FAREWELL ...

1988-1989 will also be the last year for another dedicated member of the staff, Mr. Tom Vella-Zarb. Born on June 1, 1931 on the island of Malta, he proved to be a gifted student. He entered high school at the youthful age of 9 and received his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree froth the Royal University of Malta in 1952.

Emigrating to our country in 1956, Mr. Vella-Zarb worked as Hospital Pharmacist in both London and Wallaceburg. He also was a Food and Drug Inspector for National Health and Welfare in Toronto and Windsor. Yet from 1969 until the present, he has taken on the tough, yet rewarding role of the educator right here at John McGregor. Over a twenty-year span, Mr. Vella-Zarb has taught us general Science, Chemistry, Biology, French and Driver.

To students wanting a helping hand during the summer vacation, he also taught Math at summer school.

Mr. Vella-Zarb was also involved with extracurricular activities such as our Drug Awareness program and the Science Olympics. He held the position of staff advisor for both the Drama Club and Camera Club in the late 1960's.

Tom Vella-Zarb has always participated in our community as well. He is a church lay reader, and an associate at Holy Cross Centre in Port Burwell. At various times he also was active in the Scouts of Canada, Teleshare, the Air Cadets and St. John Ambulance.

Apart from his career at John McGregor, Mr. Vella-Zarb has a family comprised of his wife Joan, and his five children, four sons and a daughter. He also is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren.

Mr. Vella-Zarb's first and foremost retirement plan is, according to him, to relax. Other options will include his numerous hobbies, such as photography, camping, computer programming, and carpentry.

Students will still be able to see Mr. Vella-Zarb at John McGregor from time to time as a supply teacher. This will give the McGregor gang plenty of chances to keep in touch with one of their favourite teachers. We at John McGregor Secondary School certainly wish him all the best and hope that he is as successful in his retirement as he was a teacher here.

When you hear the three words, fair, honest, and hardworking what comes to mind? A very special man comes to our minds. A man by the name of Mr. Vella-Zarb. He was a fair man to all students. He was always trying to run his classes according to the potential of the class. When we had him teach us we felt it was a privilege because it was his last year. He was always there if he knew a student was failing. He would try to help the student and he usually succeeded if the student was willing to accept his help. We are very proud of Mr. Vella-Zarb for all the years of his life he put in dedicated to teaching. He taught many students throughout his years therefore he will be missed by many students, and staff. From us to you Mr. Vella-Zarb. Thanx.

Angie Dozois
Carrie Smith