Celebrate October

Posted: November 1, 2016

October saw many things happening that deserve a cheer:

  • Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Bryan Kenny, paid a visit to the Office of the Superintendent and Chatham Daycare in October.  He took the time to listen to good news as well as concerns.
  • Jennifer Sullivan, principal at Harkins Middle School and Denis Boudreau, teacher at Lord Beaverbrook School, were named the winners of the Minister's Excellence in Education Award .
  • Lynn Carney received the Garth Wade Career Award and Mike Soucey received the ASDN Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award from the New Brunswick Physical Education Society.
  • Harkins Middle School's "Wave Goodbye to Harkins" was a huge success with many former students and staff attending and enjoying a variety of activities.  Congratulations to the students and staff for making this such a fun event for many.
  • Principals in ASDN participated in the Blanket Exercise, an interactive activity, that explains the history of First Nations people from the lense of First Nations perspective.  Thanks to our First Nation team for organizing this great learning opportunity.
  • Parkwood Heights Elementary School held their annual Family Breakfast with many families, former staff and community members attending and enjoying a delicious breakfast.
  • Our Curriculum Team, in partnership with UNB and Ann Sherman, hosted Peter Johnston, author of Opening Minds: Using Language to Change Lives, with over 50 teachers attending and learning.
  • Provincial Ed Group, which consists of Superintendents, Directors and EECD Personnel, met in the Miramichi at James M. Hill.  Lunch was provided by Deb McDonnell's Cul Tech class to rave reviews. JMH students also wowed the group with songs from the upcoming Lion King production.
  • Our Curriculum Team continue to provide professional learning and support with the new K-8 report cards.
  • The wonderful work done by the Powerschool Champions in each school as we work through the implementation of Powerschool is much appreciated.
  • The roll out of the Integrated Service Delivery Model is seeing good results and ESS Teams are seeing the benefits of having many stakeholders sitting at the same table.
  • Principals and Vice Principals continue to build their leadership skills through work with Frank Gallant, a leadership consultant hired by the district, who has been meeting and supporting schools for the last couple of years.  Many met last week with Frank to review their Leadership Style Inventory and discuss ways to best use their strengths to support their schools.
  • Ian Baillie Primary held a Joyce Potter day to celebrate Joyce's retirement.  Joyce has been a long-time custodian at Ian Baillie School.
  • Kari Waye, Krista Hamilton and Ashley Hallihan traveled to New York for the World Makerfair, a technology conference that highlights great technology innovations and projects.

Remember in these busy times to breathe and take time for yourself.  You are an important part of ASD-N and we need our staffs healthy and fit.