R. V. Stainton

Written by: Claire King and Madeleine Homer

Edited by: Zara Ahluwalia

For almost 25 years, Mr. Stainton has been a friendly face at Blakelock. Whether he’s teaching Law or Geography, or joking with students in the hallway, Mr. Stainton is a beloved member of the Blakelock faculty who makes our school a better, more inclusive place. 

Mr. Stainton’s passion for education started when he was a student himself. Role models such as his teachers and his grandfather, who taught at TAB when he was younger, inspired Mr. Stainton to pursue a career in education. Geography and History were Mr. Stainton’s main interests in high school, and his passion for those subjects carried on into post secondary. After earning his degree in Geography from McMaster University, he then went on to teachers college in Nipissing. 

Before Blakelock had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Stainton to their staff, he worked in a number of different fields. His experience in landscaping, serving food in a hospital, installing pools, and even working as a bouncer in local bars has given Mr. Stainton some very entertaining stories to share with his students and colleagues. 

In his day to day life, Mr. Stainton likes to spend his time watching sports games with his son, doing home and car improvements, and hanging out with his dog, Wick. Named after John Wick, his dog is an eleven month old Golden Lab Sheepdog mix that Mr. Stainton loves dearly: “He’s good most of the time, but he’s a real pain in the butt sometimes. There’s no inbetween.” 

When he’s looking for something to listen to, Mr. Stainton’s favourite music is old-school 80s, alternative 90s, and “new country.” Some of his favourite artists are Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Luke Bryan, Queen, and Bob Seger. The best concert he’s been to? “Metallica, Guns n Roses, Faith No More.”

emphasised his love for his students. He feels that it's “not about all the things outside the classroom,” and instead enjoys helping students learn. “The best part is being with you guys,” he shared. 

Mr. Stainton’s final words of wisdom are simple but pertinent: “Don’t stress out about deciding what you have to do with the rest of your life right now.” He encourages students to remember that even with all the pressures of post-secondary education, not everyone is ready to go away quite yet, and “there’s nothing wrong with that.” 

“You have 70 years to figure all the rest out,” he says. “So much emphasis is put on, ‘I gotta do well, I gotta do well, I’ve gotta get into a good school’ and that’s true. But if that’s not your bag, then don’t worry. There’s so much stress put on you guys that’s unnecessary…just enjoy being a teenager.”

Mr. Stainton’s favourite piece of advice, “Be good, and if you can’t be good, don’t get caught,” has been an inside joke within his classes for years. His memorable advice, alongside his quick wit, engaging stories, and positive attitude have all become staple parts of the Blakelock community. Every individual at TAB is very lucky to have Mr. Stainton as a teacher, friend, and supporter.