Our Caretaker Takes Care Of Lots - Thanks Dave!

This past summer, the main custodian at our school died. Cancer was to blame. Mr. Kwong had been at school irregularly last year due to his ill health. Many of our staff members attended his funeral service in August and I even addressed the mourners, describing the pride Kit took in his work, the network of contacts he collected to get things done, and how he eventually forgave me for drawing a Twister board on the carpet with chalk. We had no idea what the new school year would be like and who would replace the old stalwart that many students called "Uncle".

Enter Dave Bartholomew.

Dave is a breath of fresh air and the perfect balm for broken spirits missing Mr. Kwong.
I obtained Dave's permission to write about him and he granted it, although he was understandably curious and suspicious.

I don't think Dave is aware of the positive impact he has already had at our school. Our staff members love having "Mr. Dave" in the building. At our last staff meeting, teachers requested that we keep Mr. Bartholomew all year. It's not going to be possible (for a lot of complicated reasons) so we are going to try our best to enjoy having him for as long as we get him.

So what's the big deal about Dave? Plenty!

Mr. Bartholomew is a "people person". He makes a point of greeting everyone and making conversation. This doesn't take him away from completing his work; on the contrary, the classrooms are super-tidy and well-maintained.

I introduced Dave to Ernie, our school skinny pig. Most caretakers would be less than thrilled to discover that pets are around. Not Mr. Bartholomew. Dave visits Ernie at some point each day to say a few friendly words to him.

It's not just the smiles and kind words that make Dave someone we want around. He is a quick learner and responds rapidly to any requests. Our building is fully air conditioned and has a complex boiler and electrical system. One morning a teacher complained about being cold in her room and by recess the temperature was adjusted. That's not easily accomplished but Dave made it happen. Mr. Bartholomew is alert and aware, watching how things operate and considering how they can run more effectively.

Dave is busy but never too busy to help students. A pair of Grade 1s were keen to use some of my toy walkie-talkies. The batteries were dead. I suggested they go consult "Mr. Dave". Dave carved out time in his schedule to find the right size batteries and the right screwdriver and replace the batteries so the toy would work. The students love communicating to each other with the devices.

Speaking of communicating, two events specific to me occurred this week that cemented my resolve to celebrate our great caretaker. The book fair arrived last week (earlier in the day than expected) and Dave not only moved all the cases into the library, he came in to talk to me about whether or not the place he temporarily stored them was going to be disruptive to my teaching. Together we brainstormed the best location and he insisted on helping me move them over. He didn't have to communicate with me but he did and he took teaching and learning into consideration. Later that week, when Dave heard my scratchy, froggy voice on the PA, he brought me a packet of Fisherman's Friend lozenges. His attention to detail and considerate nature make us thankful he is with us at our work site.

Starting this Monday, September 30, caretakers, secretaries, and educational assistants (members of CUPE) will be operating under work-to-rule conditions. We teachers (members of ETFO) will support them 100% by respecting their boundaries and not undertaking tasks that would usually be under their jurisdiction. Maybe this will be a helpful reminder about all the extra chores they often do without a second thought. It does not lessen our admiration and respect for all of our education support workers - including Dave Bartholomew. Thank you Dave for everything!