After 25 years at Southridge, retiring teacher Myrna Breese leaves behind more than lessons and curriculum plans - she leaves a legacy of compassion, dedication, adventure, and countless meaningful connections with students and colleagues.
When Madame Breese first joined Southridge, it was not part of a long-term plan. “I came here on a whim,” she recalls with a laugh. “I was in a Quesnel coffee shop and saw the ad and thought it might be fun!”
What began as an unexpected opportunity quickly became something much deeper. “Southridge means so much to me,” she says. “When I arrived, I was facing some significant challenges personally. Southridge was there for me just like family. Even after my breast cancer diagnosis, this community was here for me. Southridge has been my home.”
Over the past two and a half decades, Madame Breese has taught generations of students, watched the school grow, and immersed herself in every aspect of school life. While students today may be more digital than those she taught years ago, some things, she says, remain unchanged. “They are still creative and eager to learn.”
For Madame Breese, the greatest reward has always been seeing students grow. “Every June I feel so encouraged after seeing how far all my students have come,” she says. “It’s like hitting that sweet golf shot - it keeps you coming back.” She adds that the energy and enthusiasm students bring every day is something she knows she will miss.
Throughout her years at Southridge, Madame Breese embraced opportunities far beyond the classroom. Her involvement in co-curriculars and student experiences is extensive: service clubs, track and field, cross country, basketball, soccer, Reach for the Top, DELF, triathlon club, and more. “I can’t even begin to name all the co-curriculars I’ve been involved in,” she says.
Travel experiences became some of her most cherished memories. From Switzerland and Kenya to Quebec and Guadeloupe, these experiences created lasting moments both for her and for students. “It is so cool to see students explore new places,” she says. “I’ve always been so proud of their behaviour when out in public [representing Southridge].”
Closer to home, annual traditions also left their mark — including the large Junior School Carnaval she helped lead for many years alongside colleague Anne Boyle.
Reflecting on her own teaching journey, Madame Breese notes how much she evolved over the years. “I started off being quite a strict teacher with more black-and-white thinking,” she says. “Over time, especially after having children, I became more compassionate, understanding, and flexible.”
Her experience as both an educator and parent helped shape her perspective and deepen her understanding of students and their experiences beyond the classroom. As she prepares for retirement, Madame Breese looks forward to something she has spent much of her life giving to others: time. “Unstructured time and just time in general,” she says. “I’ve loved teaching here and will miss the staff and students, but this will be my time to explore activities that I’ve put aside.”
Her vision for this next chapter includes skiing, yoga, spin classes, travel, reading, drawing, learning guitar, volunteering, and spending more time with family and friends.
A perfect day? “Drop Janica at school, hit the gym or go cross-country skiing, coffee with friends, walk the dogs, cook a homemade meal, read my book. Repeat!”
When asked what advice she would give a new Southridge teacher, her answer reflects the gratitude she carries after 25 years. “Be grateful. This is an amazing place with amazing people. Go on trips. Get involved.”
And if there is one phrase students have likely heard from Madame Breese hundreds of times over the years, it captures both her philosophy and her perseverance - “Never give up. Never.”
When asked how she hopes students would describe her in three words, she reflects: kind, compassionate, and loyal. After 25 years of service, there is little doubt that generations of Southridge students and colleagues would say the same.
Thank you, Madame Breese, for the impact, care, and commitment you have brought to Southridge over the past 25 years.