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Departing vice principal honoured in surprise assembly

Several weeks of covert planning paid off for students and staff of École Mother Teresa School, as they honoured a visibly surprised
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École Mother Teresa School principal Dorice Swensrude thanked departing vice principal Glenn MacLeod for his contributions over three-and-a-half years he spent with the school.

Several weeks of covert planning paid off for students and staff of École Mother Teresa School, as they honoured a visibly surprised departing vice principal Glenn MacLeod in a secret farewell assembly last Thursday morning.

Along with parents, family and representatives from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, they commemorated MacLeod’s three-and-a-half years at the school with music, stories and tributes during the one-hour assembly in the school’s fine arts centre.

“Wow, what a surprise,” said MacLeod. “Usually I have words, but I’m very emotional right now. It’s overwhelming.”

MacLeod’s tenure with the school ended after he was transferred to École Camille J. Lerouge School in Red Deer, where he is reprising his role as vice principal.

His replacement at Mother Teresa is Ken Meraw, former vice principal of Holy Family School in Red Deer, who enjoyed his first day on the job Tuesday.

Principal Dorice Swensrude was one of several people who spoke during the assembly, and thanked MacLeod for his contributions to the school.

“Thank you for all of the seeds that you have planted. I know that they will continue to flourish and grow throughout the years,” she said. “You have made your mark here and you have accomplished so very much. We will remember you always.”

She also noted her relief at the success of the assembly’s surprise.

“We have been secretly planning for weeks, and I am finding myself constantly checking over my shoulder to be sure Mr. MacLeod is not around,” she said. “I am so happy this moment has finally arrived.”

MacLeod expressed his regret at having to leave Mother Teresa, and spoke of his fondness of the school community.

“You’re all important to me, every one of you,” he said, before leaving students with some encouraging words.

“The potential that you all have in the God-given abilities that you have is just amazing in this community.

“You have to make sure that you do your part to bring those out, because everybody here has those abilities.”