WE DO
by Ernie Lambert
Make a DIFFERENCE
Our industry is like no other. We do not manufacture widgets, nor do we generate a profit. Our end result is not always readily apparent. Some think it might be possible to determine our effectiveness by the number of students who successfully graduate at the end of the year, I'm not sure. Providing a support role to education through maintenance and operations often times we may wonder about our role in the education of students. Do we have an impact? Do we affect the learning outcomes of students? Well think of the school bus driver who meets the child every morning with a smile, the role model provided by the professional attitude of the maintenance worker, the dignity provided for the students to learn in a sanitary environment provided by the custodians. You might say that is all well and good to pat ourselves on the back for the wonderful job we do, but does anyone really notice? Well I have seen the most classic example that says they do. The graduating classes at Golden Secondary School, in Golden, B.C. traditionally have a keynote speaker at their ceremonies. They will invite local politicians, respected teachers
Ken Dang
or administrators or some other dignitary they feel have inspired them to meet the challenges in their life. In June 2004 the graduating class of Golden Secondary School invited Mr. Ken Dang to speak to them at their ceremony. Ken has worked as a day custodian at this school for some time. He has interacted with students, provided moral support, cheering, understanding and probably most important, respect. This in turn obviously earned the respect of the students so they wanted him to be part this special time in their life. Ken did not take this honour lightly. He spent countless hours of his own time preparing his thoughts and words to share with the students. Not only that, as Ken is also an artist outside of work he created a caricature of each of the graduating students. Personally I believe Ken has set the standard for all of us. We need to remember why we are here, and that we can have a significant impact of the lives of our students. To read Ken's speech and to view his drawings, log on to: http://www.sd6.bc.ca/gss/ and follow the links.
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The School Building Association
46 School Plant Officials Association of B.C.
