On Oct. 5, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day. As a parent of children in Leo Nickerson Elementary School, I feel it is important to recognize the outstanding job being done by our public schools in St. Albert.
Our family has experienced so many teachers who go above and beyond what is required of them. We have kindergarten teachers who engage children through song, dance and the arts in an effort to excite their students about learning a second language. We have Grade 1 teachers who set up websites enhanced with their own voices to assist students and parents at home in learning a second language. We have teachers who visit local swamps on Sunday afternoons to gather clumps of frog spawn and transform their classrooms into mini aquariums, providing hands-on experience in science, learning about the lifecycle of frogs. We have teachers who bring history to life by involving students and their families in the Historica Fairs.
At Leo Nickerson School we have been blessed with a teacher who recognizes the value of different forms of art in the education of children. In co-ordination with the City of St. Albert Arts Days, she invited local artists and potential mentors — painters, dancers, quilters, musicians, scrapbookers, etc. — to come to school and share their talents and passions with our students. We have music teachers who use the power of song to draw our students together in community. We have a phys-ed teacher who genuinely cares about the health and wellbeing of our children, and knows each and every student by name. We have teachers who make it a priority to teach to each child’s learning style and tailor their day-to-day activities to accommodate each student so that they may reach their full potential.
These are teachers whose passion for learning is contagious, and that enthusiasm spreads to their students. These are teachers who are so dedicated to our children’s success that when they are praised for their hard work, they let you know it was the student who held all the potential and accomplished it through their own hard work. We have administrators who give lovingly and unconditionally of their time and talents. They are involved with our children through daily teaching in the classrooms, as well as fulfilling their role of principal. Our administrators recognize that a positive and supportive work environment benefits not only the teachers, but the students as well. We are fortunate to have understanding and compassionate support staff who are dedicated to helping our students reach their goals. They treat our children with love, kindness and respect.
Finally, we are blessed with custodians who keep our schools clean and safe. So thank you teachers, administrators, support staff and custodians in our St. Albert schools. Thank you for your dedication to our students, your unwavering support and your commitment to excellence in education.
Donna Nilsson, Sturgeon County
