Stories of Positive Legacies Shared at Retirement and Service Recognition
It was an emotional evening filled with tears and laughter at the District’s Retirement and Service Recognition evening. The annual event celebrates staff who have reached 20 years and 30 years of service as well as staff who are retiring in or after the 2024-2025 school year. For those staff starting a new chapter in life, it was a bittersweet opportunity for staff to reflect on their careers, share stories, and take a moment to think about the positive impact they have had on students.
Superintendent Mal Gill acknowledged in his welcome how all of them have “made a difference in the lives of students.” No matter one’s role in the District, whether an administrator, teacher, support worker, or bus driver, staff have all helped contribute to a system that supports children and youth. He thanked all honorees for their dedication and wished them well on their transition.
Retirees included staff from various schools/departments including administrators, teachers, and support staff. As part of the evening, a short career summary with personal stories were shared for each retiring staff member to honour them and give them a memorable send-off in their colleagues.
Below are a few of the staff who were highlighted for their long-standing careers.
Joanne Neveux – District Principal
Joanne came to Langley in November 2018 when she accepted the position of District Principal of ELL, SWIS and Modern Languages, a role she has held for the past seven years. With roots in Winnipeg, Joanne started her career there in 1989 teaching intermediate French Immersion for four years before moving to Abbotsford, where she worked as both a classroom and District teacher for 10 years. Joanne then moved into administration as a building Vice-Principal and Principal in the Abbotsford School District from 2003 to 2018 before making the move to Langley. She has worked tirelessly to build a strong SWIS Program in Langley while also finding time to organize and support both French Immersion and Modern Languages teachers and students across the District.
Diane Wilk - Principal
Diana has served with distinction at both the school and district levels in the Langley School District since 1991, as a teacher, coordinator, and administrator. Through all her years in these roles, she has demonstrated ways of teaching and leading with heart, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to students. She has exemplified what it means to hold the heart of all students, not just in words, but in action - truly living out the belief that every child matters. Her work as an educator has been deeply student-centered, inclusive-minded, and grounded in support and wisdom. Diana has been the kind of colleague who listens with empathy, leads with clarity, and inspires perseverance in those around her. Diana has been an administrator in many schools, with her last assignment at Parkside Centennial Elementary.
Gordana Vuckovic – Custodial Manager
Gordana’s history and outstanding work ethic has been unparalleled. She would be available at any time to deal with anything. “Dependable” is a severe understatement. Langley Schools was fortunate to attract her and benefit from her expertise for the last 10 years.
Since joining us in 2015 as a Custodial Supervisor and advancing to Custodial Manager in 2019, she has been an incredible leader, guiding the District through challenges with dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Barry Kroeker - Teacher
In a few weeks, Barry Kroeker will begin his retirement. For years, Barry has been a shining star in the Glenwood Elementary school community, leaving a positive memory on all the students who have been in his class. Barry has a gift. He makes learning fun and accessible.
Students don’t forget his engaging storytelling, hands-on activities, and infectious enthusiasm for P.E. He makes complex concepts seem easier and his students have benefitted from this greatly.
Patti Thorpe – Teacher
Patti Thorpe has not only shaped the musical landscape of our community, but has also left a lasting impression on the hearts of students, colleagues, and friends. Raised in a musical family, Patti’s life has always been filled with music.
Beyond the classroom, Patti is a seasoned tour leader, having taken students on unforgettable musical journeys for over three decades. Her talents also shine behind the scenes; her skills in costume and prop design have brought productions to life with colour and flair. Patti has dedicated many years at HD Stafford and Langley Secondary, where her influence has been deeply felt.
Carmen Wright - Special Education Assistant
Carmen Wright has been a dedicated special education assistant at Brookswood Secondary since 2005 and part of the Langley School District since 1999. For the past 26 years, Carmen has been a beacon of compassion, patience, and support for her students and colleagues.
From the very first day, Carmen has shown an extraordinary commitment to the well-being and growth of her students. She has a strong ability to connect with each student, understand their unique needs, and provide tailored support that has made a profound impact on countless lives.
Russ Robinson – Bus Driver
Russ started driving a school bus in September of 2013. He quickly built exceptional relationships with students and administrators, which carried on throughout his years of service on many routes, including DW Poppy and Wix-Brown.
He was not only a good bus driver, but a psychologist behind the scenes. He could build a relationship with the most challenging students. Russ always went the extra mile and had amazing stories about the little extras he did to better students’ days.
For more photos from the event, see below:
