Rundle Academy December 2018
Fall Athletics come to an end Orientation Camps & Field Trips Kids Helping Kids & F&ST Alumni Spotlight Fine Arts Day Success Tech Integration
“We Move Mountains”


In the News!
A Message from our Principal Embracing a growth mindset and grit The opening fall of a new school year is always a time for change. This year, new students joined our community and settling into a new environment takes time. Returning students felt comfortable enough to take on new endeavours as some joined volleyball, football, golf and cross country running for the first time. Others auditioned for the play when they never had before and yet others became intrigued in clubs, wondering what the maker, music, art clubs, and TED had to offer. With all that is new at the beginning of a year, it is amazing to see our students seek out new experiences and opportunities for growth.
Mr. Burla
With every new turn, change is inevitable. There is change in your thoughts and ideas and curiosity as you venture into some unknown. There is change in your habits and feelings as you take on new routines and begin to enjoy different experiences. Hesitant feelings go hand in hand with uncertainty in the beginning and yet you transition toward understanding and eventually confidence as you accomplish your goals. We speak about grit often at school, and facing these changes with a curious mind is a wonderful approach to perseverance. All these emotions are real for students as the school year starts and it is encouragement from teachers, peers and parents that help you through the change. It is this growth mindset and your personal grit that allow you to face the challenge and give you the drive to understand all that you are learning. Like each of the students this fall, I can also relate to ‘new school year’ change; I have been curious in my learning, unfamiliar in new routines and excited at prospects in my new role as principal. So with almost three months of this school year under our belts, we all now move into the next three, hopefully a little more sure of our surroundings, happy with our accomplishments thus far, and excited to try something else new at Rundle Academy. Thank you for your positive mindset these first months of the 2018-2019 school year.
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Helping Children & Teens Overcome Test Anxiety Test anxiety is very common. In fact, most students experience test anxiety at some point in their years of study. This type of anxiety can have significant symptoms for some, including upset stomach, headache, loss of focus, fear, irritability, anger, and even depression. Researchers recommend providing students with tools and strategies that focus on both emotional skills and healthy physical habits. This may help students improve their ability to prepare for and perform on testing. It is important to help students identify their emotions and give them tools that will help them cope with feelings such as anxiety, self-doubt, anger or frustration. Also, healthy physical habits enable students to have enough energy for their brain to do its job of thinking for a sustained period of time. Ms. Staniloff
Here are a few tips from the Institute of HeartMath. Share these with your child ahead of time to better prepare them emotionally and physically for test taking: Tips for Students Practice the neutral tool: When you have uncomfortable feelings about whether you will do well on the test, practice the neutral tool. It’s important to catch negative mind loops that reinforce self-doubt or uncomfortable feelings. Every time you catch a negative thought repeating itself, stop the loop and practice going to neutral. Start by focusing on the area around your heart. This helps to take the focus off the mind loop. Then breathe deeply. Breathe as if your breath is flowing in and out through the centre of your chest. Breathe quietly and naturally, four-five seconds on the in-breath, and four-five seconds on the out-breath. While you’re breathing, try and find an attitude of calmness about the situation. Do this in the days leading up to the test, right before and during the test. Address the what-if questions: A lot of times before we have to do something like take a test, much of the anxiety we feel is a build-up from negative “what-if’” thoughts. What if I fail, what if I can’t remember anything, or what if I run out of time. Try writing a what-if question that is positive and can help you take the big deal out of the situation and begin to see things in a different way. Examples of these kinds of questions are, “What if I can remember more than I think I can?” “What if I can feel calmer than I think I can?” Think good thoughts: Science is showing that good feelings like appreciation can actually help your brain work better. When you feel nervous or anxious, try this. You can do it as many times as you need to or want to. Remember something that makes you feel good. Maybe it is your pet or how you felt when you got a big hug from your mom, or how you felt after a super fun day at the amusement park with your friends. After you remember how you felt, hold that feeling. Let yourself feel that feeling for 10-20 seconds or more. It’s important to let yourself really feel that good feeling all over again. Practice this tool right before the big test. Get enough sleep: Big tests require a lot of energy and stamina to be able to focus for several hours. Make sure you get at least eight-10 hours of sleep the night before the test. Have fun: Do something fun the night before to take your mind off the test, like see a movie, play a board game with your family or participate in a sports activity. That way your mind and emotions are more relaxed in the time leading up to the test. Eat a hearty breakfast: The brain needs a lot of energy to maintain focus on a big test for several hours. Eat a hearty and healthy breakfast, including complex carbohydrates and protein to make your energy last as long as possible. Foods such as eggs, cereal and whole-wheat toast help energize your brain to think more clearly and much longer compared with the fast-disappearing bolt of energy from drinking a soda pop or eating a cookie for breakfast. For a snack food, bring simple foods such as cheese and crackers or a burrito to sustain energy until lunch. Practicing these tools in advance of and during a test can help students limit test anxiety and perform even better on their school work. Please feel free to contact staniloff@rundle.ab.ca if you would like further information on supporting your child with test anxiety.
