June 25, 2026
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Students and staff at Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School (KTTPS) bid farewell to retiring teachers Brenda Colquhoun and Tracy Hallam, at an assembly this week, wishing them well but noting that they will be missed when school resumes in September.
Both were pleased to be recognized for their years of service in the education system, and said they are looking forward to retirement.
Every year, Colquhoun pipes her students out of the classroom on the last day of school. This year, because she is retiring, six pipers and seven drummers with the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band gathered Thursday to play alongside her as she left her classroom for the final time, as did Hallam.
Six pipers and seven drummers with the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band pipe their colleague, Brenda Colquhoun, and Tracy Hallam, retired teachers, from their classrooms at KTTPS on the last day of school, Thursday; videos by Andy Fraser
Colquhoun actually began her education as a Kindergarten student at KTTPS.
"Mrs. Lewis was my teacher," she recalls. "It was only half-days, and we got a towel out of our cubby every afternoon, and lay down for a quiet time — something to be said for those days!"
Her life took a few turns here and there over the years but she ended up back at KTTPS as a teacher which is where she was meant to be.
"That's why the decision to retire was quite challenging for me," says Colquhoun. "There was, honestly, a big part of me that did not want to leave. But once the decision was final, I certainly felt more light-footed when walking down the hallway, so I know that also was the right thing for me at this time."
She says teaching is a wonderful career and certainly never boring.
"And to work at a place where wearing bright mismatched clothes, skipping around, singing out loud, and being blatantly honest about how you feel, is quite a fabulous experience," she says, noting that KTTPS currently has only primary students, Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2.
"There have certainly been tough days and tough years, years of drastic change and times of loss, and we have lost some friends along the way," says Colquhoun. "Remembrance of those times makes me even more grateful for the fortunate times.
"A heartfelt thanks to my co-workers. For those who have led the way through the years, those who have held my hand and gone through it together, and those who sometimes pick up the pieces and put things back together. You all mean a lot to me.
"I will absolutely miss the excitement and energy that every school day brings, and the connections and friendships that come with it. I do hope to reconnect by doing some supply work next year."
Colquhoun looks forward to having more time to spend with family, friends, her flowers and her bagpipes.
"I do love seeing my students at the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band Saturday Night Parades in the summer," she says, "and as they grow up and work at local businesses. I hope they continue to say hello when they spot me.
"Thanks to everyone who has been part of my journey through education, both as a student, a professional, and now a retiree!"
Hallam began supply-teaching after graduating from teacher’s college and continued for a few years before having her sons.
She started her first contract position in 2000 at Ripley-Huron Community School (senior campus), teaching French. That school closed after that year, and she was transferred to Bruce Township Central Public School in Underwood, where she continued teaching French and increased her time.
Unfortunately, that school also closed at the end of the year, and the closest available position was in Walkerton, teaching Kindergarten.
"I took a leap into this new adventure and have never left that grade," says Hallam. "I taught Kindergarten at Brant Central in Walkerton until 2012 when it, too, closed. The joke became that every school I worked at ended up closing."
After two years at Walkerton District Community School, a position opened closer to home, teaching Kindergarten. So, she made the switch to KTTPS in 2014 — a school with a big heart and a wonderful sense of community.
"I am so thankful to have ended my career here," says Hallam. "Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many talented educators, as well as wonderful students and families.
"And now, after teaching Kindergarten for 24 years, I am finally 'graduating' and moving on to a new chapter. I have thoroughly loved my time in Kindergarten. I will truly miss the children — their enthusiasm for life and learning, their stories, laughter, hugs, and curiosity — as well as the joy of watching them learn to read. I will also deeply miss my colleagues."
While she plans to return as a supply teacher, she will soon have a new title: Grandma.
"I am looking forward to spending more time with family and friends and enjoying a slower pace of life. I am so grateful for the wonderful memories I have made over my 32 years in education."
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