Surrey Schools Honors 243 Retirees at Celebratory Dinner

Surrey School District hosted a special dinner on November 20, 2024, to celebrate the contributions of its retirees from the past school year. A total of **243 employees** retired during the 2024-25 academic year, including principals, teachers, clerks, education assistants, custodians, and facilities staff.

Among those honored was an individual who joined Surrey Schools in **1978** and dedicated **47 years** to the district. This dinner serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the retirees’ unwavering commitment to student learning and community service, according to the district’s official website.

Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey School Board, emphasized the importance of the retirees’ work during the evening. “The retirement dinner is our way of saying thank you – thank you for your dedication, care, and commitment to student learning through your time with us,” he stated. Tymoschuk highlighted the positive influence that the retirees have had on students and staff throughout the years.

The event took place at the Resource Education Centre and featured a territorial acknowledgment from Andrew Holland, the deputy superintendent. Alongside Tymoschuk, other speakers included Mark Pearmain, the superintendent, Theresa Pidcock, vice-president of CUPE 728, Angela Marcakis, first vice-president of the Surrey Teachers’ Association, and Graham Magnusson, president of the Surrey Principals’ and Vice Principals’ Association. A special message was also delivered by Zohra Khawaja, a Grade 12 student from Grandview Heights Secondary and a member of the district’s Student Voice group.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the École Kwantlen Park Secondary Jazz Combo, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion.

To honor the retirees’ significant contributions, each was presented with a bentwood box created by Shain Niniwum Selápem Jackson, an artist from the shishálh First Nation, or a gift card to a local restaurant. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to recognizing the dedication of its employees while fostering community ties.

This annual dinner not only celebrates those who have retired but also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact educators and staff have on the lives of students and the broader community.