The Idyllic Classroom
submitted by Chirag Gandhi, LBPSB Financial Services
Every student has their own version of an idyllic classroom. My idyllic classroom would be a place that I could read culturally significant stories and have open discussions about short stories in a clam and relaxing environment. I am very lucky that I got to experience my idyllic classroom during my studies at PCHS (Pierrefonds Community High School) along with thousands of other students, thanks to one special teacher.
Miss Laurie Fournier started her career over two decades ago at PCHS as an English teacher. Her English classes left a remarkable impression on the thousands of students that had the luxury of becoming part of something “great”. Miss Fournier would take the time to make her classrooms a place where students were able to read literature that has shaped moral and ethical guidelines in our society. She has helped students learn the importance of emotional intelligence at the age when students are trying to find a place for themselves.
The experience of this idyllic classroom would begin as soon as you walked into the classroom. At the front, there is a beautiful rainbow painted on the walls. Every student has a different 
understanding of what the rainbow represents. For me, it represented the fact that even in gloomy times, there are always bright and colourful moments. Moreover, Miss Fournier would always be at the front of the classroom with a huge smile on her face. She could not contain her excitement to read her favourite books and poems to all the students. If you were having a bad day, she would come speak to you privately to help lessen any burdens and to provide moral guidance.
Miss Fournier embodies the definition of a teacher that has always put the well-being of her students first. She is known to always be available to provide support to all her students and colleagues. Personally, Miss Fournier is at the realm of my idyllic classroom because it provided me a peaceful and relaxing place where I could learn English literature and emotional intelligence without the fear of being judged or misguided. At the end of each class, my friends and I would walk out with a smile on because we felt embolden to make our marks in the world.
At the end of this school year (23-24), Miss Fournier will be taking her well-deserved retirement.
From all the students that have sat in her idyllic classroom: Thank you! For the past two decades, you have been an inspiration to all of us! Happy Retirement!
