Saanich Adult Education Centre

Staff at the SAEC

Shannon Dunn	I was born in Victoria, and I was raised in the Saanich Peninsula. After graduation from Parkland Secondary School, I worked as a teacher’s assistant for many years. As I thoroughly enjoyed working with students, I decided upon the career as a teacher. I began my education—with only a short gap to have my two beautiful girls—and graduated from the University of Victoria in 2003—specializing in English and History. With my background in Special Education, I worked steady at Esquimalt Secondary from September until December. During this year, I have also taken additional courses in the field of Special Education. I began working at the Centre in the middle of January, filling in for Step 1-2 English, and teaching Math 11. I see great potential for this school and thank everyone for making it such a welcome and enjoyable place to work.
Diane Kirby	I am a Navy Brat that settled in Victoria in 1972. I have lived all over Canada and been on all three oceans. I was on the Arctic Ocean in a dog sled when I lived in Inuvik. When my family went east I stayed, got married, and started my family of two wonderful daughters. I have been instructing and working in Literacy since 1988 when I worked in School District 62’s Adult Learning Program. I have also worked for Project Literacy Victoria as their Family Literacy Program Coordinator. I enjoy teaching and being taught by all the wonderful peoples of the Saanich Peninsula and I count myself privileged to call so many “Friend”.
Anne Sam	My Indian name is “HALELTENO”. It was my grandmother’s name on my dad’s side. I am originally from Duncan but married into the Tsartlip Band. I have been with the S.A.E.C. for four years. I started when the step 1-2 came into being. I am a certified Teacher Assistant. I took the Native Indian Teacher Assistant Program at the S.A.E.C. in 1990-1991. If I had my way, I would take education as a career. I also took the SENCOTEN training course that was offered. This year I have had the opportunity to work with Step1/2, Step 3, Tseycum, and work as a part-time librarian. I have four children. I am the proud grandmother of thirteen grandchildren, with one more on his or her way in August. My hobbies are knitting, cooking, lahal games, swimming with Dano and Meeks. I haven’t started quilting yet. I intend to get back into it. I also do a bit of sequinning.
Kaleb Child	Gilakasla, my name is Kaleb Child and I am from the village of Fort Rupert near Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island. I am currently in my third year as a teacher here at the Adult Centre. I am very excited to see the hard work of many students pay off in their completion of their courses, and the upcoming challenges of a new school year. I wish to acknowledge the dedication shown by all those adult learners who pursued their goals and remained dedicated over the entire year. As well, I am very proud to be part of the ‘team’ of exceptional staff that is here at the centre.
Ruby Valerio	My name is Ruby Valerio. I was born in Olo, Mangatarem, Philippines and moved to Canada in 1972. I have lived on Vancouver Island most of my life and earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree and my Bachelor of Education Degree through the UVic and Malaspina University-College. Prior to teaching at the Center, I taught secondary classes in a small Cree reserve in Northern Manitoba for 3 years. I have enjoyed meeting the staff, students and the community and want to thank them for welcoming me with their friendly smiles.
Tye Swallow	I call WSANEC my home as I have lived here my whole life. I recently moved to North Pender Island and am amazed at the beauty of the Salish Sea. WSANEC and surrounding territory is truly a beautiful place, which is another reason I love my job. I have a chance to share that with people who have the deepest respect for this place. Learning is a life-long experience, and true to that knowledge, I continue to learn from the people I work with. My goal in working here is to teach and learn about the respect for place, and to foster in those I work with and teach, a sense of place for them. I see much potential for community development and creation of biological and environmental science curriculum that is meaningful and relevant to WSANEC people. And while creating curriculum is a step in the right direction, the ultimate goal is action, developing environmental and science projects that improve communities and foster concern for social and environmental health.
Helen Jack	Hi my name is Helen Jack and I am from the Tsawout community. I am a grandmother and a great grandmother. My great grandchildren and grandchildren all come to school at the Saanich Adult Education Centre. I teach Sencoten to the Daycare children as well as the adult students in the Step classes. I organize cultural events and outings with the staff and students. For two years, I took Sencoten here and learned it. My goal was to be able to teach Sencoten to the Saanich students. I have worked at the school and the public schools for a time and now I teach at the Saanich Adult Education Centre. I was the first Saanich person to teach Sencoten in the public school system.
Caroline Stengl	Hi, my name is Caroline Stengl. This is my first year teaching at the SAEC. I've been asked to teach Art 10 to the STEP program as a pilot project. I'm originally from Calgary, Alberta where I studied art at the Alberta College of Art and Design before transferring to the B.Ed. program at UVic. Teaching art is important to me because it gives students a chance to express their creativity and talent in an unconventional way that enriches their learning. Many people have little confidence in the visual arts but with encouragement and instruction they discover hidden talent! Thank you for welcoming me to the SAEC and the Saanich community.
Rhonda Underwood-Scott	Hi Everybody!! My name is Rhonda Underwood-Scott from the Tsawout First Nation. I am approaching my third year with the Saanich Indian School Board working in the Post Secondary Department as the Post Secondary Advisor/Counselor. I began working for an Engineering firm in North Vancouver for 6-1/2 years. This was in 1988. In 1994 I began work with the First Nations Education Steering Committee along side its Executive Director Christa Williams for my final 4-1/2 years in Vancouver living on the east side. I value this experience today because it has given me a solid ground and framework to do the work I do today personally and professionally. I sincerely enjoy the networking and sharing of experiences with First Nations schools, various committees, and educators I have met over the years. These tools help me manage many tasks and responsibilities presented when working in the adult center. Returning to work after my second son, I accepted the position of Secretary with the Saanich Indian School Board. I strongly believe in a professional and positive attitude no matter what position you are in, in any organization. I value family more than anything. I have two boys of my own, James and Zane ages 11 and 3 both whom I am very proud of, and love very much. I hope to continue to do well in my job serving our people supporting and assisting their educational and personal goals.
Ang Hamilton	Hello, this is my 4th year at the centre, and it still amazes me what a wonderful place the centre is to be! I always walk through the doors at the Saanich Adult Education Centre and am grateful to be working here. It is such a feel good place. That is shown in many ways; through the students who have embarked on a journey of learning, to the children in the daycare who seem to grow in wondrous ways each and everyday, to the caring and wonderful staff throughout the building. We all have something to share, and all learn from each other. The centre has a positive energy about it and everyone is a part of and contributes to that feeling! I feel truly honoured to work here, and be part of the communities.