We had some fantastic news earlier this month! Four Burnaby School District teachers have been selected as finalists for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education. This is a fantastic acknowledgement for the teachers and our School District. We are incredibly passionate about teaching and developing students, so it’s great to receive such recognition.
The Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education recognizes the hard work and contribution that teachers, support staff, and administrators make to the province of British Columbia. There are ten categories with a total of 30 people being nominated.
The Nominees
Sabha Ghani – Burnaby South Secondary – Extracurricular Leadership Award
Sabha Ghani has been nominated for the Extracurricular Leadership Award. Part of the criteria for this award is to create a positive learning environment. This environment exists outside of the usual classroom and allows for the continuation of learning and skill development for students.
Sabha Ghani has been doing her great work at Burnaby South Secondary. Burnaby South Secondary is one of the larger schools in School District 41 with 1,850 students. Students here love the Michael J Fox Theatre and the indoor running track. It’s also the only public school in BC that has a TV Production studio.
Scott Stefanek – École Brantford Elementary – Extracurricular Leadership Award
Nominated for the same award is Scott Stefanek. Scott teaches at École Brantford Elementary. École Brantford Elementary aims to create a safe, supportive and challenging learning environment for children. The school hopes to shape students to be compassionate citizens who contribute to a global environment.
It’s clear that Scott’s work has adhered to the mission statement. Part of the requirements for the award is to provide a safe and encouraging environment. They are also judged on how the classroom experience then goes on to have a positive effect on other students, the school and their community.
Bryan Gidinsky – Chaffey-Burke Elementary – Social Equity and Diversity Award
The Social Equity and Diversity Award educates students and develops social responsibilities when it comes to topics of racism, poverty and environmental stewardship. Bryan has been doing this by providing learning experiences that aim to understand the diverse world and societies that we live in. Nominees will have also supported students to take actions to make positive changes to their community.
This has all taken place at Chaffey-Burke Elementary. The school aims to develop the social, academic, and emotional growth of its students. The result of this is children who are able to be active members in a progressive, respectful and productive society. Bryan’s nomination encapsulates the mission of this school.
Wendel Williams – École Alpha Secondary – Outstanding Support – School Community
The Outstanding Support – School Community award celebrates support staff that create inclusive, engaging experiences for students. Support staff includes bus drivers, crossing guards, student supervisors, aboriginal cultural facilitators, custodians, clerical staff, and more.
Youth support worker Wendel Williams was nominated for his work at École Alpha Secondary. Here he has helped develop student’s intellectual, human, and social skills. This is exactly in line with the school’s mission. École Alpha Secondary provides a caring and supportive environment to its students where it is easy to make friends and ask staff for help.
Well done to everybody involved! If you want to experience some of these fantastic nominees for yourself, get in touch with us today!
