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ATA honored as community builder
The Alberta Teachers' Association was one of eight recipients honored by the University of Alberta for its significant contribution to the province. The Builders of Alberta Awards, bestowed in May, recognize outstanding contributions to Alberta since 1908. The awards were created as part of the university's 90th anniversary celebrations.
Grade 3s give up
What started as a simple idea to raise a bit of cash for charity grew into a major project that saw 27 Grade 3 students give up eating for 12 straight hours, raising more than $1,240 as a result. Lori Chomik-Pilling, a teacher at Holy Spirit School in Cochrane, said the Lenten project raised money for a mission in Mexico. She explained that all the money goes to children who know what hunger is about. "When we presented the money at a school assembly no one could believe that such a small group of kids could do so much. They really outdid themselves."
Child's heroism recognized
Quick-thinking Drew Siltala is credited with saving a toddler who had fallen into a campfire. In 1996, Siltala was playing with a friend at North Buck Lake campground when he spotted the feet of a child sticking out from a campfire. Siltala pulled the badly burned child to safety. On June 26, 1998, the Grade 1 student at St. Charles Elementary School in Edmonton was honored with a special Edmonton Catholic Schools commendation for his bravery.
Teacher-librarians receive their due(s)
Each year, the Learning Resources Council honors exceptional contributors in the field of school librarianship. The following are award winners for the 1997/98 school year. Linda Davis, a teacher-librarian at Western Canada High School in Calgary is the recipient of the Laurence G. Wiedrick Award of Excellence. Shirley Holmlund, a teacher-librarian at Prince of Wales Elementary School in Calgary received a provincial award of merit. Calgary Regional award winners are Audrey Derrick, Harold Panabaker Junior High School and April Tilson, Branton Junior High School (Bev Anderson certificate of merit for teacher-librarians); Viola Gardener, Jack James High School (Tom Colbens certificate of merit for library assistants); and Gail Oxtoby, Dr. E.W. Coffin Elementary School (Bev Anderson certificate of merit for administrators).
Teachers' work praised
Rodena Mackie, a special needs teacher at Annunciation Elementary School and teacher assistant Claire Nobert from St. Vincent Elementary School in Edmonton are recipients of the Annette Stein awards. The awards, given by Edmonton Catholic Schools, are named for a now-retired special needs teacher.
He's got the chemistry to win
A teacher who has inspired teachers and students alike is a recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence. Frank Jenkins, a Ross Sheppard High School chemistry teacher, attributes his success in teaching to the teachers who taught him, colleagues, custodial and support staff and administration help. Laurie Jewell, a CTS teacher at Harry Ainlay High School, received a certificate of achievement from the prime minister. Both teachers are from Edmonton.
Scholarship cash pays the way
Bill Birch, with the Morgex Insurance Group Ltd., Calgary office, presents Susan Nettleton-Marinucci with a $1,000 scholarship. The John Mazurek Memorial-Morgex Insurance Group Ltd.GAN Canada Ltd. Scholarship will enable Nettleton-Marinucci to attend educational technology courses as part of her MEd at the University of Calgary.
