I not only graduated from Peretz School in 1961, but, I also had my first teaching experiences there! In 1970 I taught preschool ,taking my own preschool teacher's, Mrs. Sarah Green, class as she was moving to Vancouver. Having been invited to teach in public school that year or at the Peretz School, I was thrilled to take the responsibility and opportunity at the very I. L. Peretz School that I had attended. I recited a Hebrew passage and cut the red ribbon at the opening of that very location years before when Chaver Heilik asked me to! I would find out later that my own husband was a former student of Chaver Heilik’s. It was so exciting to have my grade 6 and 7 teacher, Mrs. Brooks, now as my vice principal. Some of my teachers were also still teaching at the school. Sometimes I substituted their classes.
What wonderful memories of my teaching years. I wonder if Cantor Brownstone, who had me sing as a soloist often, was watching from beyond when I performed as a singer with the Calgary Philharmonic in 1994 as a composer and performer. From time to time, I think of how that school, together with other childhood experiences, kept, and keep the floodgates of creativity open for me. May the heartfelt memories of childhood and those of Peretz School continue to inspire in those of us who are a part of its legacy all that we can be for love and authenticity! Dee fameelieh foon Peretz Shool ees a croin foon yidishkeit.een heinteeker velt hobn meer altsding alts yiddn.ain zach felt….a beesl yeedishkeit far alleh yiddn. Zeit gazunt oon bleiblt gezunt!!!!
Hilda Szternfeld Smith