Wendy McDonald

I was born and raised in Lethbridge, first attending Kindergarten at Aunt Dorothy's Playhouse, (as one of my high school friends called it, "The Ivy League of Kindergartens" as we had to wear uniforms!), General Stewart for Grades 1-3, Alan Watson for Grades 4-6, Hamilton for Junior High and L.C.I. for High School.  I graduated from the U of L in 1984 with my Bachelor of Education Degree.

My parents instilled in me a love of traveling, and in 1985 I traveled with Up With People, an international, educational and cultural organization where students from all around the world travel for one year, stay with host families, perform in a two hour musical show, and participate in community projects in each city or town they visit. The mission of Up With People is to promote peace and understanding of people of all nations.   My cast of 150 students was comprised of students from 20 different countries and we traveled in the U.S., Mexico, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden!  In 1986 I traveled another year on staff as the Dance Captain through the U.S., Quebec, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy!  It was an amazing experience and probably not a day goes by that I don't use something in my teaching that I learned in those two years.  Every five years we have a reunion, and next summer I will travel to Phoenix for my 35th Reunion!

I began my career teaching Kindergarten at Nicholas Sheran, then moved to Grade Five at Park Meadows, and have been here at General Stewart for the past 20 years!  I have many connections to our school...I grew up on 8th Street just 4 houses from Mr. Stewart, so I actually knew him and remember trick-or-treating at his house!  My late mother-in-law taught here, and I attended General Stewart, as did my sons! 

I have two sons, Joseph, (27), and Jack, (24), of whom I'm so proud, and who make me laugh a lot!  Joseph is presently completing a second Masters in Amsterdam, and Jack is an Educational Assistant at Chinook High School and coaches for the American Legion Baseball Association. The three of us love to travel to Palm Springs and to New York! 

Dancing has been a huge part of my life and I began dancing with the Jolliffe Academy of Dance when I was six years old taking Ballet, Modern, and National Dancing.  I added Jazz and Tap at Studio One Dance Academy and have danced ever since.  I still take a Ballet class every Thursday evening! 

In High School and University I was very involved in Musical Theatre productions.  I like to integrate my love of dance and theatre into my teaching and enjoy doing "Celebrations of Learning" with my students throughout the year which showcase what they have learned using music, movement, art, and literature. 

I love being a part of the General Stewart family working with all of the wonderful staff, students, and families!