News in brief: Local teachers honoured by province for excellence

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This article was published 09/05/2017 (3262 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Local teachers honoured by province for excellence

A handful of teachers working in local schools have been recognized by the province for “excellence in education.”

Education and training minister Ian Wishart presented the awards on April 28 at the legislature. Recipients include:

• Sarah Olshewski from St. John’s-Ravenscourt School who was recognized as outstanding new teacher. A science teacher at SJR, Olshewski also coaches a school volleyball team, teaches a morning spin class for students and faculty, and also serves as a winter camping experience instructor.

• Leah Benoit, Sheena Gordon and Ken Hunter of River Heights School who were recognized for outstanding team collaboration. The three teachers lead the physical education and health education of about 500 Grade 7 and 8 students at the school.

• Elaine Giasson of École Dieppe  who was named outstanding school leader. Giasson has been principal of the French immersion school since 2010.

Other educators recognized this year for teaching excellence are Robert Abbott, (École McIsaac School) Louise Caughell, (Happy Thought School), and Marjorie White (Dufferin School). Jason Garton of Tyndall Park Community School received the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education.

“These awards, which include the inaugural Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education, recognize the efforts of a gifted group of Manitoba educators,” Wishart said. “Through their tireless efforts, these dedicated individuals are helping students become critical thinkers and lifelong learners, creating a better Manitoba and a better world.”  

According to the province, award winners were selected from nominations received from parents, students, school trustees, fellow teachers, and school or school division administrators.

Shakespeare in the Ruins stages Romeo and Juliet beginning June 1

Shakespeare in the Ruins will begin its outdoor season with a classic story of love and loss.

The company will produce Romeo and Juliet with performances beginning June 1 at the Trappist monastery ruins in St. Norbert.

The show will be directed by Heidi Malazdrewich (RMTC’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) and runs until June 24. Tickets are on sale now and performances between June 2 and 12 are discounted by 20 per cent until May 29.

For more information, go to www.shakespeareintheruins.com

A beacon of conversation

Take a seat and chat for a minute.

Grant Park High School was one of five schools in the country to receive a bench from Sam Fiorella, founder of The Friendship Bench.

According to a release, each bench is a symbol to encourage students to take minute to sit, breathe and talk or think about their mental health and that of their peers.

Fiorella began The Friendship Bench initiative after his son committed suicide in 2014.

The installation was part of Winnipeg School Division’s Healthy Minds Week 2017 and Mental Health Awareness Week.