Messages from the Alumni Team

Reminder: January 31 Final Date for Nominations
In April 2012 the OPSOA Alumni Award for Contribution to Leadership in Public Education will be presented at the OPSOA Conference dinner. This annual award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of individuals in the public and private sector to achieving the mission of public education. The Alumni Leadership Team welcomes nominations from both active and alumni members. Please e-mail nominations to Ralph Cuthbertson at ralphc@rogers.com by January 31, 2012.

OPSOA Alumni Trip 2012: Joie De Vivre Tour through the Garden of France & Paris, October 16 to October 27, 2012
There are few more evocative places in Europe than France's fabled Loire Valley and Burgundy wine region. Often referred to as the "Garden of France", the Loire Valley is an enchanted land of vineyards and rolling hills dotted with more than 1,000 chateaux. This custom journey for OPSOA Alumni is a chance to walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, artists, and writers while admiring Renaissance castles that are architectural and engineering marvels.

The Côte d'Or boasts an incomparable terroir that produces the most expensive chardonnay and pinot noir in the world. Burgundy may not have the world's largest concentration of castles, but rather is famous for the world's finest wines! Stay in the heart of historic Beaune, the charming medieval town and capital of the Burgundy wine region before traveling along the Route des Grands Crus to see legendary vineyards and small villages. Spectacular wine tasting awaits in cellars located on some of the most renowned vineyards in France.

After leisurely exploring the fantastic pastoral countryside of the Loire and Burgundy, the excitement of Paris awaits. From the first-class, centrally-located hotel, the city is easy to explore: The Louvre, one of the greatest collections of art in the world displayed in the former royal palace along the banks of the Seine; the Museé d'Orsay and the Impressionist paintings by Renoir, Matisse, Van Gogh, and Monet; Versailles Palace; and the Left Bank galleries, cafés, and bistros that have attracted artists for centuries.

Travel with OPSOA Alumni through three of France's most enchanting regions. The tour is purposefully designed to highlight gourmet meals, fine wines, and the incomparable cultural richness that sets France apart. Tour Price: $3395.00 per person including roundtrip airfare. (Gratuities, insurance and departure taxes of $474.00 are extra.) A detailed brochure outlining excursions, inclusions, and a day-to-day itinerary will be available shortly. To request a brochure, please email Melina Mancini at Georgia Hardy Tours: melina@ghardytours.com.

Life Lessons Learned: Profile of an Alumni Member
Dr. Lyn Sharratt retired from York Region District School Board as Superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Services in 2008. Subsequently, Lyn has been busier than ever. She teaches and coordinates the Educational Doctoral Cohort in the Department of Theory and Policy Studies at OISE/ University of Toronto.

Since leaving York Region, Lyn has been lead author of two books: Realization: The Change Imperative in Deepening District-Wide Reform, Corwin Press, 2009; and Putting the FACES on the Data: What Great Leaders Do!, to be released by Corwin Press in January, 2012. Both books were co-authored with Michael Fullan.

Lyn works nationally and internationally to assist school districts in increasing ALL students' achievement and has enjoyed travelling with husband, Jim, to work in Australia, Chile, Switzerland, and the UK. Lyn also delivers keynotes and presentations at conferences and consults with school districts across Canada in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario.

Currently Lyn is working with Michael Fullan and The Gates Foundation on a digitized curriculum focused on assessment, instruction, and engagement of students through an interactive delivery.

Lyn has been the OPSOA representative for the Central Ontario Region and is currently an OPSOA mentor for new supervisory officers.

When not in Toronto, Lyn loves living in Lambton Shores on Lake Huron where she relaxes and writes books for her grandchildren.