Park West Staff Recognition Evening

2013 Staff Recognition Night
In appreciation for your lifelong dedication to education...
for believing in children, for guiding through example,
for inspiring with passion, for living through loving,
for leaving an indelible mark on the future,
for touching the human soul...
You have made all the difference.
Shoal Lake Community Hall, June 12th, 2013
Entertainment
Waywayseecappo Dancers and Horse Creek Drummers
Entertainment
Waywayseecappo Dancers and Horse Creek Drummers
5 Years of Service
Presented by Trustee Shannon Neuhofer
Kristyn Eftoda, Inglis School
Jaime Lee, Birtle Elementary School
Pearl Friesen, MPS/RES
Alison Murray, Shoal Lake School
Edward Graham, Hamiota Schools
Crystal Stebeleski, Divisional
Rick Hrycak , Divisional
Britta Wilson, Miniota School
Bob Isbister, Divisional
Heather Woitas, Major Pratt
Birgit Lavallee, Rossburn Collegiate
10 Years of Service
Presented by Trustee Paulette Koroscil
Kyla DeGroot, Major Pratt School
Lindsay Routledge, Hamiota Elementary
John Klein, Waywayseecappo School
Benita Shwaluk, Shoal Lake School
Dennis Lenius, Shoal Lake School
Kathy Waldner, Decker Colony School
Arla Marshall, Major Pratt School
Leanne Werschler, Inglis School
Lana Miller, Major Pratt School
Marvin Wiens, Bus Garage
Jennifer Rice, Major Pratt School
15 Years of Service
Presented by Trustee Darren Naherniak
Carla Arran, Binscarth School
Sonya McNair, Major Pratt School
Dave Stewart, Divisional
Pam Asselstine, Birtle Collegiate
Bob Ploshynsky, Rossburn Collegiate
Christine Ushey, Major Pratt
Sheri-Lee Baird, Rossburn Elementary
Gordie Razor, Waywayseecappo School
Eva Vanscoy, WW Adult Ed
Paddy Beswatherick, Birtle Collegiate
Brenda Simpson, Shoal Lake School
Garry Webber, Hamiota
Jody Bryce, Strathclair School
Jeannine Skayman, Hamiota Collegiate
Alan Wilson, Birtle Collegiate
Michelle McNabb, Hamiota Elementary
Cory Smith, Hamiota Collegiate
Shawna Wilson, Divisional
20 Years of Service
Presented by Trustee Ryan Hamilton
Kim Baskerville, Divisional
Jackie McKee, Waywayseecappo/PWSD
Tammy Edwards, Major Pratt School
Betty Senger, Divisional
Darlene McArthur, Shoal Lake
Connie Zimmer, Divisional
25 Years of Service
Presented by Trustee Anne Grabauskas
Iris Furman, Rossburn Elementary
Jean Nash, Rossburn Elementary
Adam Grabowski, Rossburn Elementary
Gord Nixon , Major Pratt School
Brian Kirk, Bus Garage
Slon’s Buses, Rossburn
Marilyn Liske, Inglis School
Greg Zegalski, Rossburn
30 Years of Service
Alan Stanchuk, Russell
35 Years of Service
Presented by Trustee Ed Lelond
Sheila Gregory, Hamiota Elementary
Resigned Employees
Presented by Vice Chair Tyler Fulton
Jacqueline Acree, Strathclair School
Clare Branson, Strathclair School
Dan Hardern, Birtle Collegiate
Sandra Loeppky, Birtle Elementary
Bonnie Maxwell, Rossburn Elementary
Gerald Negrave, Hamiota Collegiate
Ryan Zadarozny, Binscarth School
Rick & Shelley Rubeniuk, RCI
Sue Schaworski, Rossburn Elementary
Molly Tharalson, Birtle Collegiate
Karis Waldner, Decker Colony
Retirement – Kathy Baker
Kathy Baker obtained her bus driver's license on
August 22, 1990. She started her career as a
spare driver for 7 years, primarily for her husband
Vernon, who was a regular driver in the Newdale
area.
In February of 1997, Vernon gave up his bus
route and Kathy was hired as the regular driver
for his bus route. Kathy's bus route varied over
the years, covering areas north and then south
of Newdale. Kathy continued to drive this bus
route for 15 years until her retirement at the end
of June 2012.
Kathy says she misses the children on her route
but not the bad driving conditions. She also says
"You know you've been doing this a long time
when you start driving children of the children
you drove to school!“
Bus Driver, Strathclair – 15 Years of Service
Retirement – Judy Bartkiw
Judy started her career as a volunteer at RES in
the Kindergarten room. In 1989, she was hired
as an EA at RES to work with special needs
students and doing speech. Judy then moved to
RCI and worked between both schools. She was
awarded a full time position with RCI and will
retire from there at the end of this school year.
