NBSRT Executive
President: Bob Fitzpatrick (Central Branch)
Bob was born in Chatham on the beautiful banks of the Miramichi. He has a BA and BEd from Saint Thomas and an MEd from the University of Victoria. Over the seventeen years he spent in the classroom before moving to NBTA, he taught and coached at Chatham Junior High, then Dr Losier Middle School and later became a teacher/principal at Napan Elementary and finally at Saint Andrew’s Elementary in Miramichi. During that time, he was very active in the teachers’ association and also spent two years as NBTA President from 1989-91.
In 1993, Bob became the Executive Director of NBTA and remained in that position until his retirement in 2009. He has served on many boards and committees over the years and currently serves on the Vestcor Board, is an observer on the Teachers’ Pension Plan Trustees and is on the audit committee of the NBTA Credit Union.
1st Vice-President: Noreen Bonnell (Central Branch)
In three provinces, at all three levels, in seven schools, with three degrees (MUN and SMU) – for 38 years, Noreen enjoyed every day of our wonderful profession, teaching and learning. Now in retirement, the teaching, learning, working, and volunteering, continue – the same, but different!
Born, raised, educated in Newfoundland, Noreen began her teaching career there, continued her career and family life in Prince Edward Island, and then settled in New Brunswick.
Leadership in a variety of ways has been part of the career path and life Noreen has followed, as parent, teacher, principal, citizen, culminating with the honour and responsibility of serving as President of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association (NBTA) and Co-president of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation, 2009-11. Noreen retired in August 2011.
With many active interests spanning from family to music to special organizations, and more – Noreen offers her energy and enthusiasm to this new role as 1st Vice-president of NBSRT.
2nd Vice-President: Jocelyne Schwenger (Bathurst Branch)
Jocelyne attended St. Thomas University graduating with a B.A.’77 and B.Ed ’78. She worked a year in the private sector before starting her thirty-one year teaching career in Stanley, NB. Jocelyne moved home to Bathurst and continued her career at Belledune School, Parkwood Heights Elementary School and then Bathurst High School.
Jocelyne sat on various NBTA Committees including Branch Executive, Branch Ethics, Branch Wellness, Group Insurance, Gender Equity, Provincial Wellness and High School Council.
She was Alternate Director, then sat on the NBTA Board of Directors as well as both Federation and Association Executives. She joined NBSRT in 2011 upon retirement and has done one term as Vice President and two terms as President, Bathurst Branch.
Jocelyne is married to Rick Schwenger and they have two wonderful children, five adorable grandchildren and two rescue dogs! In her spare time Jocelyne likes to cook, read and travel.
Recording Secretary: Linda Maxwell (Moncton Branch)
Linda began her teaching career in Moncton where she taught for 34 years, 12 of which were spent in administration. She has been actively involved in the NBTA, both locally and provincially, for most of her career. Since retirement, she has become involved in the NBSRT. Locally, Linda is the current Vice President of GMART. Provincially, she sat for the last several years on the Membership Committee and is currently beginning a new role as NBSRT Secretary. Linda’s interests include: travel, camping, reading, bridge and spoiling her cocker spaniel Scamp. She looks forward to facing the challenges of her new executive position.
Treasurer: Barry Harbinson (Saint John Branch)
After a gap year in Ottawa working for the Federal Government, Barry moved to New Brunswick to attend UNB. Graduating with a B Ed, he started his teaching career at King’s s Landing with the Visiting Cousins Program in a one room school house. The transition from the one room school to Saint John High School was a bit traumatic but he survived. Thirty three years of teaching, and working in administration, convinced him of retirement benefits.
Barry’s involvement with the NBSRT was a logical extension of his participation in the NBTA. He has had the opportunity to serve in numerous positions in NBSRT SJ as well as in several positions in the provincial body. Barry was very saddened to hear of Paulette Moore’s health issues and her subsequent resignation as the NBSRT Treasurer. “Paulette’s understanding of financial issues, and procedures, will be difficult to replace.” Barry said. He added, “Hopefully, with appropriate guidance, I will manage this new responsibility and continue the fiduciary duties established by my predecessors”.
Past President: June MacNairn (Moncton Branch)
June was born on the Miramichi and moved to Riverview where she began her teaching career. She obtained her BA, BEd, and MEd all from UNB. She taught for 33 years Grades 6-12 in the Greater Moncton area. The highlight of her professional career was being President of the NBTA 1999-2001. Her interests include: playing bridge, golfing, reading, exercising and loving her two Persian cats – Garfie and Barney. June is proud to have been President of the NBSRT from 2018-2020.
