FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 38
FSD 2024 Edwin Parr Award Nominee: Sierra Havinga

The Foothills School Division takes immense pride in recognizing educators who are making a significant impact in our classrooms. Today, we shine a spotlight on two remarkable nominees who were considered to represent the division for the 2023-2024 Edwin Parr Award in Zone 5.

Allison Mulhall - Meadow Ridge School

Why Allison stands out

• • Deep Student Connection: Allison possesses an innate understanding of her students as learners. She knows their strengths, challenges, and dreams.
  • Caring Relationships: Her ability to build genuine, caring relationships fosters a positive and supportive classroom environment.
  • Innovative Teaching: Allison's creative approach to student learning has resulted in an engaged and dynamic classroom.
  • Continual Growth: Allison's commitment to growth is unwavering. She collaborates with colleagues and contributes to our school culture through extracurricular activities.

Sierra Havinga - École Okotoks Junior High School (ÉOJH)

Why Sierra stands out

• • Creating a Welcoming Space: Sierra's daily interactions radiate warmth and genuine interest. She creates a welcoming environment where every student feels seen and valued.
  • Growth Mindset: Sierra's dedication to fostering critical thinking skills is evident in her approach to Career and Technology Foundations and Humanities instruction.
  • Transferrable Competencies: Students under Sierra's guidance gain skills that extend across the curriculum.

At this time, Foothills School Division extends further congratulations to Sierra Havinga who will represent Foothills School Division as the 2023-2024 Zone 5 nominee for the Edwin Parr Award.

Sierra shared with the interview panel that her passion for education began was in part fostered through her own experience as a K-12 student in the Foothills School Division where she benefitted from supportive and caring staff, high quality instruction, and an engaged learning environment where her unique gifts and abilities were fostered. Early experiences as a piano instructor, beginning at age 15, also fostered a passion for supporting others as a teacher. Likewise, Sierra's undergraduate degree in Law & Society provided her with experiences across multiple disciplines including Law, Indigenous Studies, Astronomy, and South Asian Studies. These diverse experiences informed her Bachelor of Education studies at the University of Calgary and provided an appreciation for the varied interests and curiosity her future students would bring to her classroom.

Ms. Havinga is very appreciative that her early career experiences and efforts are recognized in this nomination for the Edwin Parr Award. In her interview with Trustees, she gave kudos to the amazing support she has received from her school administration and colleagues as she begins her career.

FSD's Board and Executive congratulate each of the nominees for their commitment to student learning. Their passion for their chosen profession and deep caring for their students was highly evident in their presentations to the selection committee. These nominees will be celebrated at the Board's Recognition Event on June 5, 2024.

The Edwin Parr Award recognizes exceptional beginning teachers who demonstrate excellence in positive relationships, instructional strategies, student assessment, inclusivity, and contributions to student lives. The Edwin Parr Teacher Award is presented to six outstanding first-year teachers across the province of Alberta. Mr. Edwin Parr was a school board Trustee and president of the Alberta School Trustees Association from 1956 - 1962. To honour his legacy, Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) established this award in his name in 1964. The 2024 Zone 5 Edwin Parr recipient will be announced at the recognition dinner taking place in May.