Friday. Adult Education Centre – Mississauga Campus.
Two weeks into my tenure as Vice Principal of Adult Education and my head is spinning. There is so much to learn. Zena, our Office Manager has been patiently guiding me through some of our processes. Joe and Joe, our dynamic duo custodial team have shown me the space they care for with pride. There are a lot of curious nooks and crannies.
We operate out of two buildings. I’m settling into my new home base at The Mississauga Campus on the site of the former Britannia Secondary School, home of the Bulldogs. Our other space is a rental unit in City South Plaza. Interesting that we are operating a school in an office setting.
I’ve been VP at two complex secondary schools so the that part of the equation should be fine. There are some unique nuances in Adult Education but I’ve got a good grasp of the show and flow of high school.
The vertical learning curve exists with the new parts of my portfolio. The land of acronyms: ESL, LINC. LBS, MTCU, MCSS, GED, PLAR, EDU, PSW…etc
I’m relieved to have made it to the first Friday.
Almost.
3:30pm. There’s a call on the walkie-talkie.
“Mr. Dowhaniuk, can you please come to the Main Office. There’s an urgent phone call from the Central Board Office..”
My mind races. What could be urgent from CBO at this time of day?
I pick up.
“It’s JD how can I help?”
“Hi. You’re the VP of Adult Education?”
“Yes.”
“Someone just called the Central Board Office. They’re stuck in your elevator. Can you go and let them out?”
“Holy Cow! Yes. I’ll go right away.”
I leave my office and speed down the hallway towards…wait…where’s the elevator? The Joe’s didn’t show me the elevator. Think. Think. What do you remember about the floor plan. Where would the elevator be? Obviously, in the wing with an upper floor. That’s just outside the office. I walk the hall. But can’t find it. Time is ticking. I run back to the office to ask Zena.
“Zena. I just got a call from the Board Office that someone is stuck in the elevator. I can’t find it. Where is it?”
“City South Plaza. We don’t have one here. I’ll call David to free them.”
Yes, sometimes I think I’d be the guy who buys an elevator pass in a school with one floor.
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