Daphne O’Sullivan A Truly Classic Teacher

Are you smarter than a 5th Grader?

It might be difficult if you are the parent of a student in Mrs. Daphne O'Sullivan's class!

Five years ago, I was asked to present to a group of school leaders in Hangzhou, China, located about 170 km southeast of Shanghai. The theme of the conference was “Creativity and Innovation in Education” and I was honoured to be able to take advantage of this special opportunity.

As I started to prepare for my presentation, I reviewed the latest and greatest here at Aberdeen Hall and in British Columbia. I reviewed our newest programs in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

As I was reviewing the creativity and innovation in our classrooms, I was reminded that much of our most creative lessons were anything but new. Tried, tested lessons in Greek Mythology, poetry, grammar, conjugating sentences into their proper subjects and predicates builds a tremendous foundation for the students’ understanding of English. And much of this learning was occurring in Ms. Daphne O’Sullivan’s classroom.

Mrs O'Sullivan's classic instruction in her English classes sets an incredible base for her students as they prepare for middle and high school.

“I have great passion for English; it’s one of the richest languages in the world. I also love Greek Mythology, not only from my own personal perspective, but also because my students are always absolutely fascinated by it. It has everything a student could want, including adventure, romance, suspense (and sometimes a little light-hearted gore thrown in as well). It is also an amazing etymological source, since so many of our words are derived from Greek Mythology: the Olympics, the Titanic, an odyssey, tantalizing, arachnids; the list is endless, and I’m sure it’s no accident that constellations, countless famous voyages, and even space travel - like the Apollo missions - are so often named after and inextricably bound up with it as well. ”

Mrs. D. O’Sullivan

In her 34-year teaching career, Mrs O’ has taught English, Spanish, French, Latin and Social Studies. Prior to coming to Canada in ‘78, she was heavily involved in the climbing and mountaineering world, travelling extensively across Europe, North and South America. She also taught for several years in England, where she was born and raised.

When we look into her lovely classroom on the first floor of the Merrifield Junior School, we consistently observe happy and engaged students. Her love of her subject matter resonates through the windows, and her students.

In addition to teaching progressive and classic content, Daphne creates a tremendous learning community where students are consistently on task and supporting one another. Her incredible connection with her students translates into a respectful and productive environment.

“Daphne has an incredible way of connecting with each student in her class, and igniting in them an excitement for learning! Her room is always full of laughter and rich storytelling - all children fondly remember their time in Grade 5 with the beloved Mrs O!"

Mrs. Casey Turnpenny Junior School Principal

Article by Chris Grieve Head of School