Saskatchewan dedicates one full week every year to celebrate student success and recognize the dedication and commitment of education professionals across the province.
Most of us remember someone from our school days who made a positive impression that influenced us for life. Perhaps it was a teacher, but maybe it was maintenance staff, the office administrator, a bus driver, or a volunteer coach; someone who inspired us by their actions or encouraging words. We celebrate those important people during this Education Week in Saskatchewan.
This year's Education Week theme – Working and Learning Together – highlights the important collaborative relationships that strengthen our education system. As students, educators, support staff, parents, caregivers, Elders, community members and stakeholders, we build meaningful relationships that lead us to growth and understanding.
Our Saskatchewan education system is dedicated to seeing every child reach their full potential. Having a community working together makes achieving that goal possible. The dedication and expertise of our Saskatchewan teachers and education staff are phenomenal, but the support of our whole community allows them to do their job better.
We see students in Moose Jaw involved outside the classroom in many ways. High school football and school volleyball are in our local sports news these days. Those on athletic teams are gaining the valuable life skills learned through sport. Music and drama programs will be offering entertainment to our community in the coming months by students taking pride in the arts.
I have seen exposure to the arts happening through the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils school program. Performers tour the schools across the province, educating the students in a captivating way. I recently attended a juggling act by Greg Kennedy. This former engineer was very entertaining, and at the same time demonstrated many of the principles of science and physics.
Just since school started, students have taken part in the Habitat for Humanity Colour Run, the Terry Fox Run, Journey to Hope and serving at the Riverside Mission banquet. Schools will be participating in the Farm Credit Canada Drive Away Hunger food drive. Lindale School hosted a community Thanksgiving meal. This participation helps our students see the importance and benefits of community involvement. Behind all these worthwhile activities are dedicated staff and community members supporting student involvement.
Every school in Saskatchewan is mandated to have a School Community Council. These volunteers work behind the scenes and often go unnoticed. They offer their time and talent to bring forward an understanding of the community's needs and objectives. They are an integral part of developing the School Level Plan. Feedback from the Moose Jaw community was a vital consideration in the choice of location for the new joint-use school to be constructed on South Hill. It’s exciting to watch this project move forward, the most recent development being the announcement that it will be built in Westheath.
Educating our children takes a community effort. Our government recognizes it is a priority for the people of Saskatchewan. That’s why we have invested in more teaching and support staff, increased funding and new schools.
I have a tremendous appreciation for those who work in our schools. Students come into our classrooms with many individual needs, and day after day, with the support of the community, educators find ways to help students thrive. That is cause for celebration and saying thank you to the education professionals, support staff and community all supporting student success.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
