The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) recognized staff creativity and innovation by announcing the 2021 Trustee Innovation Award (TIA) winners this past week.
The annual awards program recognizes staff for innovative teaching and work practices, with the intent that these practices will be shared and used to improve the way the school board delivers education and other services to students and the community.
With the combination of in-person and remote learning taking place throughout the academic year, nominations highlighted a mix of innovative practices to connect with students remotely as well as ignite and inspire health and well-being during the pandemic.
“We’re so honoured to have staff who go above and beyond to engage our students in meaningful ways,” says Corina Parisien, UCDSB Trustee and TIA Committee Chair. “This year’s winners truly demonstrated out-of-the-box thinking that inspired us all.”
The TIA Award winners learned of this honour during a virtual Microsoft Teams event earlier this week. They will receive their award in person upon the return to school this fall and they will also be featured in a video presentation to the Board of Trustees.
Laura Oliver, Principal, of Oxford-On-Rideau Public School, Kemptville was one of the recipients. Laura, with assistance from Dave Pier, coordinated and hosted COVIDEO 2020, as part of her role in leading the Drama Subject Council.
This was an opportunity for students from across our board to share their work in drama, music and visual art with each other during the time of remote learning. Laura hosted COVIDEO 2020 – an online film and art festival – to showcase the amazing work of UCDSB students from K to 12.
This platform has supported students working with each other in their own schools and between schools to foster engagement during these times.
This is just one of many innovative ways that Laura has connected students to each other at her school and with the Dramatic Arts Subject Council she leads and can be adopted across the school board.
Other winners of this year’s Trustee Innovation Awards include: Sam Crosby, Teacher, UCDSB Virtual Learning Program: Courtney Lauzon, Special Education Teacher, Viscount Alexander Public School, Cornwall: Sherry Leeder, Teacher, Toniata Public School, Brockville: Bobbi Moore, Parent Council Chair, Thousand Islands Elementary School, Gananoque: Jennifer Peters, Teacher, Chimo Elementary School, Smiths Falls: Bernadette Sauve, Educational Assistant, Cambridge Public School, Embrun, and Leanne Schachow, Teacher, Rideau District High School, Westport.
