A Green Lagacy
Story appeared in the 2018 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY HAYLEY PICARD, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
ALUMNI JAN GREEN (STAFF 1975-2004)
“Every bursary or financial award has a personal connection to the School. Donors give back to motivate a future leader, commemorate their time at Queen Margaret’s School or honour a loved one.”
The desire to memorialize our loved ones in a meaningful way is part of the human condition. And when a loved one has made a lasting impact on not just a few lives, but an entire community, the need to celebrate the individual who has contributed to a lasting positive influence on others is not just a way of seeking solace, but also a way to pay homage.
With the untimely passing of beloved QMS teacher Jan Green came the need for many former students, families, peers and friends to both express their grief and honour their cherished teacher. This tight-knit group approached the School with the idea of creating a memorial bursary in Jan’s name to honour her many contributions to the students and families of QMS.
Jan Green’s link in the QMS chain was forged in 1975 when she accepted a teaching position at the school. Leaving her native England for the shores of the West Coast, Jan quickly found herself connecting with the welcoming community. Jan’s 29-year career spanned teaching English, physical education, coaching multiple sports, supporting alumni relations, working in administration and being deeply engaged with the Overseas Old Margaretian Association (OOMA).
“Jan Green was the rock of QMS,” states Kathleen and Michael Johnson (parents of Rebecca ’93 and Valerie ’96). “She was a strong leader who expressed the qualities of firmness, discipline, kindness and a great compassion for all. Jan dedicated her life to the school to show young women that by displaying these qualities, one can face any of life’s challenges with a solid foundation of courage, steadfastness, and charitableness.”
For many who donated to the Jan Green Memorial Bursary, it was a way to express their gratitude and love for Jan’s impact on their lives.
From Eileen Peltier (Staff 1981-2004) to Cyndy and Bernie Dinter (parents of Tamara 1992-2002), the ability to donate to the School Jan held so dear provided an outlet for their grief. Financial gifts also provided them them a way to honour Jan’s legacy by offering the opportunity of a Queen Margaret’s School education to a deserving student.
Students who are selected as recipients for this bursary will need to display attributes such as an eagerness and commitment to attend QMS, consistently demonstrate the School’s motto of “Servite Fortiter,” be in good academic standing, show a positive attitude, and demonstrate determination in sport. All of these attributes were important to Jan. It is hoped that this monetary award will serve as a way to inspire future students to continue embodying these important tenets of a QMS education.