Pembina Trails is proud to share that Keith Redfern, physical education specialist at Fort Richmond Collegiate, is a recipient of the 2021 PHE Canada National Award for Teaching Excellence.
The award honours Canadian teachers who provide outstanding teaching performance at all levels who have an exceptional ability to motivate students to participate in a lifetime of physical activity, and who further physical education in Canada.
Redfern, who began his teaching journey in 1988 in our legacy school division of Fort Garry, was nominated for the award by his fellow PE specialist - and former volleyball player- Kristin Shiach.
"Keith is an inspiration to those in the physical education field and to all of the staff and students he has worked with over the years," Shiach said in her nomination. "He has devoted his heart and soul into his career and is irreplaceable."
Redfern's career began at General Byng School, where he became PE program leader in 1989. In 1994 he moved to Fort Richmond Collegiate, where he remains to this day. He served as Fort Richmond's PE program leader from 2010 to 2018 and has spent time as our divisional PE and health education consultant.
During his tenure as program leader, Redfern was instrumental in the building of the Fort Richmond Active Living Centre, essentially working "a second job helping to create a space that reflected the beliefs and values of the Physical Education Program at Fort Richmond," Shiach's nomination reads. "Keith has never hesitated to volunteer his time with staff and students in many different extracurricular activities over the years."
Redfern's volunteer endeavours have included coaching, running intramurals, and convening interscholastic sports leagues. In 2007, he was recognized by Sport Manitoba for 25 years in coaching.
Redfern says he is "humbled" to receive the PHE Canada Award.
"I have been so fortunate to have worked with amazing colleagues and role models at Fort Richmond Collegiate and General Byng. Volunteering with PHE Mb., CIRA and Pembina Trails has allowed me to work and learn with educators and coaches from across Canada. They have all motivated me and enriched my life."
This is the fourth time, since 2002, that a Pembina Trails teacher has won this award. Previous recipients include Diana Juchnowski (2004-05), Cheryl McCombe (2005-06) and Rupal Malik (2018-19).
