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With the support of alumni and current parents, it will soon be known as the Bigelow Learning Lab, in honour of Mrs. Jean Bigelow, our Junior School Principal.
Mrs. Bigelow recently announced her retirement for the end of the 2021 school year, which left a window of opportunity to recognize the contributions she has made to the GNS community.
Alumni Matthew ’06 and David Gustavson ’05 came to Head of School, Chad Holtum, asking how the school was going to honour Jean’s years of service. As former students, they witnessed first hand the passion that Jean had towards helping students succeed in their lives.
“Jean has been such a staple at GNS,” said Matthew. “My brother and I remember her fondly, and to come back to the school years later with kids, to see her in her new role as Junior School Principal, and thriving in it—it was important to recognize her contribution to the school.”
Jean attended Norfolk House School from 1966 to 1971 and then returned as a teacher in 1993. Her many years with the school also included numerous family connections through her children, granddaughters, sisters, cousins, and nieces—all of whom attended GNS.
Out of a desire to recognize the passion Jean has for helping all children find success at school, Matthew and his wife Hayley, along with David and his wife Jessica, made the first donation toward naming this important area of the school.
Matthew noted that Jean was such a presence for himself and David in the Senior School when they attended, and was a positive influence on students.
“She’s not just a resource to the kids, but parents as well. She can speak to what kids are going through, and what to expect. I think that’s valuable,” he said.
The Gustavsons, along with current families, have been advocates for a space that honours Jean, one that celebrates differences and embraces neurodiversity.
The Bigelow Learning Lab helps students grow their neurodiversity into a competitive advantage. It facilitates state-of-the-art learning strategy support, implements evidence-based methods to meet diverse student needs, nurtures and amplifies strengths, and celebrates the diversity of students and staff.
After hearing about this initiative, current parents Dr. Deepa Singal and her husband Rohit stepped up right away to offer their support.
“As a mother of two amazing children at the Beach, I get to see first-hand how the incredible generosity of donors has built a world-class environment that truly enhances our children’s education and nurtures their spirits. We are proud to make a meaningful contribution that advances the mission of GNS to help every child reach their fullest potential and honour Ms. Jean Bigelow,” said Dr. Singal. “Jean has led with integrity and compassion and has cultivated an inclusive culture where all children belong and thrive. It is our collective imperative as parents and staff to ensure her legacy and the GNS culture of caring, community and individuality will continue to benefit current and future generations of children in innovative and new ways.”
For more information about the Bigelow Learning Lab and to learn how you can support this initiative, please contact Mary Anne Marchildon at mmarchildon@mygns.ca, or make your donation today.
