The Peace River School Division is thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: Anita Bak, a beloved teacher at Paul Rowe Jr./Sr. High School, recently marked an incredible 50 years of teaching, with every single one of those years dedicated to the students of Paul Rowe!

The Peace River School Division celebrates staff annually with long-service award recognitions. This year, the Division transitioned from a central celebration to multiple site-based celebrations. Mrs. Bak was celebrated alongside her team of colleagues, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Thompson, and Ward 3 Trustee Lacey Buchinski on May 16

Mrs. Bak's journey at Paul Rowe began in October, 1974, when she was hired to teach Grade 7 Language Arts. "I was hired to teach Grade 7 Language Arts. I started October 7, and my daughter Lynette was four weeks old," she recounts. Even though her background was in business education, the superintendent at the time saw her potential, telling her, "You must have taken English 30...You can teach Grade 7 Language Arts." And teach she did!

Soon after, Mrs. Bak transitioned to teaching senior high law, and then, when the business education teacher left, she found her stride teaching Senior High Business Ed. Since then, she's taught "everything and anything I could imagine."

Fifty years is an astounding length of time to dedicate to one profession, let alone one school. When asked what has kept her at Paul Rowe for so long, Anita's answer is simple and profound: "The kids, of course."

"They just keep you going," she shared with a smile. "They do some silly things, but deep down, they appreciate you... You just have to keep up with them, have to keep interested in what they're interested in, and have those conversations." She continued by emphasizing the importance of treating students like "young adults" and talking to them, not at them.

For new teachers entering the profession, Mrs. Bak offered a piece of timeless advice: "Be yourself and just  treat the students with respect. If you respect them, they respect you back." She also highlighted the importance of enjoying your work. "There's a lot of hard work, but if you don't like it, if it consumes your life then I don't think you should be in it... Because, overall it's what you make it."

Even after five decades, the word "retirement" isn't quite in Anita's immediate vocabulary. She's likely to remain a teacher in Manning for at least one more year to help with the transition to Manning Aurora Composite School. 

Mrs. Bak's unwavering commitment, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine care for her students have undoubtedly shaped countless lives within the Peace River School Division. We extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Anita for her incredible 50 years of service at Paul Rowe Jr./Sr. High School! Your dedication is truly an inspiration to us all.

Mrs. Bak and all her former students who are now colleagues