Waterloo Region District School Board

Lakehead University has announced that Carol Williams, Learning Services Consultant JK – 6, has received the 2009-10 William A. West Education medal. This medal is awarded to the highest-ranking graduating student in the Masters of Education Program.

The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration has announced that Sharon Newmaster, ESL/ELD Consultant has won the Newcomer Champion Award. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding individuals who contribute to the understanding and sharing of Ontario’s cultural diversity and provide welcoming communities for the benefit of newcomers.

The Waterloo Region DSB is pleased to announce the three recipients of the Stewart Awards for Teaching Excellence:

Phil Sauder, recipient of the Grant R. MacDonald Award, co-ordinates the Elmira Work and Life School, a special project that encourages local Mennonite students to stay in school. The program encourages students to stay in school to get an education, before they leave to work on their family’s farm. The program has grown to over 120 students with Phil’s help and dedication.

Mark Harper, Superintendent of Learning Services with the Waterloo Region District School Board has received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Ontario Public Supervisory Officials’ Association (OPSOA). This award, presented annually, recognizes outstanding ability and leadership in public education at both the provincial and local school system levels.

Retired Waterloo Region DSB principal, Lynda Silvester, was honoured by Mayors Brenda Halloran and Carl Zehr at the 23rd Annual Mayors' Dinner. Each year the Mayors of Waterloo and Kitchener recognize an outstanding citizen who has made significant contributions to the community.

The Educational Assistants Association is pleased to announce the seven nominees for the 2010 Appreciation Award:

Kathy Bauman from John Mahood PS
RuthAnne Bowman from Queen Elizabeth PS
Beth Gerich from Laurentian PS
Linda Kirkland from Rockway PS
Johanne Messer of Lexington PS
Jean Scott from Huron Heights SS
Margaret Shouldice from Bluevale CI

We are pleased to announce that Gary Berscht, OYAP Project Manager, is the recipient of the Klaus D. Woerner Skilled Trades Hall of Fame Award for 2010. This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of skilled trades and technologies. Gary is the Project Manager for the Waterloo Region District School Board's Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Gary has been serving in this role since 1998 and is a former Tech. Director and Transportation Technology teacher. This is Gary’s second major provincial award.

Waterloo Region District School Board employees are making a difference in Waterloo Region.

Congratulations to the following employees for being named part of the Top 40 Under 40 by the Waterloo Region Record:

Deepa Ahluwalia - Equity and Inclusion Officer

George Fletcher - Teacher- Eastwood Collegiate Institute

Nicole Robinson - Equity and Inclusion Officer - Aboriginal Focus

Principal and School Council Chairperson of Meadowlane Public School thank Waterloo Region DSB for their support on restoring their school. “It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do for the environment of the school,” says Principal Dennis Siddall. The teachers, parents and students are proud of their surroundings and are determined to work hard with the custodial staff to maintain the building.

Kris Sangers, eLearning Secretary with the WRDSB, was selected as an Olympic Torch Bearer. Kris was selected through the application process with RBC to carry the torch through Woodstock on December 27, 2009.

Martha Deacon, Principal at Doon Public School, was also selected as a Torch Bearer. Martha carried the torch along King Street in Kitchener on December 27, 2009.