Reaction continues from education circles in the region regarding the deaths in Tulum, Mexico of Sue Drummond and Steve Eley, two educators and residents of Timmins.
Steve Pladzyk is the Superintendent of Schools for the North region, and Special Education for District School Board Ontario North East.
He is also a former teacher at Roland Michener Secondary School, and knew Drummond and Eley for over 20 years.
“Based on the conversations I've had with some of the teachers who have worked with them and certainly some of the current staff at the school, this is more than shocking” said Pladzyk.
“I worked with them at Roland Michener directly for about seven years. And certainly indirectly over the last 13.”
Pladzyk says the married couple were well-liked by students at RMSS because of the personal attention they were often ready to give, particularly those struggling academically.
They also got involved in a plethora of school events, initiatives and activities.
“They were both in the English department, and having to teach at a smaller high school meant that they often had to teach outside of their area. Certainly Ms. Drummond did a variety of things, from English to drama, and was heavily involved in the organizing of the school. Whether it be working with students and helping them forge their path for post-secondary, or getting students through difficult times, someone for them to go to” said Pladzyk.
“Certainly both of them, highly interested in volunteering at the school in a variety of capacities. Student fashion shows and such.”
Eley retired from teaching several years ago, while Drummond was planning her retirement for the near future.
“If she was involved with something, it was a good bet that Mr. Eley would be involved one way or another” said Pladzyk with a laugh.
The loss will be felt by the entire community and beyond. Generations of Michener students had their lives touched in one way or another by Eley and Drummond.
“Comments from teachers kind of describe them as the heart-and-soul of the school in many ways. They were able to bring people together, in good times and in bad in the past. They were certainly an integral part of the Michener family for sure” said Pladzyk.
The couple were not newbies to the Caribbean region.
“They've holidayed down there for years. They really enjoyed taking the opportunity to travel when they could. Most March Breaks, they'd find themselves somewhere hot and tropical. Summertime for them, I recall them doing lots of home renovations and enhancing their home, stuff like that, that's what they liked to do, and spend time with their friends and family” said Pladzyk.
With students and staff away this week on March Break, Monday will certainly be a tough one for everyone at RMSS.
Pladzyk says arrangements for memorials will be determined in the coming days.
“We don't have a lot of information as to what's going to happen. As per standard practice, they would be ensuring that there was grief counseling available for staff and students. That's been the standard practice with the Board for some time now, whether its a student or teacher tragedy. We've had some in the Board already this year. I think its going to depend on what can be arranged, and when we get more information about their return to the country and those kinds of things.”
The couple are survived by a daughter, also an aspiring teacher, as well as two grandchildren.
