Celebrating Michelle Olson

Mrs. Michelle Olson is Clayburn Difference Maker. Michelle, a quiet, unassuming, thoughtful teacher is a person who continually strives to make our school a better place to teach, learn, and work.

She is a firm believer in providing opportunities for students: Michelle helps sponsor many school clubs such as Mountain Bike Club, where students and teachers explore the Ledgeview trails on their bikes. Michelle also is a Cougar Crew teacher leader, where she helps support student leadership initiatives at our school, such as spirit week activities and hallway competitions. Michelle was instrumental in bringing Olympics day to Clayburn - a fantastic day of opportunities for students to participate in Olympic stations and events, complete with our school’s torch relay with an official Vancouver 2010 torch. Michelle has also helped with Special Interest Day and has helped to coach Cross Country.

Michelle has helped facilitate the development of a rich culture here at Clayburn. She is a fierce competitor and is willing to share strategies and help her “hallway” succeed in hallway competitions. She is always up for a laugh – hosts staff parties, joins in staff activities, and did we Mention Michelle is quite a fierce competitor when mini staff competitions are being held?

Michelle is also a team leader who willingly collaborates with all staff, especially with her fellow grade 8 teachers sharing resources, co-planning units and bouncing ideas of one another. She is a true collaborator in developing instructional strategies and assessment practices to share with her team.

Michelle’s easy nature and openness to dialogue has made her an integral part of our community. She continually strives to make our school better. We thoroughly enjoy interacting with Michelle daily, she is a big part of the opportunities afforded to both staff and students at Clayburn, we very much appreciate her!

Submitted by Heather Reid, Principal, Clayburn Middle School