After a long and successful career, Principal Judy Hiebert of Niverville Elementary School will retire in June at the end of the school year.
In her career, Hiebert has worked in five different schools, holding a variety of positions, including teaching in K–4 classrooms, resource, vice-principal, and principal.
“My mother encouraged each of her daughters to have a career,” Hiebert says of choosing to become a teacher in 1975. “I chose teaching and began in a Grade Two classroom. There is something about sharing and learning with others and seeing their ‘aha’ moments that is so rewarding.”
After several years of teaching, Hiebert took a few years off to raise her children, citing the importance of her being home for her two sons while they were young. All told, she has spent 33 years on the job, all in the Hanover School Division.
When looking back at her career, Hiebert remembers many of the challenges.
“Finding a balance between my personal and professional life has been my biggest challenge,” she says. “It is also challenging in meeting the particular needs of students. There is no formula. The team tries some strategies, and if some don’t work, you keep at it until you find the right fit for the child.”
Her philosophy is that all children are capable of learning, and that they learn best in a safe and respectful environment. “Educators are responsible to activate learning as much as possible, ensuring that the children are successful,” Hiebert elaborates. “We do that best when we work as a team, bringing our roles and skills together. For the last number of years, we at Niverville Elementary have practiced… problem-solving together and encouraging children to make responsible choices in their interactions with others.”
Hiebert has implemented a simple motto throughout her career: care, share, and dare.
“Care about the children in your classroom and their families. Care about the colleagues that you work with. Care about yourself,” she says. “Share. Learn alongside your students and colleagues. Be a team player. Sharing is a big part of education now. Dare. Continue to learn, explore, and surprise yourself with the possibilities of what you and the students can do.”
One of her fondest memories involves a Grade One student who profoundly told her one day, “I don’t have to fight anymore, because I know how to read!”
“His new identity as a learner was powerful,” Hiebert recalls.
Niverville Elementary’s fiftieth anniversary was another highlight. “After reviewing the school’s history, we were ready to move forward with a new motto, logo, pride wear, and school song. Our gym was packed that evening. There was so much positive energy. We then developed our mission statement and formulized our beliefs. It was a defining time for us as a school.”
In the coming years, Hiebert plans to explore contacts in the area of global education, connect with family and friends, and take time to pursue health and wellness. She adds that she many hobbies to keep her busy.
“It has been a privilege to have been at Niverville Elementary for the past 11 years,” she concludes. “I have learned so much working alongside the staff and teaming with parents and the community.”
