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On November 28, students at Mayfield Elementary School in Edmonton participated in an event recognizing the importance of safe and caring schools and communities. Students sang, played instruments and handed out gingerbread cookies to the Honourable Heather Forsyth, Minister of Children’s Services; Colleen Klein, honorary patron of the Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities (SACSC); Rick Morrow, Assistant Deputy Minister, Alberta Education; and Niska, SACSC’s seven-foot tall Canada goose mascot.
That evening, 220 guests from the government, corporate, education and non-profit sectors joined Premier Ralph Klein, Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky, Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel and ATA President Frank Bruseker at the SACSC Provincial Supporters’ Dinner and Centennial Celebration. Highlights included an original song written and sung by Minister Zwozdesky; CTV announcer Graham Neil’s humorous DVD recording of a song he wrote for SACSC, featuring Melissa O’Neil, 2005 Canadian Idol; an Aboriginal flutist in full regalia; and poetry and prose about bullying, violence and building safe and caring schools read by student winners of the Niska Writing Contest.
In the spirit of recognizing supporters, SACSC President Dick Baker presented a special Centennial Crystal Award to the ATA. The award honours the 10-year partnership and collaboration between the ATA and SACSC and demonstrates the Society’s appreciation for the ATA’s valuable support.
The Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities seeks to prevent bullying and violence by educating children and youth and the adults in their lives in a way that promotes positive social interaction among all human beings. For information on the SACSC Provincial Supporters Celebration, visit the SACSC website (www.sacsc.ca/News_Events.htm).
Photo by Koni Macdonald
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