Rainbow Board mourns the loss of long-time educator Joan Mantle

Rainbow District School Board is mourning the loss of long-time educator Joan Mantle who passed away Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 following a courageous battle with cancer.

“Joan Mantle made a tremendous contribution to public education in our community as a teacher, Vice-Principal, Principal and Superintendent,” said Director of Education Jean Hanson. “Joan Mantle was an extraordinary educator. She reached the minds and touched the hearts of thousands of students. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family today as we remember Joan and celebrate her vision and strength.”

Last fall, Rainbow District School Board established the Joan Mantle Music Trust to honour Joan Mantle’s contribution to music education. The Trust will support secondary school music programs through the purchase of new musical instruments for students in Rainbow Schools.

Joan Mantle joined the Sudbury Board of Education in 1964 to teach math and science at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School. Principal Bruce Elliot was aware of her extensive background in music and invited her to establish a music program at the school. She gladly accepted and planted the seeds for what continues to be a hallmark program of music education at Lo-Ellen Park.

Two years later, Principal Jim Smith recruited Joan to head the Music Department at Lasalle Secondary School. Over the next 15 years, the Lasalle bands garnered numerous awards under her leadership and performed across North America and the United Kingdom.

In 1981, Joan Mantle was named Vice-Principal of Lasalle Secondary School, where music continued to flourish. She returned to Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School as Principal in 1985, and revitalized the school’s arts programs during her eight-year tenure. In 1993, Joan Mantle was appointed Principal of Sudbury Secondary School where she became a tireless ambassador for the Performing Arts Program.

During much of this time, Joan Mantle was the Director of the Ontario Music Leadership Program held annually at Lake Couchiching. She also served as Director and Chair of the Ontario Secondary School Principals’ Association and played a key role in the formation of the Ontario Principals’ Council.

Joan Mantle spent the last six years of her career as Superintendent of Education for the Rainbow District School Board. After retiring in 2003, she continued to serve the community on many boards. In 2007, she was Chair of the Board of Governors of Cambrian College.

Joan Mantle was awarded life memberships in the Ontario Music Educators’ Association and the Ontario Principals’ Council.

Visitation for Joan Mantle is on Thursday, June 11, 2009 and Friday, June 12, 2009 from 2 pm to 5 pm and 7 and 9 pm at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 at 2 pm at St. Andrew’s United Church on Larch Street.

For more information about the Joan Mantle Music Trust or to make a donation, visit rainbowschools.ca and click on the following link: http://www.rainbowschools.ca/community/joanmantle.php

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.