Judy worked in the canteen, she was involved
with the breakfast program and she also provided
noon supervision. Judy also helped out on
school committees when needed.
One memorable experience that will stay with
Judy was the Outdoor Ed trip to Deep Lake. It
was a rewarding experience filled with fun and
learning experience for both staff and students.
EA, Rossburn Collegiate – 24 Years of Service
Retirement – Elaine Luhowy
Elaine Luhowy started her career as an EA at the
Rossburn Collegiate in 2002. Her
commitment, skill and compassion was evident
in everything that she did at RCI. We wish her
the very best in her retirement!
EA, Rossburn Collegiate – 11 Years of Service
Retirement – Adolph & Elizabeth Melnyk
Adolph and Elizabeth were hired as school bus contractors in
September of 1975 to operate a Rossburn bus route in the Ruthenia
area. Adolph was the regular driver and he operated a 36 passenger
bus on this route as it changed over the years.
In February 1985, Elizabeth obtained her school bus driver's license.
After Spring Break in 1985, Elizabeth began as the regular driver for
a bus route in the Ruthenia area using a small 19 passenger bus
while Adolph operated the other bus on a bus route straight north
of Rossburn.
Adolph and Elizabeth continued to operate these bus routes until
the routes were combined in 1999. At this time, Elizabeth
continued as the regular bus driver and Adolph transitioned to
become the spare driver . In 2007, Adolph and Elizabeth were
awarded a second contract for a bus route north of Oakburn.
Adolph operated this new route while Elizabeth continued to drive
the Ruthenia bus route.
In fall 2012, plans were underway for Adolph and Elizabeth to
retire. Elizabeth gave notice of her retirement at the end of
December 2012, with 27.5 years of bus driving. Adolph retired
one month later, at the end of January 2013, with 37.5 years of
service as a school bus contractor and driver.
Bus Drivers, Rossburn –37 Years of Service
Retirement – Elaine Kestirke
Elaine came to Manitoba from Wisconsin in 1984, employed originally
by the Manitoba Department of Education, Child Care & Development
Branch and then contracted to work with the former Bird Tail School
Division. That first year in Manitoba was interesting for Elaine, she
thought it was unreal that we had to "plug in" our cars until the first 25©C winter morning when her car wouldn't start! Her car wasn't even
made with a battery warmer plug-in! Also, the fact that she thought
she was coming to Canada for a year or two, and has now been here for
33 years!
Elaine has touched the lives of many children from Park West School
Division, she is known as the "Tall Lady" or if the kids have trouble with
her name, she tells them Mrs. "Kiss a Turkey" !
Many changes in both work and family have occurred over the years.
Elaine has made many lifelong lasting friendships along the way; she
will miss the people, but is ready to move on to another phase in her
life, as she has learned the hard way that some people don’t get to do
that.
Looking forward to her retirement, spending time with her husband,
Fred, children and four grandchildren, enjoying life on the farm,
especially the patio, their vinyl sign business and hopefully spending
more time with their horses, too. Thank you Elaine for your hard work
and dedication to the students of Park West School Division.
Speech Pathologist, Divisional – 20 Years of Service
Retirement – Lena Cote
Lena Cote has been working in the teaching field
at Waywayseecappo School for many years and
has contributed to the education of many
students. She has been a positive role model and
teacher to so many people in the community
over the past years. Lena started teaching with
Pelly Trail School Division and continued to
work at Wawayseecappo School while it was
band operated. She took part and witnessed the
beginning of the partnership between
Waywayseecappo and Park West School
Division. Lena would like to send her best wishes
for a stronger, better education for all the staff
and students of Waywayseecappo School/Park
West School Division. May the partnership
continue to bring educational success! She will
miss you all!
Teacher, Waywayseecappo School – 34 Years of Service
Retirement – Joan Carson
Joan’s teaching career began in September 1967,
with her first position at Rossburn, part of Pelly
Trail School Division. Joan taught grade 1 for
two years and moved on to grade 4 for two
more years.
After getting married and moving to the farm,
Joan made the decision to stay at home to raise
her family and help with the farm. During this
time, she substituted and worked various term
positions.
In September 1996, Joan had the opportunity to
teach Nursery School at Waywayseecappo. She
decided to teach for two more years…..17 years
later, she is finally retiring! Joan has enjoyed her
time with the children of Waywayseecapo and
she will miss them!
Teacher, Waywayseecappo School – 17 Years of Service
Retirement – Val Gamey
Val began her teaching career in 1980. Her first
few positions were in Winnipeg, Swan River and
Neepawa. After completing her Special
Education Certification and moving to the farm
at Strathclair with her husband, Neil, Val became
the Resource Teacher at Shoal Lake School in
1984. She has held the position for the past 29
years, initially with responsibilities from K-12,
then K-6 and finally K-4. Through the years, Val
was always grateful to be part time, which meant
she had more time to devote to raising their
three sons, Wade, Todd and Dean.
