Posted Jun. 14, 2019
Alumni Spotlight
August Beetlestone – From Student to Teacher to Immac Council
What years did you attend Immaculata?
September 1985 – 1991 (for those doing the math, you're right...Grade 8 was the best two years of my life.)
When and what did you teach at Immaculata?
1998-2000- I taught Religion, Drama, Social Studies, English, Humanities, Jr. Math, Sr. Math, and Calculus...whew! I also coached Cross Country, Track and Field, and Volleyball
What are your best memories of Immaculata?
My best memories as a student are sports, lifelong friendships, and accidentally spilling Coca Cola on Mr. Judd's daybook in Grade 11. (This is also my worst memory.)
As a teacher, my best memory was walking into my first staff meeting as a new employee of the school and observing the looks of disbelief on the faces of my past teachers...including Mr. Judd.
Of course the best best memory would be meeting Ms. Jackson who eventually became Mrs. Beetlestone. She was teaching at St. Joseph at the time, and I was introduced through Mrs. Hopley and, believe it or not, Mr Judd. Mrs. B. said she married me because of my personality, but I think it was because of the hat I was wearing when I met her.
What did you like the most about Immaculata?
I love the Grade 8-12 school model and the sense of having a faith community with other like-minded students and teachers.
What life lessons did you learn at Immaculata – either as a student or as a staff member?
What have you been doing since you left?
After I graduated I went to university and attained my degree, tried unsuccessfully get into the RCMP, reflected on lesson 1 of what I learned at Immaculata (see above), and finally went into education. I have been a teacher since 1998.
Who are the most important people in your life?
My family is everything to me.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to climb trees with a chainsaw in hand. If I'm feeling particularly adventuresome, I'll go on an ATVing adventure with Mr. Plaxton (a fellow alumnus) where we will likely get lost.
Anything else you’d like to share with our community????
Immaculata has always been more than a school to me. It is also a home and is proudly a part of my family's heritage. My mom, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings all attended the school and continue to support the school. All of my children attend(ed) St. Joseph and Immaculata.
When I reflect on the faith based education and life skills I received by so many great educators (many of whom then became fellow colleagues), I feel very blessed to say that I had the fortunate privilege to be part of Immaculata...as student, teacher, and parent.