Celebrating Rundle’s Recent Retirees

We are incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to work alongside these amazing colleagues, who collectively contributed nearly 75 years to Rundle. These four retirees leave a lasting impact on our community, and, more important, on our students and alumni who were lucky enough to interact with them.

Thank you to Pam, Michelle, Mary, and Lisa for your dedication to the Rundle community.

Pam Cook

After 23 years with Rundle, Pam Cook retired from her role as part-time enrolment assistant with the Rundle Business Office in June 2024.

Prior to working in the Business Office, Pam dedicated 20 years to Rundle’s primary education program. During her time as the director of Rundle’s preschool program, Dr. Conklin gave her the unofficial title of “Rundle’s very own Mary Poppins.”

Her gift for forming special and enduring relationships with young students and their families helped parents and children feel seen, heard, and valued. In the classroom, Pam fostered a love of learning with her extensive expertise and training in Montessori education, which allowed her to always see the individual child and meet their needs through their own interests and abilities.

As an enrolment assistant, Pam continued to support Rundle’s primary division by working tirelessly to inform, inspire, and support prospective families. Her caring demeanour, attention to detail, and wealth of knowledge set countless students up for success at Rundle and she embodied our school’s values daily. Pam has had an immeasurable impact on the Enrolment team and those around her. Her sense of humour, style, and energy will be missed by all, however, we have no doubt that this next “chapter” of her life will bring more stories and adventures for her to share when she visits us. We wish Pam every happiness moving forward.

Michelle Kowbel

After nine years with Rundle, Michelle Kowbel retired from her role as administrative assistant with Rundle College’s junior and senior high at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

In her role, she has interacted with parents, staff, and students, and those interactions have been consistently wrapped with grace, patience, and kindness. She kept track of the financial records and was a successful conduit between the plethora of school activities and the Business Office. Michelle was also instrumental in supporting countless events at the junior and senior high. She truly ensured that every little detail was taken care of. On top of her regular role, Michelle always went out of her way to involve herself with the students and staff alike. For many years, Michelle made a traditional bannock recipe for the Grade 7 Indigenous Day. She also taught knitting to senior high students. Relationships and giving back guided Michelle in her interactions, and we are grateful for her impact on so many community members.

We wish her much joy as she enters retirement after many years at Rundle and other school settings. May the freedom of retirement provide her time to enjoy with family and friends and more opportunities to do the activities she enjoys, including creative crafting and pickleball! We will enjoy hearing all about her camping and travel adventures.

Mary Pumphrey

After 19 years with Rundle Academy, Mary Pumphrey retired from her role as administrative assistant on October 31, 2024.

Having been at the forefront of our elementary school, Mary was often the first warm face our newest students and parents met in their first school years. In recent years, Mary has been the daily interaction between senior high students and the school. For our graduating grade 12s, Mary was their welcoming daily support throughout their entire education at Rundle Academy.

Mary has not only been the office lead regarding PowerSchool and scheduling, but she has also taken great pride in supporting our school celebrations by ensuring each student’s recognition was as personal and special as possible. One of Mary’s favourite school events each year is watching the annual talent show, where students of all ages share their favourite things and talents.

Mary will be missed by our students and parents. The staff will surely miss their friend and the wonderful support role she consistently provided to Rundle.

Lisa Salter

After 23 years with Rundle, Lisa Salter retired from her role as a primary homeroom teacher at Rundle College in June 2024.

We are honoured to celebrate Lisa’s incredible career, as she has inspired countless students since joining our school in 2001. Her love for children in their early years of learning shone through her warm and nurturing approach to teaching, where every child felt valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Lisa’s creative instruction created an exciting and engaging classroom environment. She prioritized the importance of structure, routines, and the foundational skills of early literacy and numeracy development. Her focus on conduct and character helped students flourish into kind, responsible individuals, and her bright smile and infectious laughter brought joy and love to all who knew her.

She has been an exceptional mentor to many new teachers, helping them build a strong teaching skill set and reinforcing that we are here for the students, invariably advocating for “what’s best for the kids.” Her contributions have left an indelible mark, and while she will be greatly missed, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new chapter filled with adventures and the time to focus on family.

Thank you, Lisa, for your commitment to Rundle. Your warm and joyful spirit, enthusiasm, and kindness have been gifts to us all. We have been truly blessed to experience them.