Arriving at Unity Public School (UPS) in 2004, principal Doug English will be retiring at the end of June.
English is best known for his resolve to build relationships in the community with a variety of activities and programs. Most notably, the seniors in Unity were appreciative of his invitations and efforts to involve them in the school's day-to-day activity. As well, division staff and board members were introduced to the children on a regular basis as they were invited to always be part of activity at UPS.
Darlene Roth, UPS secretary, feels she has known Doug the longest on staff. They both grew up in Kerrobert and attended the same school. Although she is quick to add Doug was "much" older than her, she remembers he played in a band and, like the Beatle, everyone loved the drummer!
She recalls Doug being driven by sports all of his life, as an athlete and a coach. The two worked together when English was principal at Denzil Sacred Heart School and she said, "I saw the same flair there as I did coming to UPS. Nothing was done second class and was always big, with lots of prep and it looked good!" Roth added, "I give him credit for staying sane while tring to keep 20 women in line, happy and focused!"
Principal English was instrumental in bringing more meaning to Remembrance Day services at the school, ensuring all bulletin boards were decorated for the occasion, as well as planning the ceremony to give both gratitude to the veterans and meaning to the students. He even added a special lunch for the attending veterans as a gesture of thanks.
English certainly will have left a legacy at UPS. No one will forget the Festival of Trees which grew to be the envy of many and was anticipated by students and residents alike each year. The decorating process grew each year, with every classroom being given a tree to decorate, and soon incorporated community involvement, including such notable additions as a Rider tree and a memorial tree. It was an event eagerly awaited and has been sadly missed ever since it ended.
English also added his enthusiasm to the in motion provincial movement. UPS was one of the first schools in the province to become an in motion school. He was never one to take things on lightly, and recognized the benefits of regular fitness and blood-pumping routines done in the mornings to get students' hearts and brains in action for the morning's learning. There was no tiresome routines as Doug added obstacle courses, dance routines and games to keep the kids interested, having fun and, most importantly, active.
UPS staff member, Donna Schultz-Abel said, "Doug has always been a great promoter of the school, and visitors were always welcome and encouraged to come visit the school. He was all about increasing the profile of UPS in the community. Along with that, the students were also made well aware that visitors were to be greeted and shown respect."
Abel reflects, adding, "Unexpected skills were taught not just serving overhand in volleyball, and the 'fundamentals' of different sports, but my girls also knew how to tie a tie when they passed through Grade 6."
Abel reiterates Roth's comments, stating, "Nothing with Doug was ever done half way and the Festival of Trees or Junior Genius program are prime examples of this. I think Doug wakes up at 5 thinking of ways to make things prettier, bigger or better. He was all about doing things in a big way."
English has a passion for fundamentals, whether in sports or academics. The reading room was set up so students would learn to love reading and recognize all the benefits it offers. He had community members come and read with students who might have been struggling. He began family reading nights to encourage families to come out and hear community folks read, and then had families and students read together - all done in a fun, friendly environment to encourage participation.
He taught students the basics of many sports, encouraging them to explore all that there is but also to be committed to practise and learning the basics.
Doug's open-door philosophy encouraged students and parents alike to come see him at any time. Whether they wanted to share a success story or discuss concerns, he always made himself available for those conversations.
Other staff recalled things such as English immediately changing the location of the staff room from the far south end of the Division I hallway closer to the office, making it more accessible for staff as well as easier for students to locate a teacher when needed.
UPS staff recounted numerous other ways English improved the school and school environment, such as: opening the school earlier so students who needed/wanted a place to go could come and be active in the gym; being a leader who stood up for his staff; adding extra special environments such as the fitness room and the reading room; emphasizing the importance of building relationships within the community, especially with our seniors; the physical look of the school and his general daily enthusiasm in creating and maintaining an environment staff and students could be excited about and proud of.
For certain, Doug English has left a legacy at Unity Public School. He has shown and grown the importance and impact of habitual physical fitness as a lifelong practice. The fitness room is well utilized by seniors throughout the winter, as well as by staff and older students. Students talked of their fondness in having the early mornings to practise or play in the gym, under the watchful and helpful eye of Mr. English.
Community relationships budded because of his commitment to include residents in the school's activities such as hand-delivering invitations to special events at the school, having Grade 6 students dress their best and hand out flowers to the ladies at Remembrance Day services and having students involved in the Festival of Trees, whether it was helping to decorate or acting as hosts during public viewing. Children were excited to invite friends, neighbours and relatives to come and be part of the many activities at their school.
Other notable actions were transforming the student success room into an unbelievable haunted house as part of the fun English wanted to have with the kids for Halloween. Setting up a proper environment for all events was important, and that included such things as Remembrance Day, the reading room and the showcase.
Staff told us, because of Doug's knack for finding or ensuring good deals, they were able to obtain many of their Christmas ornaments on special. He aimed for the "steal of a deal" and had the gift that could fearlessly secure a great price, or perhaps even a donation. His great sense of humour was a bonus in this effort.
Doug has many more accomplishments in addition to those already listed - two back-to-back district boys' basketball championships; assistant coach for the UCHS provincial winning nine-man football team; winner of the Battle West District Coaches' award; organizer of the first tackle football program for students in Grades 5 and 6, now the Unity Minor Football program; the highest mark at the music festival with the poem Chicago; internal co-ordinator for UCHS's first summer basketball camp and awards dinner for all teams; the first all-boys' choir performance at a Christmas concert; a new school logo; chairing Living Sky admin. group; and developing a new school song.
Staff joked Doug started out as one of a few men, then it came down to two men and now he is the lone man on staff, but, if you weren't quick enough, he would have all the dishes washed. They quipped he was not only the number one dishwasher and coffee maker, "he introduced boneless fish for staff and a game called 'unlucky 13' for some staff members." He was not fond of "girly" events like baby showers or birthday parties but served a great cheese ball at them nonetheless, in addition to sharing some of his best recipes.
Living Sky Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Jim Shevchuk said, "He is a wonderful educator with strengths in athletics and community. However, he will be best remembered for his perseverance, tenacity, undying work ethic and passion for students. I commend Doug for his genuine efforts to enhance every student's classroom experience. He will be missed!"
Without a doubt, Doug English has left his mark on UPS, students and staff. The high value he placed on respect and accountability was appreciated by parents and, I'm sure, aided many students along their pathway of life. His flair for events held at the school will be hard to match. The impact he has made at the school, and the students who attended UPS, will not be forgotten. The students and staff of UPS as well as the community have benefited from his passion for fitness, sports and community relations.
