Once again, the Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed last week as Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week on the recommendation of the Saskatchewan Association of School Councils.
“Teachers and school staff play an incredible role in ensuring that the needs of students are put first each and every day,” said Education Minister Don Morgan. “Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week will encourage all Saskatchewan residents to recognize the extraordinary work that happens in our schools and to acknowledge the education professionals who contribute to our province in such an important way.”
The Horizon School Division (HZSD) administration believes that it’s important to recognize teachers and staff. Every year, they do that with fruit trays and fruit baskets as well as a public acknowledgment in ads.
“Our employees work with our most valuable resource, and that’s our children,” said Randy MacLEAN, the deputy director of education for the school division. “It’s just another reminder for the work they do each and every day to meet the needs of kids.”
It’s not teachers that are recognized during the week; it also includes librarians, custodians, educational assistants, secretaries, and more.
HZSD also has a few new initiatives to advance education across the division. Four times a year, staff members are brought together for collaborative learning days. In addition, the division has been running an initiative to increase literacy across the division.
On the theme of celebrating staff, 2014 saw the first Celebration Day for the school division, which recognized the service of staff members. The day also introduced the Wall of Fame, which recognizes noteworthy alumni.
“No matter how small the school is, no matter how small the classroom is, people in our communities have gone on to do amazing things,” MacLEAN said.
He added that while the schools in the division may be small, that gives the students advantages such as smaller class size and the opportunity to interact with people on a more personal level.
