TOPS IN EDUCATION

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The principal of two Erickson schools received a top education honour Friday at the Manitoba legislature. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.

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The principal of two Erickson schools received a top education honour Friday at the Manitoba legislature. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The principal of two Erickson schools received a top education honour Friday at the Manitoba legislature. Laurie Bachewich — principal of Erickson Elementary and Erickson Collegiate in the Rolling River School Division — was named as the recipient of the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education.

Described by the province as “a champion for reconciliation in her schools and throughout the division,” Bachewich was one of nine educators singled out for the province’s Excellence in Education Awards. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt (left) takes a selfie with Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education recipient Laurie Bachewich and husband Kevin Bachewich at the province’s Excellence in Education Awards ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday. (Mikaela MacKenzie/Winnipeg Free Press) Congratulating this year’s award recipients, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt noted the “huge impact” educators make in the lives of their students.

“Today I am honoured to acknowledge these exceptional educators who create inspiring environments in which to learn,” said Schmidt. In its backgrounder on Bachewich, the province said she has had “an immediate, profound and lasting impact on staff, students and the surrounding communities,” embracing the schools’ joint vision of Mino-Pimatisiwin (the good life) and fostering school cultures that respect and celebrate each child’s uniqueness. “To empower students and strengthen their sense of belonging, Bachewich established a variety of community groups, including one related to the Seven Sacred Teachings where students explore each teaching, identify practical ways to put them into practice and promote them throughout the schools,” the province’s backgrounder said.

“Recognizing the power of community connections, she enables students’ participation in the Leda Lake Development Project, the community garden, the Royal Canadian Legion Days, the Rolling River First Nation powwows and other events.” As part of her community outreach, Bachewich has built strong relationships with the local First Nations communities, inviting elders to share teachings and provide training and mentorship to other principals. “Bachewich exemplifies exceptional educational leadership,” the province said.

Also presented Friday were three Teaching Excellence Awards (to Amanda Almdal of David Livingstone Community School in the Winnipeg School Division, Jenna Desilets of Ste. Anne Elementary School in the Seine River School Division, Justin Valentino of R.D.

Parker Collegiate in the Mystery Lake School District) and the Outstanding New Teacher Award (Jonathan McPhail of Exchange Met School in Seven Oaks School Division). The Outstanding Team Collaboration Award went to Katelyn Hart, Kelly Mikkelson and Rachel Novak of Green Valley School in the Hanover School Division, and the Outstanding School Leader Award was given to Caleigh Matni-MacDonald of Chan Kagha Otina Dakota Wayawa Tipi School in the Frontier School Division. The award recipients were chosen by a selection committee made up of representatives from the Manitoba School Boards Association, the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning.

The awards have been presented since 2006. » The Brandon Sun Advertisement.