The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Saaaffffeeeee!
Photographer: Ron Strate, Magrath High School, Magrath

Featured here are just some of the many outstanding ­photographs submitted by teachers to the 16th annual ATA News GOTCHA! Photo contest.

This year’s judges were Yuet Chan, ATA News designer, ­Raymond Gariépy, ATA News managing editor, and Koni Macdonald, ATA News photographer. Winners and honourable mention recipients receive ­certificates.

Honourable Mention

We did it!

Photographer: Sean McKennitt, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Spruce Grove

Judges’ comments: A double-whammy as McKennitt receives, in addition to his second place win, an ­honourable mention for ably capturing the exact moment when everything comes together after much work, perseverance and sweat. The look on the face of the young player in the middle is captivating. It’s a mixture of joy and relief worthy of mention.

View from the top

Photographer: Erin Murphy, École Dr. Brosseau School, Bonnyville

Judges’ comments: Getting to the top isn’t always easy but it can be fun, as shown by the expression on Hannah’s face. The judges liked the composition and the angle from which the photograph was taken. As is evidenced from this photo, learning in Alberta’s public education system takes many forms and is always tops!

Reading with Piper

Photographer: Sheila Dillman, Rosary Roman Catholic Separate School, Manning 

Judges’ comments: Okay, we admit it—we’re suckers for dogs and children, especially when the two are brought together in a moment of contemplation. Sentimentality aside, there is some serious learning ­going on here as student and pet therapy dog, Piper, share a good book during a quiet moment in the Rosary School library.

Playground fun!

Photographer: Patti Bondar, St. Teresa School, Edmonton

Judges’ comments: The long view from above, the interplay of dark shadows and light abstract shapes reflecting off the slide’s surface ­appealed to the judges, as did the child running off after a high speed descent on a sunny day during free time at the park.

Saaaffffeeeee!

Photographer: Ron Strate, Magrath High School, Magrath

Judges’ comments: Split-second acts caught by the camera make for compelling photographs. The ­movement, the puff of dust and the players’ extended reach as they each try to touch the base first were expertly captured by Strate.