Meet Our Team - Christine Lawrence

Over the summer we are introducing our support staff to you, a vital part of the SCIDES team we could not work without. Last but certainly not least, it's Christine Lawrence's turn. We're so grateful for our support staff, Christine has been a part of the SCIDES secretarial team for more than seven years.

Thanks for taking the time, Christine. Can you introduce yourself and tell us where you're from?

My name is Christine Lawrence. I am originally from British Columbia but also lived in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Moved back to British Columbia, to Merritt almost ten years ago.

How long have you been part of the team at SCIDES and what is your job here?

I am a secretary at SCIDES and have worked here for a little over 7 years. Some of my duties are to ship out our elementary material, enter students into our MyEducation system and process final grades for our students.

What’s your favourite aspect of being part of the SCIDES team?

Although we are an online school, we do occasionally have students come in and work on their school work here and work with our teachers. It is nice to see the students connecting with our teachers. Also seeing the students' aha moments and seeing how proud of themselves they are.

What’s your least favourite aspect of being part of the SCIDES team? 

As an online school, the communication between students and teachers can be an issue. An occasional face-to-face meeting, zoom call or phone call can help to resolve any misunderstandings.  

What’s your best advice for students who want to figure out their career path and calling? 

Try new things. If something interests you, try it. Take courses, get involved in activities that interest you. Ask questions. 

What’s your favourite book and why? 

I am a lifelong reader and have so many books I’ve enjoyed. My first favourite book, or rather series, was the Thornton Burgess children’s books. My grade 1 teacher would read from these books every day of the Grade 1 school year to our class. They got my imagination going and is a part of the reason I love stories and love to read now.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Do your best. Whatever you're doing, whether it be school, a job, cooking, whatever, just do your best.  

What do you still want to learn? 

So many things. I would love to be more creative with the arts, love to learn to play the piano, and learn more about photography and gardening.

When you’re not busy supporting students and teachers at SCIDES, what do you enjoy doing? 

I enjoy spending time with my family and our pets. Spending time both at home watching a good movie or getting out of town for a day, either exploring the country or a mini-road trip to nearby towns.   

Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions, Christine! We're so glad to have you on the SCIDES team.

If you would like to find out more about SCIDES and the programs we offer, connect with us on social media, or get in touch.