Introduction by Phil McRae , ATA Executive Staff Officer, Government
Local Community Relations Grants (CRGs) play a key role in profiling the Association’s support of public education in Alberta and in illustrating how teachers, as concerned citizens, are actively engaged in their communities.
Support for public education is more important than ever as education systems around the world undergo radical transformation. Some of these transformations are informed while others are moving toward the complete dismantling of the public education system. In the United States, for example, public education is fully under siege as the charter and private school movements try to position themselves as preferable to the public system.
In Alberta we are taking a different path, with more than 22 local communities involved in promoting public education this year. The projects highlighted here provide insight into the variety of ways Alberta teachers have supported public education and the teaching profession through their active and engaged citizenship.
Over 100 volunteers support 800 participants in the Calgary Catholic Run and Walk
David Cracknell, Calgary Separate School Local No. 55
The second annual Calgary Catholic Run and Walk, held September 25, 2010, was a huge success. Staff, families, close friends and parish priests gathered at the Glenmore Athletic Park for a five- or ten-kilometre run or walk, as well as a Little Legs Race for children. The route took advantage of the beautiful stadium and city pathways around the Glenmore Reservoir and River Park. The focus was on community participation in a healthy activity.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of $21,155 to the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation by Calgary Catholic School District board chair Margaret Belcourt and chief superintendent Lucy Miller; the presentation of the Participation Award to Mother Mary Greene School, for registering the most participants; the presentation of the Spirit Award to the St. Sebastian School team, for displaying the best team spirit; and performances from the Bishop Grandin High School marching band and the Herb Tarleks teacher band. The event had 26 corporate sponsors.
Chinook’s Edge and Red Deer Public teachers promote mental health
Charles Silk, Chinook’s Edge Local No. 17, and
Amy Nye, Red Deer City Local No. 60
This spring, Chinook’s Edge and Red Deer Public teachers used their CRG to create advertisements promoting mental health and the ATA’s partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association. The well-received ads ran at Carnival Cinemas in Red Deer as part of the pre-show advertising. The animated PowerPoint slide show portrayed teachers as actively concerned about the mental health of children and youth, based on the Healthy Minds, Bright Futures theme. Also included was a thought-provoking testimonial from Red Deer Rebels head coach Jesse Wallin (right), in the form of a quiz.
Northern Spirit’s Christmas spirit
Debbie Harris, Northern Spirit Local No. 6
Thanks to a CRG from the ATA, every year Northern Spirit decorates a Christmas tree for the Grande Prairie Festival of Trees. This year, the local purchased a $900 tree from the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital Foundation and decorated it for auctioning off at the festival, whose theme this year was "Glitz and Glamour."
The Festival of Trees is a major fundraising event in Grande Prairie; thousands of people attend annually to view the trees and decorations. In 2010, over $300,000 was raised for the QEII Hospital.
