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Two Surrey teachers are among 20 from around the province to be recognized with a Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence. The award honours teachers for outstanding dedication to students and student learning.
Johnston Heights Secondary Performing Arts and Student Leadership teacher Paul (PJ) Lavoie has been honoured in the category of School Leadership. Sullivan Heights Secondary Visual and Media Arts teacher Marc Pelech has been recognized with a Community Engagement honour.
School Leadership – Paul (PJ) Lavoie, Surrey
Paul Lavoie teaches at Johnston Heights Secondary school in Surrey (SD 36), where he coordinates two major drama productions each year and also works with the cafeteria staff to produce a dinner theatre event. As a Student Leadership teacher and student council coordinator, he encourages students and parents to be leaders in the community, and has worked with the school’s model United Nations team, which recently attended its first conference.
He helps foster social and personal responsibility at the school by working on events and activities, such as the Terry Fox Run, spirit weeks, breast cancer awareness, the student newspaper, a school song, blood drives, and coordinating school dances. He also supports and mentors new teachers in his role as department head, works with teachers on spirit-building activities, and recently piloted a Relationship Always Matters project that involves staff and the entire student body at the school.
Community Engagement – Marc Pelech, Surrey
Marc Pelech teaches Visual and Media Arts at Sullivan Heights Secondary school in Surrey (SD 36), where he creates a culture of student achievement and community engagement through student participation in civic art projects. His students worked with the BC Dairy Foundation on a “Drink More Milk” campaign, and are working with city managers on local beautification and cultural celebration projects. His students have also created a sustainable online resource for art teachers, parents and students interested in applied art partnerships.
He has been a leader in the school and community, serving on the board of the Surrey Arts Council and the school’s audiovisual standards committee where he regularly provides in-service instruction for teachers on media arts. He has been honoured for his contributions by the local city council, board of education, Lieutenant Governor and Governor General.
Last Updated: March 3, 2009
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