This certainly is a difficult message to write to the members of RETTA whom I’ve had the honour of serving over these past few years. I still remember when I first walked into the RETTA office, the nervousness, the trepidation, the desire to represent all of you well.

Luckily for me, Frank Reeves was an excellent teacher, mentor and friend. I am the president I am because of him and I hope I’ve been as helpful to Chris as Frank was to me. I leave knowing you are in good, capable hands. Chris is ready to step into the role of president and I know he will be an excellent teacher and mentor to Kirsten Mundle who steps in as acting vice-president.

It is sad to be leaving the River East Transcona Teachers’ Association, but I know that I will continue to do the work I love, representing members and standing up for the rights of teachers, as a staff officer at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society.

I want to thank each and everyone of you. It has been a distinct honour to work on your behalf. Thank you to Chris for being a wonderful Vice-President. To the executive of RETTA for their tireless work on behalf of members. To our council who do a wonderful job representing each of our worksites and to all of the individual members. Thank you all. Finally, thank you to Janice, our RETTA administrative assistant. She has been a constant source of laughter, advice, and information. She ensures the office runs smoothly and I don’t know what I’d have done without her.

I wish you all the best. Have a wonderful holiday break.