After more than 20 years in school administration, Mrs. Nancy Reinke retires from Killaloe Public School (KPS) as of the end of this month. She has been the KPS Office Manager for more than 15 years so a lot of area families have come to know her well. Above Mrs. Reinke with KPS students (photo submitted)
KPS principal Anne George said, “Not only has she always made time for the students and their families; Mrs. Reinke has helped to organize many highly successful community events over the years, among them the Thanksgiving Dinners and the Volunteer Teas. Her expertise on these occasions proved how well she knew her community.”
George continued, “Past and present KPS students will always remember Mrs. Reinke for her sense of humour and her kindness.” She told The Current that the students and staff planned a presentation of gifts and artwork on her last day, as well as cake for all to enjoy.
Nancy Reinke with student artwork and cake (photos submitted)
Reinke described the occasion, “When I came to work yesterday morning the office was covered in streamers, colourful decorations and beautiful children’s art work with retirement wishes everywhere.”
Reinke told The Current, “Over the years I have enjoyed working with the amazing staff, students and volunteers at KPS. It is quite a busy school that hosts quite a few tournaments and even the area track meet. The kids are always involved in some activity: swimming, curling, tech club, skating, snowshoeing, fall fun fair, and special dinners for the staff and students. I love the school because you are never bored and always find some reason to have a good laugh. I have been blessed to work in such a lovely environment. It’s nice to be able to say I honestly looked forward to coming to work every day.”
She said she enjoyed working at several schools in the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB). “I started with RCDSB 20 years ago at Eganville and District Public School working part time. Over time I wanted more hours so added to my hours by working at various schools. An opportunity opened up at Ross Mineview Public School for a full time job, and when Ross Mineview closed I transferred to Killaloe Public School in 2005. In my time at KPS I enjoyed working with various principals: Cathy Kyte, Krista Recoskie, Therese Narbonne, Deb Metzger and the current principal Anne George.”
As for plans during retirement, Reinke said she has a few projects around the house and then hopes that she and her husband can spend more time with their kids and grandkids. They are also looking forward to volunteering in the community and travelling once the coronavirus pandemic is under control. She also has a special treat in store, “I do have a girl’s trip planned to go to Switzerland to visit my cousin, then we are travelling by train to Paris.”
Because of the provincial shutdown, the school plans to host an event next fall to honour Nancy Reinke and other members of staff who retired during this past year. Until then, Virtual Well Wishes can be made on this flipgrid video https://flipgrid.com/83f352e4