ARRIVAL LOUNGE

CANADA OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL GROWTH

Sonali Abeyasinghe.

By SHIPRA CHAUDHURY

A quote on a placard set on her table catches the eye of visitors in Sonali Abeyasinghe’s classroom: teachers who love teaching teach children to love learning.

The forty-something teacher at a private school in Brampton joined her husband in Canada in 2002, armed with a teaching degree from Sri Lanka and training in Montessori and pre school education. She also had work experience at Colombo International School (CIS).

“I was actively involved in singing at a church choir from the age of 13,” says Abeyasinghe. “Later, I joined a professional choir – Colombo Philharmonic – and performed with international operas. Since my grandfather and father were both renowned broadcasters, my childhood was often spent at the radio station doing commercial voice-overs and performing in children’s programmes. I trained as a relief announcer and did announcing as a part-time weekend job. I didn’t plan on becoming a teacher but it was my mom who encouraged me after observing my talents in singing and a knack for craft work.” 

Abeyasinghe found the school she works at almost the same as the one she was used to – except for size.

“In 2002, the school was one-tenth the size of CIS, but it offered a very homelike and nurturing environment. It was a smooth transition for me and I was more than equipped with the knowledge and skill set required to take on this job.

“I was familiar with the expectations of both parents and administration. The staff was warm and welcoming and it soon became my new home where I spent much of my waking hours, dedicated to the development of the school, the curriculum and the wellbeing of the students.”

She was also homesick and longed to be back with her family, but was eager to start a new life in her own home.

“Amidst all the loneliness and emotions, it was also beautiful starting our wedded life in a new country. We had plenty of space and freedom to grow as a couple and prepare ourselves to build our lives in this adopted homeland.

“Raising our two children, Yavish and Ananya, on our own was a big accomplishment. We took the difficult path of raising them independently, seeking parental assistance only in absolute emergencies.

“The harsh winter was a force to be reckoned with, but I love this country for the freedom that it offers for personal growth and the opportunity to evolve into one’s fullest self.”

This year marks Abeyasinghe’s 20th year in Canada, and with a change in management came a change in her role as a learning leader.

“We need this balance of old and new schools of education to bring out the best in our children, in order to successfully nurture tomorrow’s achievers.”

“A teacher has to focus on her students and their wellbeing and a learning leader has to ensure the wellbeing of the teacher, her students and the school as a whole,” she explains.

“In order to be a successful learning leader, it helps to have already walked in the shoes of a teacher. Not only does the teaching experience help to understand the challenges, but also guides and directs them on a happy and successful path.

“It is always about setting the teacher up for success so that she can set her students up for success! I want to carry on building the skills in my leadership role and use my position to make positive changes that will benefit and nourish the experiences of the students in our care.”

She admits that it has been an uphill climb but one that was worth every step.

With the hybrid learning situation during COVID, she was all for technology training.

“I always felt that technology was just a tool,” she says enthusiastically. “In terms of getting the students to work together and motivate them, the teacher is the most important guiding force. And we need this balance of old and new schools of education to bring out the best in our children, in order to successfully nurture tomorrow’s achievers.”

Abeyasinghe encourages newcomers to take it one day at a time. “Live life with gratitude. See the opportunity even in obstacles. Life always presents us with experiences that are absolutely necessary for our personal evolution into our fullest selves.

“No matter where we choose to start our lives, we must always live in gratitude and walk in faith and not in fear!”          

• If you’d like to share the story of your arrival in Canada, please write to desinews@rogers.com or call 416-695-4357.