Elisabeth Kirk Announced as Edwin Parr Nominee

St. Paul Education is excited to announce Elisabeth Kirk as the Board’s representative for the Zone 2/3 Edwin Parr Award which is handed out annually to outstanding first-year teachers who show dedication and commitment to their students.

Elisabeth is a grade 3/4 French Immersion teacher at École Mallaig School. When asked how it felt to be nominated, she shared, “I was shocked, speechless and excited! I knew it was a possibility to be nominated for the Edwin Parr award but I never thought twice about being nominated for it.”

Kellie Handford, Principal of École Mallaig School, extended her congratulations on behalf of the entire school community. “Congratulations Elisabeth! We are so proud to have you as a part of our team, you embody everything we consider to be an outstanding teacher. You have a very promising career ahead of you!”

When asked to identity some of the qualities that prompted the nomination, Kellie shared, “Elisabeth is a hard working, enthusiastic, innovative teacher that exudes confidence and passion for teaching. She is incredibly caring and values the importance of building relationships with staff, students and parents. Elisabeth has vast subject knowledge and she is committed to building a strong French Immersion program within our school. Her awareness to support and include all students with different learning needs is evident in her instruction.”

Elisabeth grew-up in St. Albert and after graduating high school attended Campus Saint-Jean at the University of Alberta. Having her first teaching assignment during a pandemic hasn’t been as challenging as one might think. “My first year of teaching in addition to teaching during a pandemic has been fun! I lucked out with an amazing class, an incredible school to work at, with welcoming staff and administration who are always providing me with support. Teaching during a pandemic has changed some things for me but adjusting has not really been a challenge because that is all I have ever known. Pandemic or not, students need to learn and I need to provide that learning environment that allows students to be successful in the classroom.”

A recognition event will be held for all nominees from each school division and a zone winner will be selected from those nominees.