Rockway Evolutions

Rockway Evolutions

Sometimes I am called a “Rockway Lifer” because I have been here for so many years!  I was a student here in the 80s, returned to teach in the early 90s and became Principal in 2013. Spanning over 30 years, I have had many opportunities to experience the Rockway story and witnessed many evolutions!

I was reminded of this recently at the Family Welcome Evening, when we decided to move the program into the Assembly Area, after many years of having it in the Gyms. Many Rockway alumni will recall when this event took place in Gym A on the second Sunday after Labour Day.
All Rockway students formed a mass choir and in addition to this music, there was a formal address by the Principal. I remember singing under Bob Shantz’s baton and experiencing the heat and humidity of Gym A as we lifted our voices in song! This event later moved into the Assembly Area in a similar format and in the early 2000s, Rockway Administration decided to move it to the Gym on a week night to create a more informal vibe. Thirty years later, we have returned to the Assembly Area with the Senior Choir providing music, a short program, followed by the opportunity to mix’n mingle with Faculty, Staff and Parents!
Rockway’s Student Council has a long-standing tradition of planning a “Get Acquainted Day” in September.  This event has also seen many evolutions! Over the years, this day has included everything from eating fresh corn from Herrle’s and a chicken barbecue (remember smelling the chicken while in class?), to playing on colour house teams on the back field, to eating taco salad and jumping in a bouncy castle, to eating macaroni and cheese and having a petting zoo on the baseball field! This day continues to be a wonderful way to welcome new students into the Rockway community at the beginning of the year!

On October 29^th, I invite you to join me at Rockway’s Entertainment Gala, which will include a delicious meal, entertainment by Wonderist Chris Funk, alongside a silent auction and small live auction!  This event has also undergone evolutions over the years, with Rockway’s first Auction being launched in the 90s. Does anyone remember Bernie Burnett hosting one of the first auctions, which included him singing a song in honor of Kitchener Mayor, Dom Cardillo?

Being a “Rockway Lifer” has given me the unique and distinct privilege to participate in many events over the years.  As Rockway continues to evolve, I am excited and honoured to work with Parents, Alumni, Board, Faculty, Staff, Students and Community in balancing tradition with change and innovation!  Let the Rockway evolutions continue!

Ann L. Schultz – Principal