Senior High Orientation Camps
Rundle Academy students and teachers from grades 10 to 12 attended orientation camps in September. This opportunity to connect with peers and teachers outside of an academic setting, take risks and try something new, and reflect on the school year ahead has long been a pillar of what makes Rundle Academy unique. From canoeing and hiking, to slip n’ sliding and enjoying a campfire at night, our students experienced the best of orientation camp this year. Students are already looking forward to next year’s excursions!
Ms. Slipp
In the News! MOvember A number of your Rundle Academy teachers once again sported bushy lip accessories for the month of MOvember. Thanks to everyone who supported. It has been a great cause to rally around and demonstrate togetherness in our community.
Mr. Carr
Scholastic Book Fair The Scholastic Book Fair ran from November 6th until the 9th. This year, we organized donations towards the school library with students having the opportunity to help us build our libraries. There was also a separate “Book Donation” table, for those who preferred to provide a physical book, from a special, hand-picked selection. Your teachers also issued a challenge and a few of them in particular will be performing a special task. Since we raised $2500 in donations, Mr. Burla, Mr. Mellor and Mr. Carr have challenged each other to a lip-sync battle to be performed at an upcoming rally! Thank you for all of your support! Yours,
The Book Fair Team!
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In the News!
Terry Fox
In September, all students and staff participated in our annual Terry Fox Run. The event started off with a whole school assembly and finished with a community run/walk. This event brings awareness to cancer and cancer research and joins our community in a spirit of togetherness. Thank you to all who brought in a toonie for Terry. We look forward to next year! -Terry Fox Committee Ms. Briggs
Ms. Carnovale
F&ST & Kids Helping Kids   Kids Helping Kids Planning Meeting: This year the Kids Helping Kids group kicked off the year by spending some time collaborating and coming up with a plan for the year. Members brainstormed groups and charities to support and ideas for spreading awareness and kindness throughout our community. All in all it was an amazing opportunity for this group and they look forward to having an amazing year! Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids: In October and November, junior and senior high students volunteered their time preparing snacks and lunch items for many Calgary students in-need. In total the group helped feed almost 1000 students. Way to go, Kids Helping Kids! Mrs. Weddell
Many of our kind and giving students have been attending Sacred Heart School on Wednesday evenings as volunteers for our F&ST (Families and Schools Together) Program. This program has been connecting families with their schools and communities and is a world-renowned family skills program that supports each member of the family to be the best they can be – at home, at school and in the community. These students enthusiastically give their time to make a difference in the lives of many families. We are so grateful for their kind and giving nature, as it adds so much value to our school and to the F&ST program.
Ms. Whiting
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Post Secondary Representative Visits  
Ms. Staniloff
On October 16th, the post-secondary evening was held for all Grade 12 students and their parents. Applications, scholarships, residency, and accessibility services were a few of the topics discussed. Parents and students had the opportunity to ask a variety of questions, allowing grade 12 students to begin submitting applications. Students are still encouraged to submit any remaining applications prior to winter break. Along with applying, grade 12’s have been busy attending various post-secondary representative visits as well as attending an MRU tour. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to welcome a variety of university representatives to Rundle Academy. Please continue to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding applications at staniloff@rundle.ab.ca.
