The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Go, teachers, go!

News Flash: Leduc, Alberta. World record set for longest indoor arena soccer game by local community members, including teachers, principals and an education assistant.

They ran, they jumped, and kicked and sweated their way to a Guinness World Record. In June, the Healthy Hearts ­Alberta ­Indoor Arena Soccer World Record attempt surpassed the existing world record of 24 hours by 6 hours and 10 minutes.

The team of 19- to 51-year-olds—all local community volunteers and amateur athletes, including teachers, principals and an education assistant—practised five months to prepare for the marathon soccer game.

Not only did the event set a record, but funds were raised for the community, schools and public library.

Dr. Paul Wozny, principal of École Leduc Junior High School, commented: “At 51, I had the time of my life and even scored the last two goals of the game—baby boomers keeping active—go, teachers, go!”
—Story and photo courtesy of Dr. Paul Wozny, Principal of École Leduc Junior High School

Students give peace a chance

The first day of summer 2010 marked the launch of Our Book of Peace, which was created by staff and students at Edmonton’s St. James Elementary School. The year 2010 is significant because it marks the end of the first decade of the 21st century—a time designated by the United Nations as the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.

St. James Elementary School houses two special needs education programs. Students have embraced the school’s motto “Be kind” in their thoughts, words and actions, and students are encouraged to express ideas about peace and to think of themselves as instruments of peace. In doing so, they come to believe that that they can make a positive difference in the world.

Our Book of Peace was conceptualized, compiled and published by Colleen Ring, a special needs teacher at St. James and a past recipient of a Woman of Vision award. The Alberta Teachers’ Association provided Ring with funding through its Inclusive Learning Communities program.

Ring is no stranger to initiating projects designed to make the world better. In the late 1990s, she and her sister introduced Random Acts of Kindness to Canada. 

Many guests, including ATA President Carol Henderson, attended the book launch.