Submitted by: Shauna Klekta | On Friday, June 24, 2011 there was standing room only at the Minitonas Early Years School as family, friends, colleagues, students and former students gathered together to honor Dennis Kalynuk who is retiring this year after 40 years of teaching in Minitonas and 10 years as Principal of Minitonas Early Years.

The evening began with the teachers bringing out 40 boxes, representing the many storage boxes that Dennis has accumulated at the school over the years. Many of the boxes are filled with hockey figurines which he collects and jokingly refers to as “Gifts for Peggy”.

The program was both lighthearted and heartfelt as many of the teachers shared their memories of the good times they have spent together, not just as staff but as friends.





Lisa Eisner sang the song, “The Principal” to the tune “The Auctioneer” for which she and Rachel Eisner had writtent new lyrics to tell the story of a boy from Angusville who found a job a Minitonas School. It was a fitting tribute to Dennis’ many years of dedicated service.

The Principal
There was a boy from Angusville who went out looking for a thrill
And found a job at Minitonas School
He’d sneak away in the afternoons, take a little walk and pretty soon
You’d find him at the home of Peggy Ann
In the summer of 1973, Dennis wed his wife Peggy
And honeymooned while camping in the rain.
Then 3 children came their way, Dustin, John and Mirissa K
Gotta hurry up and get right back to school.

Planning junk sale, pizza days, family picnics, airbands,
Staff meeting, photo stories, 26 bike roadeos.
I’ve got another figurine, Cory can I hide it in your room?
I simply cannot take it home, the boxes they have grown and grown.
Have any of you got a great big flatbed truck that I could loan?
How many hockey figures should a grown man really own?

As time went on he did his best and all could see he didn’t jest
He worked so hard at school both night and day.
His class would find him in his room, drilling hard and pretty soon
Multiplication facts came easily.
When his staff said “Boss we need a hand”
With mics and chairs and speaker stands
Reffing school sports every single day.
You’ve worked so hard you’ve passed the test.
We think its time you take a rest.
You can take your place among the best.

So from that boy who taught at school, there grew a man who played it cool
He sadly has decided to retire.
We’re very sad and taking it rough – we’ll miss him dressed like Hillary Duff
It filled our hearts with such a happy cheer.
Now his fame’s spread out from shore to shore.
He’s done all he could do and more.
So he’ll buy a lawnmower to get around.

Now he’s the tops in all the land
Let’s pause to give this man a hand
He’s the best principal we have ever had!

The Grade 4 Choir Sang Dennis’ Favorite Song
Teacher, I wrote this song for you
To thank you for every smile.
I know you had a lot to do
I’m glad that you paused awhile.
You took time to listen,
and to hear,
To laugh, and just be there;
I heard that lesson loud and clear:
I mattered to you — you cared.

These words describe Dennis as a teacher and principal. He took the time to know each student, to make their day a little brighter and to be there when they needed just a little extra help.

Thank you, Mr. Kalynuk!