In 2003, Val began teaching private piano and
guitar lessons in Strathclair and Shoal Lake. She
looks forward to continuing to teach music
lessons well into her retirement years!
Teacher, Shoal Lake School – 29 Years of Service
Retirement – Linda Dereniwski
In the fall of 1971, Linda was employed with Birdtail River School
Division as the first ever educational assistant for the division. She was
based at the OLD Strathclair School which is no longer standing.
Soon after, Linda became the first speech aide in the school and
worked under the guidance of Elaine Kestirke for many years. She has
formed many lasting relationships with her special needs students;
some of which still keep in touch with her. In fact, she has just been
invited to one of her former student’s wedding this summer.
Throughout her years at SCS, Linda has trained over 8 different
principals, learned many new programs, worked with all age groups
and has seen many staff and students come and go. Besides working
with academics, Linda has also assisted many graduates with their
Graduation March and has played a very prominent role in that
capacity. She has also helped with numerous sporting events and
teams—she claims she was a better manager than coach!
Linda will be truly missed at SCS by staff and students alike. We wish
her a very happy retirement and hope that she gets to enjoy her many
hobbies of sewing, gardening, community volunteering, and mostly,
enjoying more of her family—2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. We
wish her good luck in her new home in Souris! One amazing lady!
EA, Strathclair School – 36 Years of Service
Retirement – Sandra Hunt
Sandra Hunt began her journey with the Birdtail River School
Division on August 30, 1983 when she accepted an EA position at
Kenton School. During the 1997/98 school year, Sandra also
provided IT technical support to Birdtail River on a fee-for-service
contract. In the fall of 1999, Sandra transitioned from full-time EA
to part-time EA/part-time Secretary/ Librarian. Looking for
adventure in October 2004, Sandra resigned from her EA position
to take a 1/2 time Secretary position at the PWSD bus garage in
Arrow River.
Sandra continued in the positions of School Secretary/Librarian, and
Bus Garage Secretary until the closure of Kenton School in June
2012, with Sandra having worked in the Kenton School in various
roles for 29 years. She continued to work at the bus garage position
until her retirement at the end of April 2013, at 29.8 years of
service to Birdtail River and Park West School Divisions. A hard
working and friendly person to work with, Sandra has demonstrated
her various skills and versatility through the different positions she
has held during her career. On behalf of the Park West School
Division, we wish Sandra all the best in her retirement.
Secretary, Bus Garage– 29.8 Years of Service
Retirement – Cindy McMurray
Cindy’s teaching career began in a 3/4 class in Swan Lake ,
Manitoba. After two years, she knew that she had made the right
choice and that she was ready for a move to a bigger school. In
1976, Cindy was offered a Grade 2 position at Major Pratt School
with the Pelly Trail School Division. Over a span of 37 years, Cindy
has been involved in the division working with children as a parent,
a volunteer, and a teacher. Cindy has found teaching to be such a
rewarding career. Everyday is an adventure with students and she
loves sharing the experience of learning with them. Her great
passion is to encourage each child to achieve to the best of his/her
ability -be it in academics, sports or the arts. The children know
that she will be there to cheer them on. Cindy is grateful to her
co-workers and to all of her students and their parents for the
wonderful memories that they have had the opportunity to share.
Cindy has enjoyed working with and learning from her colleagues
but now she is ready to begin the next phase of her life which
includes being closer to her children and grandchildren and ALSO
an airport.
Teacher, Major Pratt School – 23 Years of Service
Retirement – Don Clunas
Don received his bus license on October 20,1971. He was hired
as an employee of Pelly Trail School Division to drive the
Shellmouth bus route after the previous driver resigned due to
poor road conditions in the valley. The bus route traveled
from Shellmouth to Inglis and on to Russell for the high
school students, similar to the way it does today. Don recalls
starting out with a '65 or '66 Ford 54 passenger school bus.
The route was contracted out a short time later and Don
became a school bus contractor for the division. At the time,
Don operated a farm, a garage in Shellmouth, and the bus
route - often a 7-day work week. Don drove the route for 12
years before there were any spare drivers available in the area.
Several years later, Don tendered on and was awarded a 2nd
Inglis bus route. For the past several years, Don has employed
2 full-time bus drivers for these routes and he has served as the
spare driver. Don retired at the end of June 2012.
