CCHS & CA Alumni Association November 2007 Newsletter

Claude Paquet teacher (retired) CCHS & CA 1974 - 2007

Being married to a teacher has been interesting, especially a science teacher. If our daughters ever asked, "Mommy, why is the sky blue?" all I had to say was go ask your Dad. During our first spring break together we babysat a tank full of live frogs destined for the dissecting table. They had to be fed live crickets and cleaned every day as they were very slimy. Then there were the stacks of leaf collections that would come home for correcting as well as labs and tests to be made and then corrected. The kitchen table was usually filled with flying papers and red pen marks. There was a fair amount of muttering that went along with this. Over the years the government has brought many changes to the education system starting with a 20% pay cut in the early 80"s. That was a bitter pill to swallow but the worst part has been the changes to the science programs and streaming of the kids. If you want to hear a rant, ask Claude about this. Rick Mercer, move over. Then there was the merging of Chambly and Penfield which brought a new set of challenges. Even through these difficulties, along with the terrible attitudes of the students, Claude has remained a dedicated and passionate teacher with a deep affection for the young people that he has a daily contact with. I was on a train once coming home from Toronto and was quite impressed with a studious young man I saw. We ended up talking and he was in a science program in university and had been a student at Chambly. He told me that his love of science was a direct result of having Mr. Paquet as teacher.

His first big project is the organizing of the 50^th anniversary of his church in Greenfield Park where he has been a member for 24 years. After that he will take a much needed rest and then will go back to university as a student. Mr. Paquet is a long time Bible scholar and wishes to deepen his knowledge by studying Judaism and Hebrew.

He is also an avid outdoors man and takes his wife on canoe trips where they have great adventures in rapids, strong river currents and big waves during high winds. He enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren and has many handyman projects lined up.

Claude & Cathy reside in St. Lambert.

Submitted by his wife, Cathy Ascah (1969)

Gordon Bowes taught in Nova Scotia for 14 years before teaching French and Latin at CCHS from 1956 to 1965. He later taught at LeMoyne d' Iberville and Richelieu Valley Schools in Quebec.At 89 years "young", he and his wife Marion have lived in St. Bruno QC since 1956. On a personal note: I have known Mr. Bowes for many years as we both
live in St. Bruno and attend the same church. He is a delightful gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and a wonderful sense of humour.
- Betty (Walker) Smith - 1959

Bernie Praw With over 37 years experience as mathematics teacher, high school principal, educational consultant, and father of three, his commitment to student success has never wavered. Bernie retired as Principal of Chambly Academy at the end of June, 2005 but is still active as a member of the Board of Directors and Life Member of the CCHS & CA Alumni Association.
As English Montreal School Board Commissioner for (Ward 10) Ville Saint Laurent he has dedicated the last 17 years to his community and has on Nov. 4th. been re-elected , by a wide majority, to continue in this position.