Yours Truly

About the Book

We can all recall times growing up when we had the urge to play hooky from school. Those days when we faked a cold or flu in an attempt to avoid an upcoming grammar test or the consequences for incomplete homework. We would cough and sputter and shiver in pleading our case but most often be ushered out the door by a seemingly uncaring mother. In Yours Truly, we are introduced to Alvin, a master of playing hooky, a ten year old boy who routinely faked illness and injury to skip school and whose efforts were substantiated in, although sympathetic, most often ridiculous notes from his seemingly caring mother. A collection of the original handwritten notes, preserved as the author’s memoirs, Yours Truly follows the exploits of little Alvin as he tiptoes around the school’s attendance officer throughout his grade five school year.

About the Author

WHAT ABOUT BOB? “Bob has been such a positive influence in my life! Although I was never one of his students, I have learned so much from him. Bob continues to emphasise the value of humor in everyday life and that a smile, kindness, and genuine friendship can make or break one’s day. Reading the notes in their original albums has brought me to tears and giggles. I can’t wait for the book. Yours Truly is a must read, a permanent addition to any coffee table, staff room, or bathroom! It never gets old!” Yours Truly, Jackie Payne, DOC Champion Technologies “Bob’s passion and love for students and education was evident not only in his association with the kids, but also with staff that were fortunate to work with him. Yours Truly exemplifies Bob’s career as an educator that was rooted in his strength for interpersonal relationships and always with humor. His desire to encourage laughter, even in challenging circumstances, captures his style as a teacher and principal.” Doug and Brenda Robertson, Long Time Friends and Colleagues “I have known Bob for thirty plus years and had the pleasure of working with him throughout the “Alvin years” during which we shared many laughs while attempting to interpret Mrs. W’s notes. Bob was a dedicated teacher and always had the best interests of the students in mind. His strength was the capacity to see the lighter side of everyday life in the classroom which he illustrates in Yours Truly, a light, humorous, and most enjoyable read!” Les Brace, Retired Teacher and Friend “I remember vividly the days that, as fellow educators, Bob and I would get these notes from parents. We would not disregard the seriousness of the “explanations” but it was difficult not to be able to see the humor in them as well. Sometimes a laugh a day is what was needed to keep a teacher going. Yours Truly is a great project by a guy who has the talent to have put it all together!” Wayne Busch, Retired Principal “We can all relate to the Alvin’s in our own careers, but the light-hearted presentation of these serious issues speaks more of Bob’s ability to deal with them. Bob has always been a master at infusing humor into work and life. I have many fond memories of my time as his vice principal, during which he and I encountered many Alvin’s and Mrs. W.’s in the people we met. And I still attempt to bring much of what I learned from Bob to my current role in education and my life. Yours Truly will appeal to both educators and non-educators alike!” Aaron Oakes, Superintendent of Education “I had the good fortune to work on the same staff as Bob for six years and can speak to the validity of the notes as I was able to witness Mrs. W.’s household firsthand. An exceptional teacher, who had the ability to relate to students on many levels, Bob was well-liked and respected in both the classroom and the community. Bob had a great sense of humor, a quality found in all good teachers. Good luck with your book, Bob!” Scott Richardson, Retired Principal and “Noted” Attendance Officer