A family tradition: three generations of the Belich family at Poplar Ridge School

It’s an unbroken record, spanning 44 years and two generations… so far. A single family has had at least one student enrolled in Poplar Ridge School every year since it opened in 1981.

The Belich family has had almost 30 individuals who can claim they walked the hallways and ran through the school yard at Poplar Ridge School. When you add in second and third cousins, the number of Belich alumni grows even more.

Notably, the third generation of Belichs will begin at the school in three years, as the family’s first great-grandchild becomes old enough to attend. At that time, the end of the second generation will still be there.

This fact came to light a few months ago when the family was helping at the school and was visiting with Principal Kim Cocks, who is relatively new. In that conversation, the family realized that between the 10 original Belich first cousins, and now their children, there hasn’t been a single year at the school without at least one Belich child or grandchild attending.

Andy Belich says the family settled in the area in 1920 establishing a family farm, which they continue to maintain. “We love it here and we love the school. It’s a phenomenal school. The teachers and staff are great.” Andy Belich attended Poplar Ridge in the 1980s and currently has a son who is a student there.“There are kids that I went to school with, and their children also attend the school. Poplar Ridge is just such a good school!”

“I have lots of good memories here,” says Andy Belich. “I loved playing in the bush during recess. I remember when there would be eggs dropping off the roof at Easter and watching which ones would crack. I liked the swim and ski field trips.”

Andy Belich remembers being a student every time he drives by the school. He says, “I was a part of the group that planted the windbreak trees. My tree is the second tree east of the dumpster. It’s still there.”

A legacy rooted in kindness, service and connection

“The Belich family gives a lot to our school community. If we ever need anything, they are the first to help,” says Cocks. “They serve when no one is looking. They aren’t looking for accolades. They just want to help.”

According to Cocks, the family used to pick up the rented stage, set it up, and drop it off whenever it was needed. The Belichs also helped to purchase a stage for the school recently, and they still help set it up. They help with donations for families that need it at Christmas time.

“They help with field trips and they are just nice people all around,” adds Michelle Salomons, Administrative Assistant at Poplar Ridge School. “When they’re here, they joke around and are a lot of fun.”

There are three Belich grandchildren currently attending the school: Shane, Ivy and Jaycie.  Cocks says, “They are all such good kids. They’ve seen the modelling of citizenship and service from their parents and grandparents, and they all make positive contributions that strengthen the culture of our school.”

Ivy says, “It’s cool that a lot of us Belichs came here.”

Jaycie says, “I like looking at the old school photos on the wall to find my Mom.”

Shane says, “I think it’s neat that our family has been here for so long. We have good teachers at Poplar Ridge, and some have taught my Dad. I like the sledding hill, and so did my Dad.”

Looking to a future of connectedness, student success, and service

As the third generation of Belichs prepares to attend Poplar Ridge School, the family and the school is reflective.

Poplar Ridge teacher, Janine Reed, says she has appreciated the generosity of the Belichs, “It’s what we love about a community school. You get those families that build a strong connection and that is a powerful legacy.”

“We believe it's important to be an active part of the community we are in,” says Andy Belich. “It’s important to give back. Poplar Ridge School has given a lot to our family, so we are glad to help where we can.” 

Kimberley Cocks says, “Having such a good and effective connection with the Belichs and other amazing families in our community, definitely ripples throughout our school. The modelling of good citizenship becomes part of who students become, as they come to understand the value of service to others. This is how a legacy is built.”

Story Submitted by: Laurette Woodward, Communications Coordinator, Chinook's Edge School Division