Bus Driver, Russell/Inglis – 40.5 Years of Service
Retirement – Louise Hrubeniuk
Louise started her teaching career in Minto, MB, in 1967. After
teaching grades 1 & 2 for four years, she moved to Rossburn to teach
grade 2, and then resigned to start her family. During those years,
Louise still subbed and held term positions. In 1986, she resumed her
career as an Educational Assistant at the Rossburn Elementary School
for 15 years. Louise then started at the Collegiate for another 12 years
for a total of 46 years in the school system!
Louise has had many rewarding memories during the years, including
working with a blind child during which time she learned to read and
write braille. She also helped with the instruction of an autistic child
for 13 years (from K-12) Most recently, Louise has been one of the
coordinators of the Nutrition Program at RCI, sharing in the
managing and the facilitating of the Nutrition and Food Safety
program.
Louise has enjoyed working part time for the last three years to help
ease her into retirement. She will miss the interaction with the staff
and students. A lot of the staff are young enough to be her children,
and she can't help but feel younger when associating with them! The
older staff keep Louise grounded, and she will miss all of them.
Louise’s future plans include, spending time with her children and
grandchildren, travelling, scrapbooking, gardening, relaxing and
shopping!!
EA, Rossburn Collegiate – 27 Years of Service
Retirement – Dave Juce
Dave started teaching in Elphinstone Collegiate in the fall of 1979. In 1981, he
moved to Dauphin to work at Mackenzie Junior High School. Over his career, he
has taught a range of courses, from Phys Ed, Math and Science to French, World
Issues, Social Studies and LA. Dave has been involved with Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) since 1991 when he became the technology
coordinator for the Dauphin Ochre School Division. In 1996, Dave and his family
moved to Hamiota where he continued to work with ICT in the Birdtail River
School Division. He was the driving force behind an Interdisciplinary Middle Years
Multi-Media (IMYM) project. Dave’s involvement with IMYM had a profound
effect on his philosophy of ICT in education i.e. it is about the pedagogy not the
technology. Dave was chairman of the Computer Education Coordinators of
Manitoba West group for two years, which has now morphed into MAETL
(Manitoba Association of Education Technology Leaders). Dave has focused on
the LwICT continuum rollout in Park West. In his present role as the technology
resource facilitator in Park West, Dave is involved with all aspects of ICT in the
division. In addition to his ICT responsibilities in Park West, he is also the lead
teacher for Park West’s award winning Grade Six Outdoor Education program,
and he is the project leader for the division’s Duke of Edinburgh award initiative.
Just recently, Dave was elected to the Manitoba Rural Learning Consortium Board
of directors. He has been married to his wife Karen for 23 years and they have
three children Michael, 20, Marian, 18, and Eveline, 14.
ICT Facilitator, Divisional – 16 Years of Service
Retirement – Wayne Angus
Wayne began driving students to Crandall School by car in the
spring of 1959. What may be even more surprising is that
Wayne was still a student at Crandall School and had just turned
18 years old when he started to drive students to school. His
start to driving came when his father (who had the contract to
transport six or seven students to school that year) asked him
to drive the carload of students. For the next school year,
Wayne was awarded the contract to transport students to
school. Wayne got his school bus driver operator's license in
1963, but would continue to transport students by car to
Crandall School and then to Hamiota School after Crandall
School closed.
In 1979, Wayne was hired to drive his first yellow school bus.
He recalls that it was a small Ford bus, and that the motor blew
twice while he was driving it! Over the years, Wayne operated a
mixed grain and beef farm while driving a school bus route. He
had 4 different buses over his driving career, and fondly
remembers that prior to his retirement at the end of June 2012
he was transporting the grandchildren of some of the first
students that he drove to school.
Wayne enjoyed transporting children to school over the years,
and he must have - because his career lasted for 53 years!
Bus Driver, Hamiota – 53 Years of Service
Special Presentation to Chief Murray Clearsky
Chief Clearsky served the
Waywayseecappo First Nation for
23 years before being elected as
the Grand Chief of the Southern
Chiefs Organization in September
2012.
During his leadership,
Waywayseecappo built a gas bar, a
grocery store , a hotel/conference
center and a hockey arena, which
is home of the Wayway
Wolverines. Chief Murray
Clearsky was instrumental in the
beginning of the partnership
between Waywayseecappo First
Nation and Park West School
Division. We wish him the best of
luck in the future!
In honour of his contribution to the Waywayseecappo/Park West Partnership
2013 Staff Recognition Night
The Park West School Division Board of Trustees would like to thank the
Waywayseecappo Dancers and Horse Creek Drummers for providing the entertainment;
the students of Shoal Lake School for providing the beautiful artwork; Bruce Manuliak
and the staff of Old School Catering for the wonderful meal; and Habitat for Humanity
(Shoal Lake Chapter) for providing the bartenders for the evening! Thank you all for
your contributions in helping us to make the event a success!
Shoal Lake Community Hall, June 12th, 2013