This is a legacy provincial website of the ATA. Visit our new website here.

Tale End: Teachers get their motors running

June 14, 2016
Natalie Oliphant is shown in her motorcycle’s gleaming chrome after an autumn ride last year.

The ATA News asked teachers via Facebook: What are you most looking forward to doing during the summer break?


I am most looking forward to a long ride to the west coast to watch whales.
Natalie Oliphant (pictured above)
Grades 1/2, George Davison Elementary School, Medicine Hat


Audrey Rooke and her husband Michael during a motorcycle trip to B.C. last year. Audrey is retiring from Sexsmith Secondary School this year; Michael teaches photography and accounting at Charles Spencer School in Grande Prairie.

After retiring this June, I am travelling to Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, then coming back for a motorcycle trip in Alberta and B.C., then back to Europe to visit Scotland (bucket list item) and then attend our son’s wedding and take another motorcycle trip or two.
Audrey Rooke
Grade 9–12 French, Sexsmith Secondary School, Sexsmith



Wendy Hatton and her son Scott during a visit to Vietnam.

I am so looking forward to travelling to South Korea to visit my son who left in September to teach English in that country.
Wendy Hatton
Brentwood Elementary School, Strathmore



Rachel Elliott’s work hangs at Heritage Park in Calgary during the Festival of Quilts, which took place on May 28 and 29.

I can’t wait to sew and quilt the days away and eat long lunches with friends. My labradoodle is excited to spend his days with his mommy.
Rachel Elliott
Math, Vincent Massey School, Calgary


This summer I am most looking forward to attending a wedding in Greece with my husband and friends.
Nicole Gatner
Grade 1, Bishop Greschuk Catholic Elementary School, Edmonton


Also In This Issue