Parkcrest, a Prime Minister, and Big Dreams - Burnaby Schools - School District 41, Burnaby, BC, Canada

Students in Brenda Montagano’s class started the school year with some inspiration from an alumna and a lesson in pursuing your dreams, as former Parkcrest Elementary student Liz Truss became Britain’s new Prime Minister.

Truss attended Parkcrest in the Burnaby School District during the 1987-88 school year. She has said that her time in Canada and at the school changed her outlook on life. As chance would have it, Montagano was a classmate of Truss’ during her year in Burnaby.

On the first day of school, Montagano talked with her students about the connection that she – and now they – share to a world leader.

You are going to the same school as a former student who is a Prime Minister. Someone in this class could be Prime Minister. Someone in this class could be a professional NHL player. Someone in this class could be a famous singer one day. You can make your dreams happen, just like Liz. Follow your dreams. No dream is too big.”

Principal Andrew Lee says Parkcrest alumni have gone on to do amazing things and make incredible contributions to the community, but this is the school’s first connection to a Prime Minister.

There has been a lot of excitement in the halls here as the news has spread. It’s such a lovely way to start the school year off for our current Parkcrest students. We are proud of all of our students and staff – both current and former – and it is very nice to hear that Ms. Truss remembers her time so fondly at our school.”