MANITOULIN—Manitoulin faculty, staff and volunteers showed the North that quality education can be found in schools of all sizes recently as the annual Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) awards were held in Sudbury last Wednesday, with a phenomenal showing from Island staff taking home six awards, including the elementary school William N. Roman Teacher of the Year award to Heather Pennie of Assiginack Public School.
“A creative, caring, and forward thinking teacher, Heather Pennie is a spark who ignites student learning at Assiginack Public School,” Assiginack Principal Margaret Stringer states. “Relevant lessons link the curriculum to real-life. This year, students made quilts based on novels and movies and wrote an article for the Canadian Quilter Magazine. Heather sets high expectations for her students and they rise to the challenge. She uses technology to build on each student’s strengths and exposes them to a variety of virtual learning opportunities, including podcasts.”
“Heather incorporates her love of the outdoors into her teaching,” Ms. Stringer continues. “She is currently working with the School Council, township and staff to develop an outdoor classroom at Assiginack Public School. She also contributes to co-curricular activities, such as cross-country and track and field. Staff are always welcome to observe Heather’s lessons and she is always eager to improve her teaching practice through professional learning. An exemplary educator, Heather Pennie is an ideal candidate for the William N. Roman Teacher of the Year Award.”
Ms. Pennie said she was “very surprised” when she heard the news that she was the 2014 Teacher of the Year, and was quick to note the success of the entire school, as fellow teacher Ray Scott was awarded for his Outstanding Contribution to the Co-curricular Program while Principal Margaret Stringer was also honoured with an Award for Excellence.
“I was excited for the accolades for the whole school,” Ms. Pennie told The Expositor. “We’re such a nice little school and the staff is like a family. We all know each other’s strengths, and we play to that. I have so many supports in place,” she added, noting her fellow teachers, the community as well as her family.
“Ray Scott gives students opportunities to shine, through the Chess Club, Running Club, choir or band,” Principal Margaret Stringer shared. “A music teacher at Assiginack Public School, he engages students in high quality experiences, including two musicals that have garnered rave reviews. With support from the Board’s Arts Education Coordinator, he launched a new instrumental music program and, this year, secured a $10,000 MusiCounts Band Aid Grant to purchase instruments.”
“As director of the Assiginack choir and band, Ray Scott uses a relaxed, humorous approach to develop skills in his students and instill a sense of teamwork,” the principal continued. “The choir received Gold at the Kiwanis Music Festival, while the band earned Silver. Adjudicators said the students were good listeners and very well behaved. The results, and the compliment, are a testament to Ray Scott and the high expectations he has for himself and the young people in his care. Ray Scott is a most deserving candidate for an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.”
“I’m pleased, thrilled and excited that the two of them are being acknowledged by the board,” the principal said of her teachers. “I’m just tickled pink.”
“As principal of Assiginack Public School and the former Rainbow District School Board Principal of Special Education Programs and Services, Margaret Stringer is committed to the well-being of all students,” Ms. Stringer’s own award states. “She demonstrates compassion and kindness when working with children, parents and educators. She has a special place in her heart for students with special needs and advocates for programs that will support them in their learning. Margaret also maintains positive working relationships with community partners for the benefit of students.”
“Through her leadership in Learning for All and Assessing Achievement in Alternative Areas, Rainbow has been a lead board provincially and embraces the philosophy that ‘what’s necessary for some is good for all,’ Ms. Stringer’s award continues. “When working with colleagues, Margaret creates a comfortable and collaborative atmosphere. She is approachable and encourages others to share their experiences and concerns. She exemplifies professionalism and models patience, empathy, diplomacy, courtesy and acceptance. For her hard work and dedication, Margaret Stringer is a deserving recipient of an Award for Excellence.”
[pullquote]“I’ve always felt very fortunate to be in a career and a job that I absolutely love,” Ms. Stringer told The Expositor in an interview, thanking her staff both previously at the board office and currently in Assiginack for the “outstanding work they do.”[/pullquote]
“I’ve always felt very fortunate to be in a career and a job that I absolutely love,” Ms. Stringer told The Expositor in an interview, thanking her staff both previously at the board office and currently in Assiginack for the “outstanding work they do.”
“I’m very honoured to be receiving this award,” Ms. Stringer said.
Little Current Public School’s Christine Craig also received an Award for Excellence, with a press release from the board stating, “dynamic instruction and a positive classroom environment make Christine Craig an exceptional educator at Little Current Public School. With 19 years as a teacher on Manitoulin Island, her passion for education is evident through her level of student engagement. Approachable and friendly, Christine acts as a positive role model for students and inspires them to consistently surpass expectations. She understands each student’s strengths and what they require to improve as learners.”
Gerald Lovelace of Little Current, facilities supervisor for the Espanola and Manitoulin Schools, was another Islander honoured by the board last week with an Award of Excellence.
“Gerald Lovelace is an efficient, knowledgeable and dedicated employee,” the RDSB states. “As Facilities Supervisor, he ensures the smooth operation of schools in Espanola and Manitoulin. His work ethic is outstanding. He goes above and beyond the call of duty in addressing the concerns that come to his attention at any time, day or night, whether related to plumbing, heating or security. Gerald is a problem solver and a good listener. He takes matters seriously and makes suggestions to help rectify problems. After work is completed, Gerald is either on site or will call to follow-up. A friendly, hard-working individual, Gerald is a talented and capable manager respected by all. Gerald Lovelace is most deserving of an Award for Excellence.”
“I am thrilled that Gerald got this award,” Principal Stringer said of the facilities supervisor.
Rounding out the six awards, Sheguiandah’s Bill Strain, a retired teacher and president of the Little Current Fish and Game Club, was acknowledged with a Community Partnership Award
“In his 40 years as a member of the Little Current Fish and Game Club, William Strain has combined his love of fish and wildlife with education,” an RDSB press release states. “With the club’s support, Bill Strain turned part of his property in Sheguiandah into an outdoor classroom where Grade 4 and 7 students learn about fish habitats, restocking programs, conservation and ecology. Workshops and demonstrations are designed to open students’ eyes to many environmental issues and bring the curriculum to life.”
“A retired teacher, he connects with students and engages them through hands-on learning,” the press release continues. “Each student leaves with a fishing rod and reel. Bill Strain has even opened his property to postsecondary students to conduct stream assessments, monitor the ecosystem and document improvements. Bill Strain is a most deserving candidate for a Community Partnership Award for his dedication and the contribution of the Little Current Fish and Game Club to environmental preservation and education.”
“With the presentation of these awards, we continue a rich tradition of honouring excellence in Rainbow Schools,” said Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “We are proud of our employees and community partners for their commitment. On behalf of the board, I would like to congratulate all award recipients for their outstanding achievement.”
“The contributions of our individual award recipients vary, but they all have one thing in common,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “They are dedicated employees and dynamic educational partners who go above and beyond the call of duty to reach minds and touch hearts in our schools and the communities that we serve.”