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Fall Athletics 2018 Junior High Cross-Country 1J Banner Champions Pushing limits, never giving up, and improving on their personal best was the mantra for September and the first part of October. Monday races combined with morning practices demonstrated all the runners’ dedication and grit. As a team, racers excelled. As a team, we cheered for one another and pushed each other to carry on and to be our best. In the end, as a team, the runners won the 1J Cross-Country banner!
Mr. Waterbury
The 2018 Cross-Country Running Team: Grade 7: Cameron D., Annika S., Camryn M., Fionn W., Mason L., Quinn S., Mack S., Zara D. Grade 8: Carter K., Dan T., Hudson Z., Jayden L., Mac A., Rohan P., Sydney B. Grade 9: Braelyn R., Sam S., Owen B. Well done team! Go Rockies! Sr. High Cross Country The Senior high cross country team had a truncated season this year due to weather. Three students , Kendall, Jill and Logan went on to the city final. Logan and Jill represented Rundle Academy at the provincial meet in Vermillion, Alberta. Provincials took place on October 2o and Jill and Logan finished 26th and 11th respectively. Congratulations to this year's team: Malcolm, Isabella, Kendall, Juan, Logan and Jill! Jr. Boys Volleyball The Junior Boys Volleyball team had an exceptional season. They went undefeated in league play, and kept their spectators on edge with several emotional, nail-biting matches. The boys started the season with a focus on fundamentals and they have developed into an aggressive 3hit volleyball team. It has been great to see the teamwork, leadership, and positivity demonstrated by all members of the team. They ended with a strong bronze medal win in the playoffs. Great work, boys!
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Fall Athletics continued Football The football team has faced some tough fall weather this year while battling some tough opponents too. Rundle opened the season against Holy Trinity High School early in September, then turned their attention to tier 4 competition. The next two weeks saw play against Taber and Willow Creek High School who were both in the final last season. Rundle played a tough Strathmore team during Friday Night Lights, narrowly losing. Rundle played the Big Rock Football Conference Bronze Medal game on October 26th looking for redemption against this same Strathmore team. Unfortunately, the team came up a bit short. Congratulations to all of the players for a successful season. Another congratulations goes out to Carter G. for being voted onto the league all star team.
Mr. Waterbury
Senior Boys Volleyball The Senior Boys Volleyball team had a fantastic year. They traveled to 4 out-of-town tournaments, and played upwards of 10 league games. Through all of that game play, they became a very close group, and a formidable force on the volleyball court. The boys had the opportunity to challenge for Provincials, but came up a bit short. All and all in was a great season, boys! Senior Girls Volleyball The Rundle Academy Senior Girls Volleyball team had a very successful season. We played incredibly well in our first away tournament, helping to raise over $14,000 toward Breast Cancer Research at the Dig Pink tournament in Calgary, and earned the opportunity to challenge for Provincials on November 9th. Thanks for a great season! Cheerleading The Rundle Cheerleading team is now up and running! We have been working hard since early October to create an exciting, high-energy competition routine to stun the judges. The competition season starts in late February, and we hope to see lots of support at our homebased competition - Stampede City Showdown at Mount Royal University on March 16th. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more information as we approach second semester. Golf Rockies Golf had a great 2018 season. The program moved locations from Country Hills Golf Course to the Canada Golf Centre. This change improved our commute along with the chance to use the driving range on Tuesdays and hitting the par 3 course on Thursdays. An added benefit of the Canada Golf Centre is a covered and heated driving range which proved to be invaluable when winter hit Calgary early. We had some great results with our in house league play on Thursdays and the kids made some huge improvement with skill and etiquette. Our pro Brian Kollman really connected with the kids and went above and beyond with his teaching. Thank you to the parents and coaching staff Mr. Wolf and Ms. Kapitza who made this year happen. Congratulations also to our Jr. High Golf Team Tyler C., Kate H., Sam S. and Kayden B. The team waited patiently for several weeks finally to play the Springbank links on Oct 17th. The kids were broken up into various groups and played well under some fantastic fall sunshine. They made Rundle Academy proud and the team had some great results including taking the 8/9 Boys Championship.
