From: arthur kratzmann
Date: Mon Jun 30, 2003 11:52:54 AM US/Eastern
To: Olaf Storaasli
Olaf,
I am really distressed that Mrs.Kratzmann (Mary) and I cannot be in
Saskatoon for the Brunskill/City Park reunion. I have a commitment to
teach
a graduate course in "Leadership" here at the University of Victoria,
beginning July 3. We also have a large much-time-in-the-planning family
reunion in Kamloops on the 5th and 6th. There is just no way we could
join you for even a brief stay.
Perhaps you may be interested in what became of this crazy Aussie who had
the good fortune to spend a really superb year in your midst in 1956/57.
This country---the greatest on the globe---has been very kind to me, as you
will gather from these few paragraphs.
At Brunskill, where I also taught a College of Education class and
coordinated the school's demonstration activities for the University, I was
provided visibility that resulted in the offer of a graduate fellowship
at the University of Alberta in educational administration. Upon completion of
the Master's degree, I became a school superintendent in Edson, Alberta.
Three years later, the University of Chicago offered me a Staff
Associateship, with Ford Foundation money, to complete my Ph.D. From
there we returned to Alberta where I spent three years as the Executive
Director of the Alberta School Trustees' Association, before entering a
University career that included a Department Chair in Edmonton, and the role of
Dean of Education at both the University of Regina and the University of
Victoria.
I retired from the payroll of U-Vic after 18 years at that fine
establishment, but I have been teaching part-time ever since. I have
had the opportunity through the years to serve on a host of provincial,
national, and international committees, agencies, and projects; to administer a
Royal Commission on Education in BC; to visit and serve frequently at
universities in China; and to engage in a great variety of other challenging and
rewarding activities through the years. I began teaching at 17 years of age
in Australia, and I am currently engaged in my 61st year as an educator.
Perhaps the most rewarding event in my professional life was the honour
accorded me in 2001to travel to Toronto to present an Award of Creative
Genius to Joni Mtchell (Queen Elizabeth School, Saskatoon, 1955-56),who
generously dedicated her first album to me, and who has been so gracious
in her comments about me over the years. In fact, I have just had a
90-minute call from her in Los Angeles. How lucky can one guy be?
Personally, as well as professionally, I have been blessed. I have a
wonderful soulmate in Mary (we've been together for 59 years), and we
enjoy time with a closely-knit family which now includes five
great-grandchildren.
We have travelled at every possible opportunity, visiting over 50 countries
at the last count, and making a dozen trips to my "home" Down-Under. We
have just returned from a month in St. Petersburg, Russia, sharing in their
300th year jubilee celebrations.We enjoy splendid health and lead vigorous
lives.
I think often of the year that I shared with the special group of Grade
Sevens and Eights in the small room in the jog in the hallway at
Brunskill.
Sometimes at night, when I can't sleep, I go around the class from front row
to back, remembering each and every one of you, and reflecting upon your
unique personalities and talents. You taught me far more than I every
contributed to you. I knew less of those of you in the Dancey/Buckley
room, but our association was always pleasant and decent.
We see Bob Forrest quite often, and I am always inspired by his optimism and
ready smile---in the face of really devastating health problems during
the years. He is taking some photos to the reunion on our behalf and has
promised to return with some photographic vignettes of the gang.
Mary and I wish you all a grand time together in Saskabush. Thanks to Olaf
and Jack and Bob for your special efforts. Please toss back a cocktail
or two for us.
Most respectfully,
Arthur Kratzmann
