June 29, 2026
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As the school year winds down and students and teachers prepare for summer break, there’s an excitement in the air that is felt even by those long-retired from education. That energy and feeling of anticipation were evident at the final meeting of the South Bruce Retired Women Teachers of Ontario/Organization des enseignantes retraitées de l’Ontario (RWTO/OERO), June 19.
President Jo Ann Ruetz welcomed members to the beautifully-landscaped backyard of past-president Frances Nixon.
Ruetz reviewed the recent provincial convention held June 2-4 at Western University in London. That gathering celebrated the 70th anniversary of the organization with speakers, workshops, meetings and networking opportunities.
Joining Ruetz at the convention were South Bruce members Nixon, vice-president Deb Marion, Betty Johnson and Audrey MacDonald. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and praised the organization and accommodations at the university.
At the convention, South Bruce was the happy recipient of the Barbara Bain Award for attracting the most new members in its tier.
Attending the provincial convention in London, are South Bruce Branch members, seated, past-president Frances Nixon (left), Audrey MacDonald, and Betty Johnson; and standing vice-president Deb Marion (left) and president Jo Ann Ruetz; photo courtesy of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario
In other news, Ruetz announced that member Anne Roppel has volunteered to take on the duties of branch secretary from Rosie Neilson.
Members voted to accept the budget for the coming year of operation and discussed recipients for charitable donations.
With business concluded, the ladies enjoyed exploring Nixon’s extensive gardens and settled to visit and eat lunch.
The South Bruce executive met following the event to plan dates, venues and other information for the 2026-27 meetings. Details for the next meeting will be posted on the branch’s page on the provincial website: https://rwto.org/branch-new/south-bruce/ under Coming Events.
The South Bruce Branch of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario welcomes any retired women teachers, audiologists, child and youth workers/counsellors, early childhood educators, educational assistants, office support staff, psychologists, social workers and speech and language pathologists, living in southern Bruce County. Contact information can be found by visiting the previously mentioned web page.
Several South Bruce Retired Women Teachers of Ontario members choose the upper deck to visit and have lunch, June 19; photos by Christine Roberts
South Bruce RWTO members gather on the lawn to socialize during a picnic at the home of past-president Frances Nixon
Written ByChristine Roberts is a retired elementary school teacher, president of Huron Bruce Nature, member of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society, volunteer for the David Suzuki Foundation, VON volunteer fitness leader and a passionate lover of nature.
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