This month we give the floor to Helen Thornton, a ray of sunshine beaming out onto the Lower St. Lawrence region from Rivière-du-Loup. Read more about this upbeat, irrepressible member of our community, in her own words:
A true globetrotter born in England, a Yorkshire lassie, born and bred, I earned my university teaching degree in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. My love for both travel and education led me to teach and work in inspiring places such as the French Alps, the Canary Islands,Tenerife.
In 1999, I came to Canada as a Language Assistant in Rivière-du-Loup, a role that allowed me to gain experience while my teaching degree was being recognized. Since then, my teaching journey has taken me across Quebec — from Lévis, Charlesbourg, and Sillery to Gatineau, Matane, Saint-Ulric, Saint-Léandre and Métis-sur-Mer.
Today, I’ve come full circle, back to Rivière-du-Loup, where I’m proud to serve as Pedagogical Leader at École Vision, a vibrant trilingual primary school. Combining my passion for teaching with my love of discovery continues to be a dream come true.Mum to four energetic boys, I’m a busy bee who believes in living life to the fullest!
Where am I from? Where is home for me?
Born and raised in England. Globetrotter at heart! My roots are in England, however I also spread roots in Holland, France, The Canary Islands. Canada and more recently, Nicaragua!
What about that dish with fries and curds and gravy?
Had never heard of Poutine before arriving here in Québec, however Chips and Gravy do exist back home in England, there’s just the squeaky cheese missing! Matane had Fred Poutine with a wide variety of fancy Poutines, though they’re now closed. Régal Glacé and Cantine D’Amours in Rivière-du-Loup are both well-known for Poutine lovers!
Favourite place in Lower Saint Lawrence:
Metis Beach totally stole my heart. Proximity to Mother Nature and the St Lawrence River at La Pointe in Rivière-Du-Loup is also one of my happy places. Kamouraska has a beautiful vibe too and stunning panoramic views.
Favourite pastime?
Running with musical beats in my ears! Travelling, Photography. Hunting for seaglass and shells on the beach! Dancing like no one is watching!
My idea of Perfect Happiness:
Family time with my 4 boys. Close to Mother Nature, Sushi on the menu! Soaking up vitamin D from the sunshine!
Mottos, I have many!
Teamwork makes the dream work. Where there’s a will there is a way! La vie est belle! Magic happens when you step outside of the box. Self care: You are the greatest project you will ever work on.
Greatest Achievement:
Mum to 4 boys, plus, my passion for teaching. Working in the field of education, knowing that we touch lives forever. It is a privilege to work with young learners. The Future Blooms within our care.
Regrets?
Life is too short for regrets, One Life to live: live it to the fullest! Make the most of every moment. Be grateful for the little things in life. Stay positive! Shine and be happy!
