Mike Safek
Oliver Elementary School is losing a familiar face, while Osoyoos Secondary School is gaining a familiar face this fall.
So long and welcome back, Mike Safek.
Safek replaces outgoing administrator Glen Heinrichs, and is leaving his position as principal of Oliver Elementary School.
Safek was formerly the vice-principal and principal of OSS
“Hopefully I still know some of the families and kids there. I miss the students and staff.”
Safek has been in the educational system since 1986. He taught in Coquitlam and did counselling work in Comox Valley. He was principal at Okanagan Falls Elementary School, and principal at an elementary school in Kamloops.
Safek said he really enjoyed being principal in Oliver because of the strong support the community has for the school.
“Oliver is strongly behind our kids; (people) want the best for our kids and are such strong supporters of education.”
Safek said he’s sad to leave a tremendous school and its dynamic group of teachers. But he knows he’s returning to a community (Osoyoos) that has a team of dedicated teaching professionals and support staff.
Safek noted he enjoys working in a small high school because you have the benefit of knowing all of the students by name.
“You get to know their unique learning needs and get to provide personalized service.”
Safek said OSS is very strong academically, adding it also has great school spirit and culture.
He said he’s looking forward to having mature and intelligent conversations with the students.
When asked what his teaching philosophy is, Safek said he values teaching pupils to be the best they can be. But he pointed out that the job of educators and parents is to make sure children understand their rights and responsibilities – to treat each other with respect.
Safek takes bullying very seriously. He too, was bullied as a child in school.
“Bullying has a direct impact on learning. When kids are bullied, they’re not able to learn.”
Safek said students need to feel safe and free of stress at school; they need to feel free to be themselves, while being mindful that their behaviour doesn’t negatively impact others.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