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Student Council/Prefect Elections & Retreat Rundle Academy students continued to show commitment to the democratic process as they elected their peers to positions within our Student Council Prefect. Candidates who ran in the election should be proud of their speeches which reflected a strong sense of community, creativity and school spirit. Following the election, our Prefect retreat took place at Rundle College Society on October 1st, giving our executive the chance to get to know one another and to begin to work towards some impressive goals. This year's student council prefects include:
Ms. Slipp
Sr. High Prefects - Jared H. & Ben M. Communication Prefect - Harris T. Financial Prefect - Elizabeth H. Spirit Prefect - Amanda P. Junior High Head Prefect - Tyler C. Grade 8 Prefect - Rohan P. Grade 7 Prefect - Cam D. Spirit Prefects - Kaden H. and Sam S. Concession Prefects - Ethan N. and Aidan S. Elementary Head Prefect - Mikayla C. Elementary Spirit Prefect - Addison N. Financial Prefect - Natalie S.
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Cambodia Update The travel program is preparing for its upcoming spring break trip. From March 21 - April 2, twenty-eight students and four teachers will embark on a trip of a lifetime to Cambodia. Students have been getting to know each other at monthly meetings and we are currently working on fundraising initiatives for our service project. Stay posted for ways you can help support!
Mrs. Carr
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Fine Arts Day   On October 17, Rundle Academy students and staff participated in our third annual Fine Arts Day. Students had the opportunity to partake in workshops such as: stage combat, bollywood, juggling, food art, spray paint, voice overs, line dancing and drumming. These are only a few of the amazing talents that were shared with us. Throughout the day, each student rotated through four different activities where they explored and discovered their inner artist. We celebrated, showcasing what was learned and coming together as a community. It was an amazing effort by everyone. Thank you to all staff, students, and artists for making this day such a great success.
Ms. Petropoulos
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Elementary Orientation Camps On September 12th and 13th the students and teachers of Rundle Academy Elementary ventured off to Camp River’s Edge for two chilly days of activities. Demonstrating the true definition of grit and perseverance, all attendees came as prepared as boy scouts and took in all the activities with an open mind. While at orientation camp, the students participated in a high ropes course (in the snow), archery (in the snow), Frisbee golf (in the snow) and a series of team building games. All students enjoyed these activities and raved about their time at camp. New friendships were made; old friendships were made stronger.
Ms. Kapitza
The scenery at Camp River’s Edge was majestic and pristine. The rolling meadows of the Foothills were quite a sight! In the end, rain, sleet, snow or shine, the students and teachers from the elementary thrived during their time at orientation camp and look forward to more adventures to come.
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Elementary Swimming October brings many fun activities to Rundle Academy Elementary, but maybe none more fun than our fall swim lessons. The students of the Elementary spent five afternoons at the Glenmore Aquatic Centre, brushing up on swim techniques and learning new skills. Laughter and smiles could be heard and seen around the pool deck as the fantastic swim instructors put our students through their lessons. On behalf of the Elementary students at Rundle Academy, thank you to the staff at the Glenmore Aquatic Centre! We cannot wait until next year.
Mr. James
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Grade 4 Royal Tyrrell Field Trip
Mr. Carr
Recently, the grade fours made the long, magnificent journey to the historical Royal Tyrrell Museum, in Drumheller. In their upcoming social studies unit, the students will be studying the province’s humble beginnings, including early fossil discoveries made by the First Nations and Joseph B. Tyrrell. Upon arrival at their destination, “Team Carpitza” was introduced to the museum with a hands-on learning experience in which they studied plants from Alberta’s past. They answered questions and completed tasks, learning about the climate and plant life, which covered the lands long ago. Afterwards, as they explored the museum, the students were captivated by the plethora of fossils, including trilobites, sea creatures, and some colossal dinosaur skeletons. It was a terrific chance to visit another of Alberta’s regions, and to experience, in person, how important the Royal Tyrrell Museum and its discoveries are for our province’s heritage!
