Embracing Adventure and Growth: A Journey with Kari Marentette at Island Pacific School

At Island Pacific School (IPS), education is more than just lessons within four walls; it’s about embarking on journeys of discovery and growth. For Middle School teacher Kari Marentette, every day is an opportunity to guide students through wild, fun, and wacky experiences that leave lasting impressions.

Reflecting on her tenure at IPS, Kari fondly recalls the vibrant spirit of dressing up in costumes for house lunches or ultimate tournaments. These moments, she emphasizes, are not just about fun but also about fostering camaraderie and school pride. One particular highlight was witnessing their students emerge victorious at Saber Fest in 2023, a memory that still evokes a sense of pride and accomplishment.

When asked about her affinity for teaching Middle School students, Kari’s passion shines through. “They’re still curious about the world,” she notes, highlighting the pivotal phase of self-discovery that defines the Middle School years. Guiding students through this journey, she explains, is immensely rewarding, fueled by their enthusiasm for learning and innate sense of fun.

What sets IPS apart, according to Kari, is its unwavering commitment to fostering relationships. “We take the time to truly know each student,” she emphasizes. With smaller class sizes, the school can tailor its approach to meet individual learning needs, celebrating the uniqueness of each student along the way.

School excursions play a pivotal role in enriching the educational experience at Island Pacific School She notes the value of experiential experiences, critical time spent learning outside the school, such as our camp, hiking and kayak trips and excursions.
Beyond mere trips, these excursions offer students opportunities to bond, create lasting memories, and explore new horizons. Whether it’s navigating the streets of Quebec or delving into the cultural tapestry of Vancouver, these experiences leave an indelible mark on students’ lives.

“The Quebec 2023 trip was amazing”, says Kari “It was so fun to travel with the students and see them in an out-of-school environment for an extended period of time. We created many memories and faced challenges that allowed us to bond as a group. I got to watch kids try escargot for the first time, watch them figure out how to lead us through the city using public transportation, and speak to people in restaurants in French.”

In addition to her role as an educator, Kari shares insights into the humorous side of school life through “Things Teachers Say.” From Jen’s cheerful “Hola Chicas!” to Adrian’s upbeat “Good news people, it’s time for class!” and Scott’s gentle reminder to “Be Kind!,” these phrases embody the ethos of positivity and camaraderie that permeates Island Pacific School.

 

Julia McCaig
Director of Community Engagement
Island Pacific School
julia.mccaig@islandpacific.org