Jeremy Wouda – Vice-Principal, Lord Aylmer Elementary
I have always believed in one simple truth: education is the key that opens the door to a successful life. My educational journey may be a bit different than most. I was born and raised in Ontario and was homeschooled until I was 16. When I first attended public school in Grade 11, I was blown away by the culture, the free exchange of ideas and the challenges to my own ways of thinking. I fell in love with education.
Now, 16 years into my career as an educator, I am more in love than ever. This vocation offers me the opportunity to work directly alongside of young people as they learn and grow, to be a teammate with their parents and family members and to support all learners as they realize that showing up in their own lives is the first step to success. As a young teacher, I hung a poster with a quotation often attributed to the poet William Butler Yeats on my wall, “Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire”. I love this quote, because it perfectly encapsulates what I believe I have the privilege of doing each day. Education is never perfect; it is often messy. But, when properly nurtured, much like a flame, it is the most powerful force for good the world has. I am incredibly appreciative to be able to serve as an educator for all the students I work with.
Beginning in 2010, I have worked in the Western Quebec School Board as an educator for four different schools in four communities. And, I have had the opportunity to do so as a high school teacher, high school vice-principal and now, as an elementary school vice-principal. I have gained experience working in a northern setting of Val-d’Or, the rural setting of Shawville, the urban setting of Hull, and now the suburban setting of my own town, Aylmer. As a parent of Lord Aylmer graduates, I know firsthand how great this school community is.
As I begin this new chapter in my professional life, I am very aware that the role I am stepping into carries a lot of weight. I have a lot to learn, but I am ready to do so. I value clear communication, efficiency, and hard work. I believe that showing up in your own life is the most important thing you can do to be successful. My goal as an educator is to help every student I interact with to realize their potential, to realize who they can become with hard work and showing up every day.
I am committed to working with all members of the Lord Aylmer community, and I promise to always do my very best for the students of Lord Aylmer.
I am always available for a conversation and can be reached at jwouda@wqsb.qc.ca.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Wouda