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Grade 4 & 7 Field Trip
Grade 4 and 7 field trip to the City of Calgary Composting Facility and Shepard Landfill What’s that smell? Not the most pleasant thought when going on a field trip. Although the grade 4 and 7 students may have been thinking such a thing, they were not letting the unpleasant fumes lingering in the air bring a damper on learning about the importance of composting and creating less waste in our world. Ms. Kapitza
On September 19th, the freshmen of the elementary and junior high travelled east to learn the effects and consequences of producing too much waste and not properly disposing of it. Students pretended to host a birthday party and came up with alternatives to party favours which are more ‘earth friendly’. When visiting the landfill, the students were shown a brand new garbage cell and all the work that goes into creating these cells which house thousands of pounds of garbage. With the new green bin and composting services the city is hoping it will take many more years to fill this new cell. By the end of the field trip, grade 4 and 7 students not only became earth rangers but also became fast buddies. We look forward to collaborating with the grades again.
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Telus Spark Visit On October 9th, the grade fives went on an expedition of curiosity to the TELUS Spark Science Centre. Their goal was to explore the world of electricity. While at the Science Centre, the students did some hands on learning, creating their own simple circuits. With the help of the TELUS Spark staff the students were then able to create solar powered circuits and friction powered circuits. Needless to say the grade fives had a shockingly  good time.
Mr. James
Grade 6 at Weaselhead Park  
On October 16th, the grade six students went on a field trip to Weaselhead Park. The purpose of the field trip was to enhance their knowledge of the Trees and Forest science unit. During the visit to the park, the students discovered the differences between coniferous and deciduous trees, classified leaves, and learned about specific native tree species. The grade six students were full of smiles and were engaged in the activities. Some favorite experiences from the day were being able to see the inner layers of the tree due to beaver activity in the area and learning how to tell how old a pine tree actually is. The field trip was a great success! Mrs. Falkenberg
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Junior High CORE Period
Mr. Palmer
The Junior High students attended the matinee performance of "Making Treaty 7" Wednesday October 3rd as part of our CORE program. The CORE values of Understanding, Creativity, Respect and Communication were discussed in small groups before the performance. We then had the opportunity for students to come together and share their thoughts and understandings of the performance. This experience enabled us to take "a fresh look at the history and legacy of the events at Blackfoot Crossing in 1877. Making Treaty 7 is a unique intertwined work of dance, theatre, music, and poetry built on guidance and stories from Treaty 7 Elders, and through them our Kaahsinnoniks (ancestors). The performance invites an exploration of the true spirit and intent of what the treaty meant to Indigenous peoples while investigating the consequences and implications of Treaty 7, 141 years later.”
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Expanding Artistic Horizons  
Students interested in pursuing artistic practice outside of the classroom have taken time and opportunity to explore their creative drive through participating in art club. Elementary, Jr, and Sr High students have the ability to work more in the art room during regular lunch times. From continuing with topics and techniques developed in class, to working in their sketchbooks and on their own passion projects, creativity abounds! On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you may find upwards of twenty-two students exploring ideas and developing their artistic skills. Ms. Teh
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OEE at Alford Lake
Outdoor Environmental Education Alford lake
Mr. Palmer
The Junior High Outdoor Education Class has had a very busy semester. We started the semester learning about common outdoor rope work, emergency shelters and we just got back from our Alford Lake camping trip. We started the trip off with lessons on the ThreeMinute fire, emergency shelters, animal awareness and signal fires. The weather threw us a curveball and reminded many of us that when in the foothills, expect unpredictable weather. Dinner was a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Each group of students participated in the Iron Chef contest and we had dinners ranging from hot dogs to gourmet vegetarian spaghetti! A wildlife identification lesson and game was facilitated by our very own Jonathan B. His expertise and enthusiasm is a perfect example of the leadership initiative we ask of our students! Thursday morning we practiced with animal deterrents and brushed up on our archery skills. By midday individual groups were sent off in isolation to “survive” with a basic emergency shelter, flint and steel and 6 matches. All groups survived and had an entertaining afternoon building their home away from home. We ended our day with a huge bonfire as tales of the day's adventure were shared. Congratulations OEE students on a very successful camp and many thanks to Ms Holt who put many hours into assisting and attending the camp! Our outings continue as we refine our climbing techniques at U of C and Mount Royal University through November and December. We are also welcoming the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to our classroom in early December. January will bring snow shelter building and a full day snowshoeing trip which is set for the first week back in early 2019!
