A Wish List

Lately I haven't had enough energy, or focus, or clarity, or inspiration, or achievement, or quaility reflection time to write a decent blog post.
I'm sorry :(

Forever in my Heart, Alan Dick 1954-2009

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge,

Myth is more potent than history,

Dreams are more powerful than facts,

Hope always triumphs over experience,

Laughter is the cure for grief,

Love is stronger than death

For many of our students and their parents, Alan Dick personified the Canadian International School. As a passionate and dynamic educator, and a proud Canadian, he created an incredible legacy through his contribution to the development of our school and our community.

He did so not from behind closed doors, but with tremendous personal warmth and charisma. Each and every day, he greeted students at the entrance, addressing everyone by name. Every afternoon, he sent them home the same way.

At assemblies his Smile Factor was infectious, as Alan led the children in singing songs ranging from O Canada to the Hokey Pokey. He taught children what it is to be a global citizen, and what it was to be a Canadian.

He also taught them to love school by making it a loving place. He was a great hugger and loved to visit the children in class, where he disrupted many a lesson. In some respects, he was the biggest of kids, with his Funny Bunny, Winnie the Pooh staff badge, silly ties, and extraordinary Hallowe'en costumes. His playful approach won the children's hearts and so, their minds.

He himself was a dedicated life-long learner - the book "The Learning Leader" is still on his desk. He is survived by a sister, a brother and his parents.

He was an extraordinary character, larger than life and a life lived large, and he will be sorely missed as an educator and a friend. The past few days have been very difficult for the CDNIS community. Staff, teachers, students, and parents have been moving through the grieving process while trying to continue on as Alan would have wished.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 3:00pm at Asia World Expo. Our intention is to gather as a community to celebrate Alan’s life and to provide an opportunity for his many friends to come together to express their love and respect for Alan. The service will reflect Alan – full of spirit, colour and, of course, music. As this is a celebration of Alan’s life, we ask that eceryone wear pink, his favourite colour.

You are loved and missed. Forever in our hearts and dreams.