The Alberta Teachers’ Association

JOYCE SHERWIN

Sandy Gillis (middle), a recipient of The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, shares his memorable moment with colleagues.

Teachers honoured by Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. The medal honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. In total, 60,000 medals will be distributed to deserving Canadians. His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, allotted 30 medals to the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) for presentation to worthy individuals in recognition of their outstanding work in their respective teacher organizations, in education and in their communities. CTF, in consultation with the Alberta Teachers’ Association, chose two Alberta recipients: Sandy Gillis, president, Edmonton Catholic Teachers Local No. 54 and principal of St. James Elementary School, Edmonton, and Larry Booi, former ATA president and current president of Public Interest Alberta.

CTF president Paul Taillefer presented Sandy Gillis with the Diamond Jubilee Medal during ARA. (Booi was not in attendance.) Featured here is an excerpt from Gillis’s ­acceptance speech.

“I’m surrounded by people who have made me
look so good over my career.
I have teachers who have been amazing. …
I’ve been surrounded by parents
and loving professionals …
and being a part of the Alberta Teachers’
Association has been a joy of my life.
I respect and honour the people who work for us
and the phenomenal job you do every day
for every teacher in this province
and indeed the country;
you are all to be applauded.”

CTF recognizes teacher’s meritorious service

CTF president Paul Taillefer presented CTF’s Special Recognition Award for meritorious service to the teaching profession and service at the provincial, national and international levels. Recipient Fran Galbraith, former ATA past president, was selected in recognition of her distinguished career and service to teachers and the ATA. Featured here is an excerpt from Galbraith’s acceptance speech.

“Being recognized by my colleagues is the
greatest honour that one can receive. But first,
I’d like to thank everyone in this room, in Alberta,
Canada and the world who reach out to the hearts,
the souls and the minds of students every day. As a
profession, we touch so many in so many ways. It’s
through these everyday relationships that
we really make a difference.”