Letter from Bernie Finnerty

Dear Parents, Community Partners and Carlington Friends

June 1, 2001

It has been my pleasure to have been Principal of W.E. Gowling Public School since 1995. I have had a wonderful experience working within this multicultural community and meeting so many interesting and friendly people. Having completed 6 years at W.E. Gowling, it is now time for me to move on. Next school year I will become principal of Hopewell Avenue Public School in Ottawa South Community.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the School Councils that I have worked with and especially chairpersons Greg Clunis, Olly Green, Darlene Smiley, Janet Campbell, Janet Donovan and Jayne Ditz-Mathewson. Each has brought a special flavor to our school council and has been so friendly and supportive to me in my administration of the school.

I must also congratulate my fine staff. I can't thank them enough for their solid support of my leadership and their dedication to our students. They believe that schools must be warm and welcoming places for our students and their families and they strive their best to achieve this. They have worked so hard to implement the new provincial curriculum and have been extremely successful in improving student achievement.

I have also been amazed at how this community comes together to help each other. I have had tremendous support from the fine people at the Carlington Community and Health Services. They have been a true partner with our school, focussing on the welfare of our students and their families. I thank them sincerely.

I will keep my eye on W.E. Gowling School and will remember it fondly. I will miss the children and I wish them success in their futures. I'm sure our paths will cross again.

Sincerely,