Ville Laivamaa will retire from the duties of principal of Vuoksenniska school in August 2023

Ville Laivamaa, Are you really going to retire from the position of principal of Vuoksenniska school?

- Yes, I will retire from these duties in August after the holidays. I have been in school management positions for a total of 23 years, and at Imatra since 2020.

How has working at Vuoksenniska school felt?

- I have experienced that it has been really good to work here, even though there is a lot of work. We have such good staff and great students at this school. I have always hoped to work in a comprehensive school, and here I got the chance to do so.

How have the school's environment and services in the area developed?

- It has been great to see how the parent committee came back to life a couple of years ago. For example, 23.5. an event was organized for elementary school children, which was really great and successful. It is also very important to get parents to actively participate in school activities.

- Even though the school's surroundings are beautiful and great, Vuoksenniska still had a situation some time ago that there was nothing for the youth to do here. Fortunately, this bad situation was tackled, and evening activities for young people and a Walkers car have been found here as well, which has been a very positive thing. Imatra has worked well in this matter.

How has the corona pandemic affected school operations?

- After Corona, learning debt has accumulated, and there is still more to be done. The well-being of the students is our number one priority at Vuoksenniska. We strive to provide clear boundaries and a supportive atmosphere to support learning.

How have you experienced working with students and staff?

- There are really nice young people and children here who know how to behave well. Vuoksenniska focuses on meeting and that we adults are here for the children. I have really enjoyed working with these children, young people and this nice staff.

- There has been a feeling that the principal is respected. It's been a lot of work, but it's been rewarding. The collaboration with LUT through Universoma has also been interesting. All in all, I feel good when we got along so well.

What thoughts do you have about the future?

- It is good for adults to know more about the world of young people. I want to thank Imatra with all my heart for the fact that the city has invested in special youth work and brought, among other things, a Walkers car.

- I hope that there would be less talk of concern in the public debate and that the focus would be on adapting to the current situation. Imatra could very well be a really nice city of 20-25 thousand inhabitants, where it is good to live. We would focus more on that.

What are your plans after retirement?

- In working life, I intend to continue as an entrepreneur as a trainer for the Niilo Mäki Institute after August. In addition, I plan to spend time in the summer at a cabin on Lake Immalanjärvi and exercise to keep in shape. Photography is also part of my free time.

Finally, what kind of greetings do you want to say to the students and staff of Vuoksenniska School?

- You should be proud of Vuoksenniska school! Every employee is important to the school. There are great students here, with whom it has been a pleasure to work. The only pity is that I only had time to be here for three years.

- We always say hello here, and there is always time to exchange a few words in the middle of everyday life. I have taken care of that myself since the first day.

- I want to thank all my colleagues and wish both them and each student all the best in the future.

For more information:

headmaster Ville Laivamaa, Vuoksenniska school center, ville. shipping countryimatra.fi (ville[dot]laivamaa[at]imatra[dot]fi), tel. 020 617 5809