By Adam Eisenbarth
Summer holidays are just about to begin for Bluffton School students, yet already one teacher is anticipating the new school year.
Darci Duncan is the new Grade 3 teacher; and the University of Alberta graduate is looking forward to her first teaching assignment.
“It’s a mixture of nervousness and excitement,” said Duncan during her visit to the school for a Professional Development Day.
Her first impressions were positive.
“I absolutely love it. Everyone I have met has been so welcoming and so kind. I just feel like part of the team already and I’ve just started.”
Principal Nolan Krauss says the staff has felt the same way toward her.
“The first time we met her coming into the office here, she’s just very warm and immediately gave off a very good feel to the staff.”
The small school is a perfect fit for Duncan.
“It’s what I’m used to. I grew up in Bentley so I’m really used to that close-knit community feel. It’s what I’m comfortable with.”
Duncan will make the commute from Bentley and replaces Kelsey Park, who is moving on to teach at Bentley School.
“We’re kind of in a way swapping, although for Darci this is her first teaching position,” says Krauss.
Duncan doesn’t have specific plans and is just focused on her new position in Bluffton.
“One step at a time. I’ll just see where this position takes me and if there’s potential to stay here in the future I definitely would not be opposed to that.”
The environment of Bluffton School is a positive one and Krauss says the staff is very close. To maintain that atmosphere, it’s important to always welcome new faces.
“It’s of utmost importance to continue the culture that we’ve created within the building and for Bluffton School to continue that we need to make new people and staff feel welcome.”
Duncan will welcome Grade 3 students to her first class in September.
“I am really looking forward to meeting all the students and families. I look forward to next (school) year and I’ll do my best.”