Rocky View Schools applauds staff educational milestones

Rocky View Schools (RVS) recognized 33 staff members for recent academic achievements completed during this school year.

These teachers and support staff have earned degrees, diplomas, and certifications that will enhance their work and contribute to the school division's vision of becoming a world-class learning organization where all students reach their full potential.

Here are the staff members who work in local Airdrie schools that were recognized.

• Omolola Alawiye, a Child Development Advisor for W.H. Croxford High School earned a Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary. 
  • “Omolola has brought energy and joy to her role as a CDA for five years at W.H. Croxford. Previously, she excelled in roles at Windsong Heights School and Chestermere High School. She has had a massive impact on students in our school in the role of CDA and we are excited for her to start a new journey in teaching! Congratulations Omolola," stated Croxford principal Derek Keenan.
• Tiffany Harris, a teacher at École Edwards Elementary School earned a Master of Education from the University of Victoria.
  • Rachelle Prud’Homme, Principal of the school mentioned "Tiffany’s completion of her degree is an example of her commitment to lifelong learning. With over a decade of teaching experience, she infuses her classes with enthusiasm, making learning a joyous journey for her students.”
• Carolynn Martin, a Learning Assistant at Cooper's Crossing School earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. 
  • “Carolynn has been a learning assistant at Cooper’s Crossing since 2016. In the past few years, as well as working full time and supporting a busy family, she has pursued her Bachelor of Education. Carolynn is always effervescent, and positive, and contributes her energy and love for learning to the work she does in our school with all students and staff she encounters. We are so proud of Carolynn’s accomplishment and know she will excel in her new role as a teacher,” stated Diana Logan, principal of Cooper's Crossing.
• Shauna Simpson, also a Learning Assistant at Cooper's Crossing School earned a Graduate Certificate in Education: Decolonizing and Indigenizing Teaching and Learning from Yorkville University. 
  • “Shauna is a champion of Indigenous learning and knowledge at Cooper’s Crossing School. She teaches staff and students many ways we can be thoughtful and intentional about decolonizing our practices and instruction. Most of all, Shauna is a champion for all students and helps to support the students she works closely with by being kind, caring, patient and honouring their unique skills and spirit. Well done, Shauna, Logan also mentioned.
• Jody Moore, Assistant Principal at Windsong Heights School earned a Superintendent Leadership Certificate from the University of Calgary.
  • Scott Woodward, Principal of Windsong Height said “In the fall, Jody completed the Superintendent Leadership Certificate program. She has been an instrumental leader at Windsong Heights in her time at the school. Her dedication to student and staff learning through her leadership and exemplary practice is remarkable in all areas, particularly in literacy. Jody cares deeply about every student she comes into contact with, always going above and beyond what is expected to ensure their success. This achievement is evidence of her commitment to learning, both for herself and across our system.”
• Famya Virk, a teacher at Windsong Heights School received a Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Calgary.
  • "Famya is a valuable member of the Grade 8 teaching team at Windsong Heights. She provides a strong learning environment built first and foremost on care, compassion and respect for her students. Beyond her classroom, she is an integral member of our Wolf Pack through her work with our staff and community. Her graduate coursework specializing in mental health and wellbeing in schools is well suited for education at the middle school level. We are all very proud of Famya’s accomplishment and contribution to our school and RVS,” explained Woodward.
• Adam Plett, a teacher at Heloise Lorimer School earned a Master of Education: Elementary Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy from the University of Alberta.
  • “Adam is a dedicated wellness champion who is driven by a desire to continue to learn and grow as an educator. His recent learning will be used to better his pedagogy in all things physical education, health and wellness, as well as to pursue leadership opportunities in RVS shortly. Congratulations on your accomplishment,” stated Terry Lewis, Principal of Heloise Lorimer.
• Holly Srayko, also a teacher at Heloise Lorimer School earned a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies: Early Childhood Education from the University of Alberta.
  • “With unwavering commitment and passion for early childhood education, Holly has made a significant impact on our students’ learning journeys. Her positive influence continues to shape young minds and is noticeable to all who work with her. Holly’s commitment to the profession and her willingness to invest in her career growth will continue to open opportunities for leadership roles within the education system. Congratulations, Holly, on this well-deserved recognition,” explained Lewis.

To see all of the staff members who were recognized by RVS, click HERE.

Also recently, RVS approved its 2024/25 budget of $326.6 million.

Budget priorities were set by the Board to aid in directing the division budget's development. These include funding schools directly to help students learn, supporting the health of students and staff, improving the facilities and technological infrastructure, and setting aside 0.5 to 1 percent for an operating reserve. According to the administration and Trustees, they were able to address these priorities with the budget.

Trustees did share their concerns about needing even more funding than they are currently receiving from the province to maintain service levels and stay up to date on the growing student population. According to RVS, from the 2017-18 school year to this year, they have seen a 26.5 per cent student enrolment increase.

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