Education and Early Childhood Learning

Recipients:
Darren Alford, Laura Buller, and Rhianna Church
Elmwood High School
Winnipeg School Division

Recipient:

Kimberly Dudek
Murdoch MacKay Collegiate
River East Transcona School Division

As head of the social studies department and a drama teacher at Murdoch MacKay Collegiate, Dudek fosters students’ holistic development in such a way that they not only engage in learning but also become agents of change in society. She provides opportunities for students to see problems from various points of view and to take action toward solutions. They are taught the value of their own voice, their history and those of others. Through her active involvement in the Indigenous Academic Achievement (IAA) Committee, she promotes cultural awareness and education through Indigenous ceremonies and presentations by elders, and she also initiated a mentorship program where IAA youth work with young students in neighbouring schools. She is the teacher advisor for the Ethics Bowl team, where students delve into current ethical issues, and for the Black History Month Committee, which develops school-wide events to strengthen cultural knowledge, especially pertaining to historic black Canadian figures. She heads the school’s International Students Program, striving to provide international students with an unforgettable and authentic Canadian experience. Known as the ‘queen of field trips,’ she has adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to host guest presenters and virtual excursions through online platforms. Dudek at all times displays professionalism, hospitality, genuine interest, concern, and a spirit of inclusion toward both students and staff.

Recipient:

Brenda Grieve
St. Maurice School
Archdiocese of Winnipeg Catholic Schools

Grieve is the resource teacher at St. Maurice School, and in that role, has developed the resource department to include administrators, a reading specialist, a guidance counsellor and educational assistants. Grieve does extensive research and networks with colleagues to determine best practices for differentiating learning. She oversees a number of kindergarten to Grade 6 students with diverse needs and assists teachers in developing student-specific plans, equipping them with various literacy-related programs and assessment tools. She chairs the school’s literacy committee, co-ordinates the junior high study skills program and organizes I Love to Read Month activities. She established the Reading Support Program and the after-school reading club where trained junior high and high school students work with the younger ones, modelling various reading strategies. She has been a leader at the provincial level in organizations such as the Manitoba Catholic Schools Teacher Resource Group, the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg, the Manitoba Reading Association (where she planned the first five Adolescent Literacy Summits), and the Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award Board. Recognized by her peers for her exemplary service and dedication, Grieve’s love of literacy and learning and her collaborative spirit have made a profound impact on students and teachers alike.

Recipient:

Shelagh McGregor
Inkster School
Winnipeg School Division

As a Grades 5/6 teacher at Inkster School, McGregor excels at building a positive, inclusive classroom community while delivering academics in engaging and innovative ways. She makes use of alternative workstations, as well as the principles of Universal Design for Learning, where students learn through various means and express their learning in different ways. McGregor taps into students’ interests and curiosity to co-create inquiry-based projects, such as a Winnipeg General Strike project and a medieval castle inquiry. She effectively uses such projects to address numerous learning outcomes across various subject areas. She fosters independence and leadership skills in her students, helping them take ownership for their learning and the positive learning environment. McGregor supports students’ social-emotional, intellectual and physical development by establishing a variety of school clubs, such as the basketball, maker space, spelling and sewing clubs. McGregor leads colleagues in professional learning, and is a great informal and formal mentor to teachers in the school division. She readily volunteers for school and community events, and has led the redevelopment of the school library and the creation of a medicine wheel community garden. McGregor is truly a student-centred, passionate and dedicated educator who has earned the admiration of students, colleagues and parents.

Recipient:

Ryley Larway
McLeod Adult Learning Centre
River East Transcona School Division

Since fall of 2019, Larway has taught a variety of courses at the Adult Learning Centre, such as career development, psychology, Canadian law and applied business. She brings new ideas and enthusiasm to her teaching practice, and is open to learning from colleagues within and outside of her division to ensure that her students connect, collaborate and innovate as they design their own relevant learning. She uses creative engagement strategies such as quick student surveys to check on students’ academic, social and emotional needs, making students feel validated and empowered in their learning and development. Larway has spent her own time over the summer months and on evenings throughout the school year, acquiring and sharing knowledge about teaching remotely using Microsoft Teams, and has become a ‘remote learning guru.’ She offered virtual and in-person training sessions to EAL staff in the River East Transcona School Division, ensuring that staff were able to transition to remote learning feeling competent and confident. Larway has led a lunch-hour art program, the ‘Yellow is for Hello – Friendship Bench Initiative,’ Orange Shirt Day and a Winnipeg Harvest snack program. With her energy and love of learning, Larway – who inspires and engages students and readily supports colleagues – has become a great asset to the school.

Recipients:

David Day and Arista Ryback
Nelson McIntyre Collegiate
Louis Riel School Division

As the physical education/health education (PE/HE) team at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, Day and Ryback have reimagined the physical education programming to align with the school’s goals and vision of creating self-directed learners, creative problem-solvers and active citizens using a project-based learning approach. Together, they conducted research and developed a model of physical education that allows students to choose from a wide variety of two-week themed blocks that fit with their interests and schedules including out-of-school blocks on evenings and weekends with activities such as canoeing, hiking, martial arts, wall climbing and others. To make the year-long PE/HE model work, Day and Ryback divided blocks between each other based on their area of expertise and collaborated with the divisional Information Systems Department to determine how to track students’ progress, all of which was logistically challenging. The new model provides opportunities for student voice and choice; for deep inquiry, skill development, and understanding; and for the growth of soft skills like time management and goal setting. The rubrics used help change the emphasis to effort from performance, which has increased student engagement. To adapt to the pandemic, the model was revamped to experience PE outside. Even with the cold, student attendance and enthusiasm remained high. By working together, Day and Ryback were able to successfully reinvent the mindset and practice of the school’s physical education/health education program.

Recipient:

Mike Babb
Elmwood High School
Winnipeg School Division

As principal of Elmwood High School for the past 12 years, Babb has demonstrated a leadership style and professional dedication that is centred on the dignity, value and potential of every student and staff member. He advocates the use of the whole child philosophy or approach to engage, challenge and support students in a safe and healthy environment. Babb provides positive experiences for student learning and personal development by initiating or supporting a number of programs, such as the Student Success Centre, the Indigenous Leaders Program, and several science programs including Schools on Tundra and the Experimental Lakes Area Summer Field Program. Babb values building strong rapport with students during and outside of school hours. This is made evident by his attendance at multiple extra-curricular events, such as drama productions and concerts, and by having coached over 116 teams in 10 different sports in his 37-year career. Babb promotes collaboration and networking among staff, and provides the needed resources and opportunities to support professional growth. With his passion, devotion and empathy, Babb has built a true community at Elmwood, where both students and staff feel they belong and can flourish. This is Babb’s legacy.