I am writing to once again publicly recognize and thank many of the restaurants in Malibu for their donations of a lunch or dinner for two as holiday gifts for the teachers at Webster School. This is the 10th year that I have asked for these gifts. The response this year was both gratifying and a great boost to the morale of our staff. The restaurants participating this year were: Allegria, BeauRivage, Caffe Delfini, Duke’s, Geoffrey’s, The Godmother, Granita, The Gray Whale, Guido’s, John’s Garden, The Malibu Inn, Marmelade, Michael’s, Money Pancho’s, Nobu, Paradise Cove Beach Caf, Pier View, Reel Inn, Saddle Peak Lodge, Sage Room, Spruzzo, Taverna Tony and Tra De Noi.
This has been a particularly challenging year for us at Webster. Just before Thanksgiving, one of our teachers, Bea Poole, passed away. At her memorial service, the 300 people who attended were deeply moved by the memories and impressions that Poole left with her students over 17 years. We were all reminded of the dramatic impact that a teacher can have on the minds and lives of her students and their families and what a tremendous loss it is when one of our teachers is longer with us.
As the budget deficit in the state of California rises to more than $30 billion, teachers at Webster and throughout our school district are now being threatened with the possible loss of their jobs among a shocking list of potential program cuts. It is a difficult time for educators in the public schools.
I continue to believe that teachers are among the heroes of our society. They make a career of helping children and their families and they do this with great skill, energy and dedication every day in the Malibu schools and in schools throughout the country. Every teacher I know is richly deserving of a nice meal at one of the fine restaurants in Malibu and I am very proud to see that this has become an annual tradition in our community.
The schools in Malibu are consistently supported by this community in many ways throughout the year. We strongly feel that the families with children in our schools and others throughout Malibu value and appreciate our work. Our students benefit directly every day from this support and involvement. The morale of our staff is also affected in a very positive way. I know I speak for all of us at Webster, Juan Cabrillo, Pt. Dume and Malibu High when I say that we feel fortunate to work in this community and privileged to teach your children. Happy New Year to all and many, many thanks.
Phil Cott, principal
Webster Elementary School