INNISFAIL - Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) officially recognized longtime educators this week, including a Sundre teacher and a Didsbury teacher/principal each with 35 years of service.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, a ceremony was held to celebrate dozens of staff members with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years service, as well as retiring and new teachers.
The annual event was co-hosted by the CESD board of trustees and the Alberta Teachers' Association Local #17.
The 11,700-student CESD includes school across the region.
Debbie Reimert, a teacher at Sundre’s River Valley School, was recognized for 35 years of service.
“I love observing individual student’s excitement when they have struggled to understand a concept, and then have an ah-ha moment,” Reimert said in a CESD press release.
“What I love about coming to work is that everyday is different and unique. I enjoy working with the team at our school, and have been fortunate to work with staff members that did their student teaching with me.”
Reimert began her career at Cremona School, teaching Grades 4, 5 and 6. At River Valley School she taught Grades 3, 4, 7 and 8 and the Life Skills programs.
“Other highlights of my career have been becoming a lifelong learner, participating in the mentorship program, Indigenous Lead days, as well as coaching volleyball earlier in my career,” she said.
Carolyn Massell, the current principal of Westglen School in Didsbury, was also recognized for 35 years of service with Chinook’s Edge.
“I appreciate having the opportunity to teach several generations of a family, and getting to work with former students as parents in my school and following their successes as they grow up,” said Massel.
“I love the energy and the laughter. I work with incredibly talented staff who love being with middle schoolers. I also love that there is always a new challenge to solve and how staff are open to trying new approaches and ideas.
“I like the division’s continued emphasis on professional growth. When I started teaching, the prevailing thought was ‘develop your lesson plans over your first couple of years and then you will be set for your career.’ Now there is a culture that values continual improvement and growth as teachers and learners.”
Massel was a student teacher at Westglen School before teaching Grade 3 at Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs.
Over the years she also taught elementary and middle school at Westglen School and Cremona School. Massel was vice-principal at Westglen School before becoming principal.
In a prepared statement, CESD board chair Holly Bilton said, “The board wishes to thank our staff members for the important contributions they make every day with our students.
“Each of these individuals have added to the strength of the Chinook’s Edge family, and the care and concern we have for each student and their success. To each of our staff members, thank you for your dedication.”
Mike Garrow, associate superintendent of people services, said, “Thank you to each staff member who is being recognized tonight for their service to students in Chinook’s Edge. We appreciate you, and hope that you have a wonderful evening reflecting on the important work of public education and your role in it.”
