Congratulations & thank you to our 227 retirees!
Surrey Board of Education Trustee Shawn Wilson congratulates former Career Education principal Mark Flynn on his retirement. Last Friday, Surrey Schools celebrated the 227 district employees who retired during the 2023-24 school year during the district's annual retirement dinner. (Photo by Jacob Zinn)
Friday was an evening of celebration, as the district’s annual retirement dinner honoured and recognized our past year’s retirees for their years of hard work, commitment and contributions to Surrey Schools.
A total of 227 district employees retired during the 2023-24 school year, from almost every role imaginable: principals, teachers, clerks, education assistants, custodians, facilities staff and more.
“This a chance for us to personally thank each of you for your hard work and dedication to the district,” said Gary Tymoschuk, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education, which hosts the yearly celebration. “Each of you will always have a special place in the history of our district, and the positive influence you’ve had on countless lives will continue.
“Whatever the coming years hold for you, know that you have made a difference in many people’s lives. And for that, we are truly grateful.”
A dinner held at the Resource Education Centre included a territorial welcome song from Terrence Pierre of the Katzie First Nation and congratulatory messages from Tymoschuk, Supt. Mark Pearmain, CUPE 728 President Tammy Murphy, Surrey Teachers’ Association First Vice-President Angela Marcakis, Surrey Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association President Jennifer Tarnowski and Princess Margaret Secondary Grade 12 student Jeevan Sandhu, who serves on the district’s Student Voice group. It also featured music from the Enver Creek Secondary quintet and the Tamanawis Secondary drumline band.
In recognition of their important contributions, all retirees received a bentwood box designed by shishálh First Nation artist Shain Niniwum Selápem Jackson of Spirit Works or a gift card to a local restaurant.
Congratulations on your retirement and thank you once again for everything you’ve done for Surrey Schools!
