Tuesday, May 17, 2016

It Is An Honour

Last November one of the teachers in my school told me that
she was nominating me for an award,
What an honour that she thinks so highly of my work.
Thank you to Jan Smith, LIsa Scheck (my principal) and several
parents (from my program) that worked together to put
an intensive nomination package together.

About a month ago I got a call from the Prime Minister's office
informing me that I was picked to receive the award.

It was very exciting but I couldn't tell anyone except my family and 
the nominating group.
I thought I was going to pop!

Plans were made and we headed to Ottawa.
My husband and I arrived early so we had time to explore.
Our hotel was across the river from the Parliament Buildings.
We rented bikes and cycled along the canal.
During the whole trip we were treated very well.
Right from the start the hotel had this delicious welcome waiting for us.
All the recipients met at a reception to learn what would happen over the next two days.
We included ten teachers and five Early Childhood Educators.
We did a short practice and received our pins.
The next morning we met and each shared a short presentation 
on our 'best practices'.
Mine was called "Imagination Builds Community",
about our Fairy Lane project.
Then we were off to the awards ceremony at the
Museum of Nature.
It was a lovely, intimate gathering.
A children's choir began by singing O Canada.
Then the Prime Minister thanked us for our hard work
and dedication, sharing that this award is special for him to
present as he was a teacher too.

The individual presentations came next.
We each had a video to introduce us.
Oh my, what can I say other than the smile didn't leave my face the whole time.
Even when I got a selfie with him.
Or during all the pictures.

The ceremony ended with a group of aboriginal children singing.
A moment I will keep for a long time.
The next morning we spent on parliament hill,
having a tour of the library and
sitting in on question period.
I so appreciated getting to know the other recipients,
sharing this honour and supporting each other.

A big thank you to my husband, Raymond, for being with
me on this wonderful adventure.




















8 comments:

  1. Maureen, I am so tickled that you have been recognized for all the amazing work you do. Thrilled to tears. Thank you for sharing your trip.
    Much love and respect,
    Jan

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    1. Thank you Jan for all your support and encouragement.

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  2. Congratulations Maureen A well deserved honour. Wow! how great is that that they recognize the work of early childhood educators in Canada on the national level. You do our profession proud. Tom

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    1. Thank you Tom. Our government has been presenting this award for just over 20 years. There are more recipients that received an achievement award. You can check it out at https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmaece-ppmepe.nsf/eng/h_wy00623.html

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  3. Your work inspires and benefits so many children, families and educators. This is wonderful news- congratulations!

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    1. Thank you Terri, it is an exciting profession to work in

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  4. Wow, amazing! We feel very privileged to participate in your Strongstart group at Brooklyn Elementary School. We can certainly sense your passion for educating young children. Such valuable work - thank you for all you do. Ruby and Ben.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer, it's a pleasure getting to know you and Ruby.

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