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Goodbye, Mrs. Bayles

BCSS Principal Louise Bayles is looking forward to retirement after this year.
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BCSS Principal Louise Bayles

The principal gets to graduate in 2014 too.

Louise Bayles has been in the local school district for most of her career. She taught in the elementary grades before moving to BCSS as an arts and social studies teacher in the late ’80s.

“She became a real force on the staff,” said former BCSS principal Walter Osellame. “She ran an incredible art department and is an accomplished artist in her own right.”

He said he’d always known her to be exceptionally hard working. “Louise always had to exceed expectations; she never did just the minimum,” he said.

She served as vice-principal under Osellame from the mid-’90s until he retired three years ago.

He recalls her incredible work ethic, always doing stuff for the students. “She was an outstanding individual to work with. I never had to worry if I left for a few days to attend a meeting somewhere.”

Bayles, along with BCSS teachers Cam and Cindy-Ann Spelay, founded the BCSS Spirit Club, a student motivated service-type club unique to the school.

But 2014 BCSS grad Calvin Metcalf best summed up what Louise Bayles meant to the students. “I am sad for you guys that you are losing Bayles this year. You are losing probably one of the best principals you will ever get through this school.”

He recalled that when she first introduced herself to his class as they came into Grade 8 five years ago, she said she would be leaving when they graduated. “I am so glad she made it,” Calvin said.