4- The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday January 13, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Teacher wants to inspire students with passion for Canada Continued from page 3 His desire to promote Canada was also fuelled by watching the Montreal Rally during the Quebec separatist referendum in 1995. "The rally really was a turning point for me. It was my catalyst, my motivation," said Phippen. "I wanted to show young people what they had to appreciate about this country of ours." His own appreciation was born out of early road trips to different parts of the country with his parents, and from his somewhat cross-Canada education. After growing up in Oakville, Phippen finished high school in rural Saskatchewan, and then went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to study Biology at Dalhousie University. "I got to see how amazing Canada is at an early age," he said. "It was great life experience, to see different parts of the country." That, too, is his goal with Expedition Education. "My hope is that this gets the students doing more traveling. That it peaks their interest in seeing different parts of Canada." Judging by students' reactions, that's already happening. "It's good to experience Canada outside of Ontario, to go and see everything for yourself," said Breanne Luff, 11. "I think it's great." "I want to go to the Yukon next," PHOTO COURTESY WEST WIND MONTESSORI SCHOOL GRACE IN GRACE HARBOUR: Gordon Phippen and his 10-year-old daughter, Grace, pose by a sign in the town of Harbour Grace, in Newfoundland. That was during West Wind Montessori's most recent Expedition Education trip, which was last year. added Grace, Phippen's 10-year-old daughter. Both Breanne and Grace went to Newfoundland on last year's Expedition Education trip. "It was really fun," said Breanne, who plans on taking part in the next trip with the school. "The best part was meeting all the people that were really nice." "I liked seeing the whales," added Grace. Another thing Phippen hopes students get out of the trips is that much of what they're seeing in the landscape and natural beauty of the country may not be around much longer. "Walking a glacier and really understanding how far the glaciers have receded. Seeing, here's where the line was 15 years ago that makes an impact. You can read about it or watch a video, but seeing it for yourself makes such a difference," he said. "I want the students to develop a real passion for stewardship, for preserving Canada." Usually about eight to 10 students each year get a chance to go on these trips. West Wind Montessori is hoping to expand the program. "That's our plan for the future," said Phippen. "The reason we're able to do these trips is because our school is so small. We're lucky that way." The next Expedition Education trip is already in the works it will probably be a circle of Georgian Bay. The year after that, Phippen says it's back to the Yukon. That's among his favourite destinations, although he admits it's impossible to choose a favourite. "I think the Yukon and Newfoundland are pretty spectacular," he said. "Really, the whole country inspires me. I really like the prairies. Where else can you drive seven or eight hours through wheat fields? That's awesome." For more on West Wind Montessori School's Expedition Education, visit the website at www.westwindms.com. -- Krissie Rutherford can be reached at krutherford@oakvillebeaver.com S ALE long knitted skirts REG. $265 now $10 DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE 905-337-3155