Submitted by Renfrew County District School Board
The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) staff and partners have racked up a slew of awards and honours for outstanding excellence in their fields this June, 2023. Vice Principal Patricia Fraser was awarded the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s WILD Educator of the Year Award, RCDSB educators and partners in the First Nations and Métis Math Voices Research Partnership were honoured at the C2UExpo 2023 Gala Award, and sixteen RCDSB staff were recognized at the first annual RCDSB’s Employee Recognition Awards.
First Nations and Métis Math Voices
RCDSB along with local First Nations community partners have been participants in the projects, known collectively as “First Nations and Métis Math Voices” since its inception in 2012. In partnership with Dr. Ruth Beatty, the RCDSB team has played a leading role, co-planning the Indigenous Education and Mathematics Conference at Lakehead University in 2019, 2022, and 2023. RCDSB educators include Tina Nelson, Vice Principal of Indigenous Education; Mike Fitzmaurice, Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching Consultant; and Heather Lett; along with Laurie Bennett of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Pictured at top from left: Christina Ruddy of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and RCDSB Indigenous Trustee, Dr. Ruth Beatty, Colinda Clyne of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. Photo supplied.
Locally, “Indigenous Ways of Knowing Mathematics” started at Eganville and District Public School (EDPS) with a team composed of First Nations leaders, artists, and educators, as well as non-Indigenous educators. It is now in elementary and secondary schools across the District and continues to grow each year. The program allows students to explore a deep understanding of complex mathematical concepts, inherent in Indigenous culture including: creating hair bone pipe, bracelets through loom beading, and medallions, as well as coding with the LYNX online platform.
RCDSB Employee Recognition Awards
On June 20th, 2023 at the final Board of Trustees meeting for the 2022/2023 school year sixteen staff members from across the District were honoured at the first-ever Employee Recognition Awards. Through a peer nomination process, the RCDSB recognized employees who contribute to a positive, productive workplace in schools and central departments. In all that they say and do, these employees demonstrate the spirit of the RCDSB’s Vision, Mission and Values in support of the achievement, equity and well-being of our students, staff and school communities.
2023 RCDSB Employee Recognition Award Recipients:
- Carolyn Neil – Teacher, Central Public School
- Jennifer Hartwick – Head Custodian, A.J. Charbonneau Public School
- Trista Barlow – Teacher, Mackenzie Community School
- Amy Dahm – Principal, McNab Public School
- Susan Collins – Senior Elementary Secretary, Beachburg Public School
- Mike Fitzmaurice – Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching Contact (TELT-C)
- Elise Trepanier – Teacher, Pine View Public School
- Jennifer Morris – Teacher, Valour JK-12 School
- Amy Johnson – System Principal, Equity, Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression
- Killaloe Public School Educational Assistants Team:
- Lee Ann Kuehl
- Sandra Swain
- Cheyenne Warren
- Natalie McClement
- Katelyn Mick
- Jordan Cuddy
- Blair Wagner
WILD Education program
On June 17th, 2023 in Whitehorse, Yukon, the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) honoured recipients at a ceremony for the Canadian Conservation Achievement Awards. Patricia Fraser, Vice Principal of Mackenzie Community School in Deep River was awarded the WILD
Educator of the Year award. A statement from the CWF reported “Patricia Fraser of Pembroke, and the Renfrew County [District] School Board have inspired and informed many strategies and approaches within CWF when it comes to the WILD Education program.
MacMillan,H.,RCDSB Communications(2023,June22) Multiple Awards and Honours for Renfrew County District School Board Educators, Staff, and Partners [media release]