Deep Roots

When Maddy Marchildon came to GNS in 2002 as a kindergartener, her mom Mary Anne knew that she had joined a very special community. Before Maddy left the Beach, her parents had already started contributing to the Annual Appeal. For Mary Anne, this was a way to give back and say thank you for all that her daughter was receiving at GNS. Little did Mary Anne know that one day she would be managing that same Annual Appeal, a role she took on in 2013. Since that time, the Annual Appeal has gone from strength to strength, with donations and participation by our GNS community growing each year. In 2017/2018, parent participation was 53%, with staff participation a whopping 95%. This summer the Annual Appeal changed hands, with Rachel Davey stepping in to the Manager role after her recent stint as Family Boarding Coordinator, providing maternity leave cover. Mary Anne is still deeply involved with fundraising at GNS, but has passed on the care of ‘her baby’ (the Annual Appeal, not Maddy!) to Rachel. This transition has been made even easier by the deep roots of their friendship, which goes all the way back to 2006 when Maddy met Rory, Rachel’s son, at a program for kids at The Haven on Gabriola Island. They remained firm friends throughout the years, and it was Maddy who persuaded Rory to come to GNS in Grade 11 as the first 5-day Family Boarding student. They are both now in third year university – Rory at Dalhousie, Maddie at UVic – but their friendship remains despite being on opposite sides of Canada. Rachel is looking forward to the launch of this year’s Annual Appeal. Look out for more information about this in the coming weeks. Once again, the Annual Appeal will be providing opportunities to enrich student life which tuition alone cannot. As a current parent (Ismay, Grade 11), host parent, donor, volunteer and staff member, Rachel enjoys all the ways that the GNS community offers to be involved. The Annual Appeal remains in great hands! Click here for more information on the Annual Appeal.