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Grade 9 Orientation Camp
Ms. Whiting
The grade nine group had another memorable orientation camp experience this year from September 5th to the 7th. With abnormally warm weather on our side, students headed out to the incredible world class Kananaskis country at the scenic River’s Cove Campground along the Elbow River. The grade nine group set up tents and camping areas in good time and were able to grab a snack and hang out before preparing for our hike around ‘Fullerton Loop’. The hike deemed to be somewhat difficult given the heat; the grade nines not only persevered, but dominated the 10 km hike, enjoying the phenomenal views as well as each other's company. Camp continued with group meals included of appetizers and a main course, followed by a dessert. Our evening consisted of a campfire and students presenting Rundle Academy's core values and leadership themes. The next morning, students woke to yet another beautiful day and began cooking their group breakfasts, packing up camp, and cleaning up. After some group games and some downtime, the nines headed home a little wiser and looking forward to the school year. Thank you to parents for the extra support and to Alberta Parks for a great year.
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Tech Talk!
Ms. Switzer
As modern technology becomes increasingly more important in our lives, digital literacy is essential. The world can now easily be brought into our classrooms as technology is a tool that engages students in learning opportunities and helps them to discover their interests in practical and purposeful ways. The beginning of the year has been extremely successful with respect to incorporating technology in a unique, effective, and engaging manner. Projects have been successfully integrated in all subjects and we see how educational technology integration can be an excellent tool for teachers to use, both supporting their teaching practice and our students’ learning. A few of the projects covered to date include:
- Exploring leaving a positive digital footprint using Padlet (a collaborative online resource for students to use student led topic exploration)
- Canadian Regions discovery through designing travel journals and postcards using Google Drawings and Google Slides
- Creating a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms newscast with the green screen and iMovie
- Creating Google Sites to visually show personal bucket lists - Designing an explorer magazine cover with green screen using Pages - Volleyball skills demonstration videos for setting, passing, volleying, serving in Physical Education
- Creating a podcast for Heat & Temperature definitions using an online resource, Soundtrap
Stay tuned for many more exciting projects to come!
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Alumni Spotlight
How Our Alumni Continue to Move Mountains Alumnus Ethan Craig ’09
Mrs. Cawthorpe
After graduating from Rundle Academy, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Program at Mount Royal University. After a year I was then old enough to go on a mission for my church, teaching others about my beliefs. For this mission, I was assigned to go to Tennessee, where I spent time in various cities and small towns in Eastern Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Southeast Kentucky. After two years as a missionary, I returned home to continue my education at Mount Royal. After a semester at MRU, I decided to change programs and enrolled at the University of Lethbridge as an accounting major. About a year and a half later, I married the most wonderful woman in the world, Amanda. She has been an incredible example to me and has helped me to see what I really want out of life, which led me to graduate from U of L with a Bachelor of Management. I am now enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program. My time at Rundle played a significant role in my career path. The teachers taught me that I was smart and capable and definitely on many occasions proved that they cared about their students. If it weren’t for the teachers at Rundle, I likely wouldn’t have been able to even get into university. As a future teacher, I hope to be able to help my own students make the most of their own futures, just like those who taught me in high school.
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