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Robin Price the `heart and soul' of Hopedale school by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 21 | Friday, May 6, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Robin Price has helped build a foundation for children in their early years to grow into independent, confident kids over the last 35 years at Hopedale Community Nursery School. Fostering learning through play since 1981, when she began teaching at the school, Price has been hopping, skipping, exploring, singing and role playing alongside the children who are between the ages of two and six and take part in either the morning preschool program or the afternoon Junior and Senior Kindergarten enrichment program. "She has this incredible profound respect for young children and it truly radiates with her teachings and guidance through the classroom," said Oakville mom Janine Ward, who had four children go through Hopedale's programs between 2003-14. "She advocates for the children to strive for independence and raise their self-confidence," said Ward. "She encourages the children to be active thinkers, so they can advocate for their own choices and make independent decisions and then group decisions as a community." To mark the milestone anniversary and her continued commitment to the not-for-profit cooperative school that relies on parent volunteers to help run the programs, Price is being celebrated at the Queen Mary Drive school Saturday (May 7). The community is invited to join in from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at an open house, bake sale and a barbecue lunch. Funds raised from the bake sale will benefit the school while the charity barbecue will support the Canadian Cancer Society in honour of Price's late mother. Ward said Price will be there with her children, aged seven to 15. Ward said Hopedale came highly recommended to her by local families when she enrolled her eldest daughter in 2003. "What really stood out for me was how much gratitude they had towards the supervisor teacher, which was Robin Price," she said. "Very quickly I felt that same gratitude because from the very first Robin Price is being honoured this weekend for helping to run the Hopedale Community Nursery School for the past 35 years. Pictured is Price with students Jack Douglas, 3, and Sarah Mack, 3. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) day I met her, I saw her as a gift. She truly is the soul of Hopedale." Describing Price as a caring, nurturing, compassionate and loving teacher, Ward, who sat on Hopedale's board for 10 consecutive years, said the school environment feels like an extension of one's family. "I truly believe Robin has fostered that path within the school," she said. "She has built that foundation in that school and that's what makes it so beautiful." "She's so in tune and aware of each child's gift, what their needs are, what their strengths are and where their challenges are," she said. Her ability to circulate in the classroom, spend one-on-one time with each child so naturally and effortlessly, is truly a gift, said Ward. An enthusiastic leader, Price regularly upgrades her professional skills through workshops and seminars. She has received several teaching awards, including the Angel Award, which was given to her by the Oakville Beaver about 15 years ago. She said she continues to teach at the school because it's a rewarding job that has enabled her to build great relationships with parents and students. Price said she loves that it's a co-operative school where parents have a "real say" and take ownership in their children's education. "It's been a really great school to work for," she said, noting some of her favourite memories include the great community parties they've had and the fun activities she gets to share with the children each and everyday. "I really love doing my job and I'll do it as long as I can," she added. Price admitted it feels awkward for her to be the focus of the upcoming community event because she doesn't exactly enjoy being the centre of attention. However, she said she feels honoured the school community wants to celebrate the 35 years she's been teaching at Hopedale and is looking forward to party. Hopedale has been in existence for more than 40 years and has two teachers on staff. For more information, visit www. hopedalepreschool.org. HOST FAMILIES NEEDED! Open Your Hearts and Homes this July Spanish students are coming to Burlington and Oakville and we need families to host! This is a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange. Students attend classes and activities Monday to Friday. 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