Long-time Stratford teacher retiring after decades-long career

Christine Ritsma, longtime Stratford District Secondary School teacher, announced that she is retiring from her position after 40 years in the teaching field.

One of Stratford’s most beloved and respected teachers has ended her official teaching career, but education is sure to play a part in her retirement.

Christine Ritsma spent 40 years in the teaching field, first beginning in the museum field at Historic Fort York and the Waterloo Regional Museum, before transitioning into education in 1990 with the Avon Maitland District School Board.

“One of the things I tried to do when teaching history was to provide hands-on activities. I planned a lot of field trips, I brought in props to teach with,” said Ritsma when reflecting on her career. “I would do historic meals and bring war cake in to each about the First World War. I made some historic recipes during my time working in museums.”

War cake is a simple, hearty, eggless and dairy-free cake that became popular during the First World War and Second World War, when ingredients like eggs, butter and milk were rationed or scarce.

“The last few years I was able to flip the script a bit and get involved in a tech course focusing on green industries. That’s where my passion ended, but a teacher from St. Marys is coming in with a green background to take over the program.”

Ritsma is also the co-advisor of the award-winning Stratford District Secondary School Eco-Club, recognized by Pivot Green and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, and she plans to continue in the role during retirement.

“I’m pretty proud of this group of kids and I have a lot of neat stuff planned for the fall,” said Ritsma. “We have other advisors who are going to be in the school, but if I can help out some way, that’s what I’m going to do.”

One of her concerns for the future of education and the teaching field is the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Ritsma admits it can be a very useful tool for teachers and students, but she said even with all the prompts and encouraging students to utilize their skills, teachers are still having to check for the use of AI.   

“Kids are using it a lot, even for basic reports. It’s become too convenient, and right now, we don’t have the tools to deal with it properly. Just like when the internet launched, everyone was on it, but we didn’t have the protocols and checks to help both the student and the teacher use it properly.”

She added the education system is in uncharted waters right now when it comes to AI, but she is excited about giving up her spot for a new educator to fill.

“I knew I was going to be retiring and I wanted to leave on a good note.  My leaving gives opportunities to newer teachers who are struggling to get a job right now because they aren’t as available. I’m feeling good. It’s been a beautiful trip, I’ve enjoyed it and it’s been an adventure.”

Ritsma added the many Facebook comments from former students and their parents were humbling, overwhelming and beautiful at the same time. She plans on travelling and getting involved with environmental groups in the city, and she has an idea of how to use her land to educate people.

“I’ve got a really nice property here, and part of me thinks that I maybe I could set up some sort of forest school or something in a few years and provide instruction about the environment. I don’t golf or play pickleball. I’d rather hang out here and figure out the habitat here, so I am going to spend a lot of time getting to know it.”

Ritsma said she also has an electric chainsaw she’s dying to use now that she has more time on her hands.

“Every girl needs one,” she quipped.