WAB Podcast | Grade 7 Students Sit Down with New Vice Principal Mr. Marnitz

This week on the WAB Podcast, Grade 7 students Angus and Kimberly sat down to interview Middle School's new Vice Principal, Mr. Marnitz. Their questions covered everything from the mystery of what a VP actually does to rugby rivalries, toothbrush colors, and whether it's better to have toes for fingers or fingers for toes. 

Mr. Marnitz, now in his fifth year at WAB, is in his first year in the Vice Principal seat. "When I came to WAB the first year, it was as a design teacher," he told the students. "Then last year I was a PHE teacher in Middle School. So I've been here for a while, but now this is my first year as VP." 

A few weeks into the role, he's already seen the school from a new perspective. "I actually realize how many different teams there are and how many different things are happening at once," he said. "It's really amazing to see all the different things that we do and it's all centered around students." When asked what a vice principal actually does, Mr. Marnitz explains everything from organizing events, logistics, planning, student behavior support, systems, and above all, communication. 

Students also shared their favorite memories in the Middle School. Kimberly recalled the winter holiday assembly where teachers performed a pantomime, complete with Goldilocks and the Three Little Pigs. Angus's pick was the Grade 6 WAB Wild trip last year. "Shout out to Mr. Steven, Mr. Tom, and Mr. Jason. I loved camping." 

Mr. Marnitz's own standout memory: "One of my favorites is a middle school assembly where Mr. Slate was supposed to sing a song for the whole school. But when the song came up and he started singing, the whole middle school just joined in. Just everyone getting involved and singing and having fun, that's one of the memories that stands out." 

Asked what advice they'd give to new Grade 6 students, Kimberly said: "More people should join the MS Play and MS Orchestra. It's a good way to make new friends. I recommend it." Mr. Marnitz agreed, his advice being: get involved. "Finding out all of the wonderful opportunities that we have, whether it be the MS Play or ASAs or robotics, getting involved is really one of the easiest ways to settle into middle school." 

To close the episode, Mr. Marnitz was asked to describe his hope for middle school this year in one word. "Growth," he said. "I think if everyone is growing in their own capacity, in their own ways, then that could result in a really good year." 

Listen to the full conversation on the WAB Podcast, Season 7, Episode 2.