50p
Mr. Neil Robinson
One of the most interesting things that I have noticed about Brentwood over my four years is the dynamism of the teaching staff. While some teachers, like Mr. Garvey or Mr. Cowie, have been around for so long that they have become institutions at our institution and are veritable staples of the Brentwood experience (for example, Mr. Garvey taught my mother when she attended Brentwood) there is also room for change and fluidity. Every year there seems to be a fresh face or two on faculty, and at the beginning of the 2012 school year, it was no different.
September saw a host of new, young and exciting teachers joining the Brentwood community, but one in particular is the center of this article. Mr. Neil Robinson joined the ranks of Rogers House this year, as a duty master on Thursday nights. That is probably the least of Mr. Robinson’s duties as a member of the staff, however, as he also teaches Social Studies 9, Globalization 9, Global Studies 11 and Social Studies 11, while also juggling time as the coach of the Junior Girls’ Basketball and Volleyball teams and in the third term he will be coaching on the Cowichan golf course with Brentwood’s golfers. If it is any indication of how busy Brentwood keeps the students and staff, just trying to find a time for an interview for this article was impossible.
Mr. Robinson was born in the United Kingdom, grew up in British Colombia and made the move to Calgary for university. In the midst of this time, and contrary to both his BC roots and his university town, he fell for the Edmonton Oilers when he saw them beat the Canucks when he was five years old. That first game was also Wayne Gretzky’s first NHL goal.
This year marks his 12th year of teaching, with his prior eleven years in Calgary at a school focused on gifted learners. During that time, his credentials speak for themselves: he completed a Master’s degree in Teaching Global Awareness Programs, won the Govenor General’s Award and spoke at conferences such as the World Conference for the Gifted and the National Association of Gifted Children. Perhaps Brentwood is the perfect challenge for Mr. Robinson after such experiences, as it is such an immersive program and seems to be right up his alley.
Even better, when Mr. Robinson came to Brentwood, he did not come alone. He brought his wife, Ms. Cheung, who also teaches at the school and is a member of the duty staff of Mackenzie house, and their two sons.
All in all, it is a great thing to see some change of faculty. It shows that Brentwood is actively searching for the best fits for the school, and striving to find the best and brightest to educate its students. While it is always sad to see a teacher leave the school, the change is never negative. We all wish Mr. Robinson a successful first year at Brentwood, even if he is an Oilers fan.
Jonathan B.E.
September saw a host of new, young and exciting teachers joining the Brentwood community, but one in particular is the center of this article. Mr. Neil Robinson joined the ranks of Rogers House this year, as a duty master on Thursday nights. That is probably the least of Mr. Robinson’s duties as a member of the staff, however, as he also teaches Social Studies 9, Globalization 9, Global Studies 11 and Social Studies 11, while also juggling time as the coach of the Junior Girls’ Basketball and Volleyball teams and in the third term he will be coaching on the Cowichan golf course with Brentwood’s golfers. If it is any indication of how busy Brentwood keeps the students and staff, just trying to find a time for an interview for this article was impossible.
Mr. Robinson was born in the United Kingdom, grew up in British Colombia and made the move to Calgary for university. In the midst of this time, and contrary to both his BC roots and his university town, he fell for the Edmonton Oilers when he saw them beat the Canucks when he was five years old. That first game was also Wayne Gretzky’s first NHL goal.
This year marks his 12th year of teaching, with his prior eleven years in Calgary at a school focused on gifted learners. During that time, his credentials speak for themselves: he completed a Master’s degree in Teaching Global Awareness Programs, won the Govenor General’s Award and spoke at conferences such as the World Conference for the Gifted and the National Association of Gifted Children. Perhaps Brentwood is the perfect challenge for Mr. Robinson after such experiences, as it is such an immersive program and seems to be right up his alley.
Even better, when Mr. Robinson came to Brentwood, he did not come alone. He brought his wife, Ms. Cheung, who also teaches at the school and is a member of the duty staff of Mackenzie house, and their two sons.
All in all, it is a great thing to see some change of faculty. It shows that Brentwood is actively searching for the best fits for the school, and striving to find the best and brightest to educate its students. While it is always sad to see a teacher leave the school, the change is never negative. We all wish Mr. Robinson a successful first year at Brentwood, even if he is an Oilers fan.
Jonathan B.E.
100p
