Teachers, school staff being celebrated this week

Islanders this week are celebrating the dedicated teachers and school staff who are shaping a better future for children and youth.

The PEI Home and School Federation and local groups have many activities planned to celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week February 12 to 16.

“Teachers and school staff are very important people in children’s lives,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Jordan Brown. “They teach our children to learn and achieve, to care for each other, and they make our schools safe and caring places to learn. I encourage Islanders to reach out this week and say thanks for all they do.”

Among the teachers and support staff being recognized this week as Extra Mile Award winners are Kensington Intermediate Senior High teacher Todd Dyment and Queen Elizabeth Elementary (Kensington) chef Bev Campbell. The PEI Home and School Federation created the Extra Mile Award to recognize teachers and staff who go above and beyond the call of duty to inspire, encourage, and motivate students to reach their full potential in a caring and learning environment.

Of Dyment:

• his colleagues say he puts his heart and soul into the school and students on a daily basis as a teacher, activity organizer, and coach, “encouraging all students to participate and to ensure that no one feels left out; his goal is for all students to leave KISH with a sense of pride and achievement;"
• parents say “he opens his world up so he can see it through the eyes of these teenagers and he is a wonderful inspiration to all who come in contact with him;” and
• students say “he has had a huge impact on all of us and has had a great contribution in shaping us as individuals.”

Of Campbell:

• her colleagues say “she tackles activities head on and with unwavering commitment. As a chef, volunteer librarian, school decorator, coach, event organizer and mother, she is a roll-up-your-sleeves and get-it-done type person who helps make the school operate like it does;”
• parents say “she is an absolute gem, every school should have a Bev Campbell;” and
• students say “she makes the best food and she also makes basketball awesome. Bev, you are a great coach and a help when people are down. You’re amazing and sweet.”

“Through their own commitment to lifelong learning, these special individuals – and all of our teachers and staff – inspire students to continue learning and make a lasting contribution to their lives,” said Lisa MacDougall, president of the PEI Home and School Federation. “Let's all say thank you this week to the people who are making our school communities thrive and shaping the next generation of Islanders and citizens.”

Media contact:
Jean Doherty
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca