the next 25-plus years.

I came to Southridge with ten years of experience teaching senior high school biology and I had the privilege of teaching biology to Southridge’s first graduating class. However, the younger students won over my heart, and I agreed to return the following year as a Grade 6 homeroom teacher. Every time I watch Rob Levy on TV, I am reminded of that crazy 1999-2000 school year when Mr. Stephens and I pushed our carts to teach each lesson in a different high school room!

In my third year at the school, I found myself setting up yet another science lab, as the new Junior School building opened—and my oldest son joined me as a Grade 2 student! Eventually, my youngest son, Jeffrey, would also attend Southridge. I have had the privilege of holding many roles at Southridge, including teacher, MYP Coordinator, coach, parent, and alumni parent.

While I can’t claim that my spirit soared each and every day, I am reminded that this is not what the school promises. The motto is "Let every spirit soar", and I tried to remember that this calls me to do what I can to make Southridge a place where each of us can contribute to building a school of opportunities.

And now, I am packing boxes instead of unpacking them. Someone else will unpack in a newly re-done science lab this fall. Thank you to everyone—both staff and volunteers—who work so hard to make this a special place.

Contributed by Mrs. Carol Beaulieu, Junior School Science and Grade 7 Homeroom Teacher