Rundle at 40: Mary Baird’s 35 Years of Impact

As we reflect on the key moments over Rundle’s four decades of existence, our story could not be properly told if we did not mention the staff who truly believed in Rundle’s values and helped lay the foundation for the educational institution we know today.

The story of Ms. Mary Baird at Rundle is one that spans 35 years of impact. From being hired during the early beginnings of our school, to creating a legacy spanning over three-and-a-half decades, she left her mark on Rundle through the students she taught, teachers she mentored, and programs she founded.

Beginning at Rundle

Mary’s story begins in 1987, when then-Head of School Dave Hauk (now Superintendent) hired her on a temporary basis to help run that year’s Summer School program, and after quickly recognizing her spirit for education, it wasn’t long before he offered her a permanent teaching position in the fall.

 (Ms. Mary Baird reading a story to her class)

Starting as a junior high teacher, Mary’s passion for teaching in the Rundle environment was evident immediately. Through the small classes at the school, she was able to make a difference in the lives of every student who passed through her classroom. As Mary often shared, her philosophy was that if she cared enough for each student, they would trust her and form a bond like no other, no matter what difficulties there were. Because of this, she was a transformational force on her students’ and their education.

Transformative Leadership

Her student-connection didn’t end at the classroom either, with Mary consistently being active in the co-curricular activities becoming one of the first volleyball and badminton coaches, and yearbook advisors at Rundle.

(Ms. Mary Baird with the Junior Boys Volleyball team)

After several years teaching at Rundle she was offered the Junior High Principal position, a position that she would use to make additions to the Rundle program that are still evident today.

As a leader in our school, she had a vision to build an environment where every student felt valued and accepted for their unique qualities. She sought to create opportunities for students to find their place at Rundle, reach their full potential, and develop through co-curricular, character, and academic programs that could rival any in the province. Her dream was to foster a school culture where students give back, both to Rundle and to the wider community.

After her tenure as principal, Mary held many impactful roles before her retirement.

• Curriculum Coordinator Jr and Sr High 
• Student Life Lead Jr & Sr High
• Assistant Principal Sr. High/ Student Life Lead

Everlasting Impact

Today, her legacy is present at Rundle through her work on programs that help expand personal growth for all; programs that she helped found such as the WEB Leadership program that builds student-led mentorship from older grades to lower, student exchange programs,  volunteering programs for students in the community and humanitarian service learning trips to Guatemala and El Salvador. 

(Ms. Mary Baird on the Edgewater Fortune Trip)

(Ms. Mary Baird on a hiking trip with students)

Today, her legacy is present at Rundle through her work on programs that help expand personal growth for all; programs that she helped found such as the WEB Leadership program that builds student-led mentorship from older grades to lower, student exchange programs,  volunteering programs for students in the community and humanitarian service learning trips to Guatemala and El Salvador. 

She also planned and led the much-loved and unforgettable Edgewater Fortune Trip, which gave students the opportunity to live on a ship and work as the crew, in addition to exploring marine biology first hand; a trip that she would plan and attend 18 times during her career.

(Mary Baird with current staff, Mitch Cooper and Travis Rasch)

Beyond her impact on our academics and co-curricular’s present in the Rundle education today, Mary’s legacy is also continued at Rundle through her son and fellow Rundle graduate, our College Director of Athletics, Mr. Travis Rasch. Travis continues in his mother’s footsteps of creating the best co-curricular opportunities for all students at Rundle through the athletics department.

Mary Baird’s legacy lives on at Rundle not just in the programs she built, but in the lives she touched and the spirit of community that continues to thrive at Rundle. She is honoured today with her own Rundle House Team “Baird House”.