Three Cheers for our Three Retirees! Joan Martin 15 Years of Service
Joan Martin. A storyteller, a passionate writer, a foodie, and a true Friend. As the Director of Communications for 15 years, Joan has been instrumental in telling the story of Brooklyn Friends School to our community and beyond. She oversaw the launch of our new website and rebranding of our school, managed school wide publications including our journals, calendars, newsletters, and informational pieces, and promoted countless student and colleague events. She has spent 43 years in schools and nonprofits advancing each organization through multichannel communications strategies and innovative marketing. What colleagues and families will miss most about Joan is her humor and ability to find laughter in even the most challenging of projects.
Jackie Condie 25 Years of Service
During her 25 years at Brooklyn Friends School, Jackie Condie has redesigned spaces, reimagined schedules, expanded teacher programs, created student affinity groups, and so much more. Under Jackie’s leadership, robust programs are now in place including the current Writing and Spelling Program, our Spanish Program, a Math/Science Day, and a major math curriculum overhaul. As Head of Lower School, she has made transformative contributions to programming, curricula, and infrastructure. But more importantly, Jackie will be remembered for her partnership, her commitment to families, students, and colleagues alike, and her deep love for education.
Janet Villas 28 Years of Service
In her 28 years at Brooklyn Friends School, Janet Villas has worn many hats. Among her many roles, Janet coached soccer, baseball, and basketball, taught science to middle and high school students, spearheaded our recycling program, and helped fundraise on behalf of our school. Janet has impacted the lives of generations of students and her legacy at Brooklyn Friends School is one of joy and celebration. One of the biggest footprints Janet
has had on the BFS Community is creating holiday traditions including our cherished Holiday Sings. Because of Janet and her love of singing, students and colleagues participate in a celebratory sing every year during the holiday season. She has lent her voice on numerous occasions to moving up ceremonies, videos, celebrations, and performances. While she is retiring after 40 years of teaching in classrooms, we know her spirit and love of teaching will live on at Brooklyn Friends School.
In Their Own Words... I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with an amazing, dedicated, and diverse group of colleagues. They represent the heart of the school and make everything possible. I am thankful to have known so many BFS students and families. My relationship to BFS has been very personal. I have most enjoyed engaging with people, helping them in any way that I can, and telling their unique stories as we continue to build a vibrant, thriving community. You are BFS. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.
Joan Martin
I have been blessed to work with dear, smart, and committed colleagues and families. What an honor it is to come together each year in the spirit of love and compassion as we seek to educate the hearts and minds of all community members. An adventure awaits! What I do know is that BFS has nourished my heart and soul and intellect in ways that I could have never imagined. The love and inspiration and deep learning that I have experienced in this community will sustain and ground me forever.
Jackie Condie
I have been at Brooklyn Friends School since 1992. In these 28 years, I have taught 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12th grade science, and coached soccer, basketball and softball. I have always taught 8th grade science and have cherished the traditions of the opening convocation, the holiday sing and the Cape Cod trip. I have been a teacher for almost 40 years. It has been a very satisfying choice. I appreciate everything Brooklyn Friends has given me and look forward to maintaining a good relationship with the institution and my many friends.
Janet Villas
Fall 2020 Brooklyn Friends School Journal 29
