ANTIGONISH: With heartfelt tributes and warm wishes, the Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE) honoured 31 retiring staff members during its annual Celebrating Service Retirement Banquet held Friday, May 23, 2025.
The event recognized educators, support staff, administrators, and bus drivers who have dedicated decades of service to students, families, and communities across the Strait Region. From classrooms to cafeterias, from janitorial teams to the virtual school network, this year’s retirees have helped shape generations of learners.
“These individuals are more than just employees – they’ve been mentors, caregivers, and leaders in our schools,” Regional Executive Director of Education Paul Landry said. “The impact they’ve had on our students’ lives will be felt for many years to come. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to public education.”
Among those celebrated were long-serving teachers like Rose Aucoin and Bonnie Jean Fraser from Antigonish Education Centre, and Vince Jessome, a school counsellor at Inverness Education Centre/Academy. Also recognized were the contributions of staff in diverse roles including janitors, bus drivers, human resources, and IT – all of whom ensured schools ran smoothly and students were supported in every aspect of their education.
“Students still rely on the wisdom and guidance of caring adults,” Landry added. “And our retirees have been exactly that – steady, supportive, and inspiring figures in our students’ journeys.”
The banquet offered a moment of reflection and appreciation, with colleagues, families, and school board members sharing stories and memories that captured the spirit of service and dedication these individuals brought to their roles.
As these retirees close the chapter on their careers in education, the SRCE wishes them well in the next phase of their lives. “May good health and happiness be yours in retirement,” Landry said. “You will be missed, but never forgotten.”
As the school year winds down, the legacy of these individuals will continue through the students, colleagues, and communities they’ve helped shape.
2025 SRCE Retirees
Teachers: Rose Aucoin, Denise Bekkers, Ann Marie Chisholm, Bonnie Jean Fraser, Cathy Lombardo, Karen Lundrigan, Brenda MacDonald, Carolyn MacDonald, Mary Beth McCarron, Joyce Morrison, Jackie Rankin
Teacher Assistants: Yvonne Dorton, Mary Grace
School Counsellors: Vince Jessome, Marie Kennedy, John MacKinnon
Support & Administration: Janice Gough (HR), Janet Fraser (IT), Carolyn Webber (Pre-primary Lead)
Nova Scotia Virtual School: Tommy Chisholm, David MacFarlane
Bus Drivers: Carl Campbell, Lindsey Hart, Darlene Hodgson
Maintenance & Operations: Flo Delaney, Dave MacLellan, Jim Mills, Carmen Novak, Priscilla LeBlanc, Pauline MacDonald
Student Support: Lorraine Reddick