By Rachel Campbell
Student Intern, Marketing
In the heart of our community lies a beacon of dedication and passion, Alexandra Zorbas, a beloved kindergarten teacher at Westmount Park Elementary School. Her journey with the school is a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and her deep-rooted connection to this school, spanning over 50 years.
Ms. Zorbas's relationship with Westmount Park Elementary began in kindergarten, with her siblings also attending the school. After graduating from here and Westmount High School, she pursued a Bachelor of Education at Concordia University. Returning to Westmount Park Elementary as a student teacher for two stages during her program solidified her bond with the school.
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| Ms. Zorbas and some of her students. |
In late August 1990, just after graduating, Ms. Zorbas received a call from the principal, Paul Saunders, offering her a position to replace a teacher on maternity leave. This marked the beginning of her over 30-year uninterrupted career at Westmount Park.
Reflecting on her student days, Ms. Zorbas fondly remembers lunchtime home visits and watching "The Flintstones" before racing back to school. Influential teachers like Carolyn Singman inspired her to become a teacher. She returned to Westmount Park for her teaching stages, drawn to the school's diversity and the challenges of an inner-city environment, feeling a strong desire to make a difference in students' lives.
One memorable teaching stage experience involved a lesson with Grade 5 students using hammers, which taught her the importance of respecting cooperating teachers' boundaries. Ms. Zorbas's teaching approach has been greatly influenced by her own teachers' dedication and care, and she finds great fulfillment in her career, especially in teaching multiple generations of families.
Among her proudest achievements was an exchange program with a Russian school in the early 1990s, allowing Grade 5 and 6 students to visit Moscow shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This cultural exchange was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that brought two different worlds together.
Ms. Zorbas attributes much of her personal and professional growth to Westmount Park Elementary School, valuing the numerous workshops and professional development opportunities she has participated in over the years. She cherishes the friendships and professional relationships formed through her connection to the school.
Over the years, Westmount Park Elementary has seen many changes, yet some things remain constant. The school still looks much the same from the outside, though it has been significantly renovated inside. The school has transitioned from the Protestant School Board to the EMSB, and its population has fluctuated, but it remains a Core English school. Ms. Zorbas is proud of the school's enduring strength and its ability to adapt and thrive.
As Ms. Zorbas continues her remarkable career, the Westmount Park Elementary community celebrates her contributions and the legacy she has built. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact one dedicated individual can have on a community. Miss Zorbas is not just a teacher; she is a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.
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