Community Connections Focus of Education Week
Phillip Prosper, a Mi’kmaw support teacher at Whycocomagh Education Centre in Cape Breton, reads to Grade Primary students. Mr. Prosper received the Mi’kmaq Educator / Student Support Award today, April 16, as part of the 2024 Education Week awards. (Contributed)
Outstanding teachers, public school administrators, early childhood educators and student support staff who help ensure the achievement and well-being of students are recognized every year during Education Week.
Seventy award recipients from across Nova Scotia were honoured at a ceremony in Halifax today, April 16. The list of recipients is at: https://nstu.ca/the-nstu/information-items/education-week
“Schools are the heartbeat of our communities and are made up of dedicated staff and volunteers who work to ensure our children learn and thrive in welcoming and inclusive environments,” said Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “They are champions for education in Nova Scotia, and we are so appreciative of everything they do.”
This year’s theme is Connections to Community, recognizing those who make deliberate efforts to enhance and empower their larger school communities, including families and the community at large. It celebrates staff who build strong relationships between the school and the community as part of meeting the needs of their students.
Education Week, recognized this year from April 14 to 20, involves the following education partners:
- Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
- Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Teachers Union
- Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority
- La Fédération des parents acadiens de la Nouvelle-Écosse
- Council on African Canadian Education
- Council on Mi’kmaq Education.
Nadine Prosper, a teacher at Sherwood Park Education Centre in Sydney, works with students. Ms. Prosper is a recipient of a Mi’kmaq/Aboriginal Educator Award, part of the 2024 Education Week awards. (Contributed)
Quotes:
“The connections that educators build within a community are essential to facilitating safe spaces where students can express themselves and find support. The ongoing examples of inclusion, empathy and respect demonstrated by educators prepare young people to become engaged citizens who care about the well-being of their communities. I can think of no greater gift to give our children as we prepare them to become future leaders and contributors.”
— Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia
“Having my students out in the community benefits not just them, but the community as a whole. Everyone can learn something from somebody.”
— Annaliese Blois, Educator Award recipient, Avon View High School, Hants County
“Amidst the challenges and triumphs of education, I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of the entire staff at my school. Together, we navigate the journey of learning, teaching and forging strong partnerships with our community and Pictou Landing First Nation School to create an inclusive environment where every child’s potential is nurtured and celebrated.”
— Kristi Chisholm, Public School Administrator Award recipient, Frank H. MacDonald Academy, Pictou County
“My reaction to winning the award was a big surprise because what I do in and out of school is what I love to do – giving back to the students in school and out. I hold community close to my heart because my community of Africville that I was raised in until I was four to five years old was taken, so I want the best for the young kids I am educating."
— Steven Brown, African Nova Scotia Educator/Student Support Award recipient, Westmount Elementary, Halifax
“Community connections provide a sense of belonging for all students, but especially L’nu students. Historically, education was a negative experience for many L’nu students. As we work towards reconciliation, my goal is making school a safe and rewarding space for all learners, and I think community connections are central to that work.”
— Nadine Prosper, Mi’kmaq/Aboriginal Educator Award recipient, Sherwood Park Education Centre, Sydney
Quick Facts:
- Education Week 2025 will run from April 20 to 26
Additional Resources:
Education Week 2024 – Nova Scotia Teachers Union: https://nstu.ca/the-nstu/information-items/education-week
Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/education-and-early-childhood-development