By Lyonel Doherty
Gee, what a blow to the ego.
A few years ago, a former graduate of DTSS returned to say hello to a few people. When he saw Mr. (Glen) Sage, he thanked the vice-principal for teaching him the “most important thing.”
Wow! Feeling pretty good about himself, the administrator wondered what it was — learning about legal issues, the importance of Remembrance Day? Heck no. The graduate recalled his hands being messy while eating in class one day, so he asked Mr. Sage if he could go wash up. The educator looked at the pupil and said, “No, use your socks.” That advice seemed to serve the student well, somehow, but it sure deflated Sage’s ego.
Fast forward and the school’s second in command is retiring after nearly 35 years. He arrived at DTSS in 1990 to teach social studies after graduating from university. In 2005 he became vice-principal.
Let’s rewind a bit.
Even as a teenager he worked with youth in hockey schools, so it was clear that education was in his blood.
“The youth really haven’t changed much, but cell phones are a big change,” Sage told the Pioneer. “Not only are they a distraction at school, but I think students have difficulty disconnecting from them and it impacts their home life and the amount of sleep youth get.”
Sage was asked where students get all their intelligence today. “Their vice-principals, of course,” he half-joked. “I’ve worked with some incredibly talented and bright students who have been leaders in the school and the wider community over my whole career . . . I don’t think the students are all that different from past generations.”
When questioned about discipline and how it has changed, Sage said it all comes down to the era we live in, noting there is a greater emphasis on restorative practices and making things right.
“I think that’s good. Suspending a student so they can play video games isn’t much of a deterrent, but it can be tricky meeting all the needs of the people involved when an incident occurs.”
Sage added there is no ‘one size fits all’ strategy, so having a variety of tools in the box is best.
The administrator said secondary schools are complicated places to work. “I can’t think of any business or organization in the valley that has 500 to 600 people in one crowded building spending about seven hours together every day where the vast majority are teenagers with all sorts of distractions on their mind – that’s complicated.”
Sage acknowledged that anxiety among youth is definitely an issue today. “We all have to support kids; the school, families and community partners. COVID 19 had a big impact. I think it’s like concussions in sports, it was always there, but we know more about it now.”
He noted how essential it is to have educational assistants, youth care workers, Indigenous support workers, and school counsellors available when needed.
In his retirement, the Boston Bruins fan hopes to travel to warm places and do more camping.
“I’m so grateful that in my last semester I have two wonderful Socials 10 classes; that’s a nice way to finish.”
His advice to next year’s students: do what Ms. English tells you —she’s got your back.
Retiring educators from left: Darren Danyluk, Glen Sage, Andrea Dunlop, Werner Kopp, Bobby Wright, and Dale Steedman.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
