PLAMONDON – At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, when students are preparing to enjoy the summer holiday break, Karen Grygus, who currently serves as principal of École Plamondon School, will be retiring after spending more than three decades as a teacher and school administrator.
“I began teaching in 1991 and between having full time teaching positions, part time positions and subbing, I have taught for 33 years,” Grygus told Lakeland This Week.
Grygus’ long teaching career has featured many highlights as well as interesting moments, including the flood that ran through École Plamondon School on the afternoon of April 18, 2024.
This flood, which was triggered by a burst water main under the school, caused extensive damage, along with the closure of the school building. Construction crews worked to repair École Plamondon throughout last spring and summer, and the building was open in time for students to return in September for the 2024-2025 school year.
Getting through the years of the COVID-19 pandemic also brought no shortage of challenges for the school principal.
“The flood is memorable and seeing the resiliency of our kids, our staff, and our community working together to keep student learning at the forefront. Covid was an interesting time with many challenges - I felt honored that people in our community trusted our school team to protect and support their kids,” she explained.
As a teacher, it is enriching for Grygus to watch students who have been struggling with a concept to suddenly get it and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Out of all the dates on the school calendar, her favourite time of the year is watching her students graduate from school.
“This is very rewarding to honor their hard work and dedication to learning,” she said.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts at Augustana University (which was called Camrose Lutheran College when she attended), Grygus went onto the University of Alberta to work towards getting her teaching degree.
Her first assignments were in Wandering River School, followed by Plamondon and JA Williams High School in Lac La Biche. Grygus began her administrative career with the Lac La Biche Outreach School in 2013-2014, where she worked during that school year.
Grygus took on the role of principal at École Plamondon for the 2017-2018 school year and has been there ever since.
On May 2, Grygus, along with other NLPS staff who are retiring from the school division, was recognized during a special celebration hosted by Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) and held inside the RCMP Century Hall in Glendon.
Grygus enjoyed the celebration, explaining that friends shared funny memories and kind words during the event, which she said is always heartwarming.
“It was a nice evening and one that was appreciated,” she stated.
As for what Grygus’ future plans are after she officially retires on June 30, she said on May 7 that she is uncertain at this time. However, traveling is very high on her list of things to do.
What will she miss most about being in the classroom helping to shape young minds with knowledge as her students embark on their educational journeys?
“The kids - the hugs in the morning, the smiles, the jokes, following their journeys, helping them see their worth, being part of their support team,” Grygus said. “I will miss my kids and being part of an amazing school team.”
