Vancouver Sun article

In the Vancouver Sun, Thursday, there is an article about the B.C. Award winners.

B.C.’s top teachers recognized for work

Rideau Hall

We had a tour of Rideau Hall, the home of the Governor General, his excellency David Johnston. Here I am just before going in to the Hall. We were able to talk with the Governor General, who was a university president for 27 years and whose heart is still very firmly tied to education.

Dixon graduate

Just after the Awards Ceremony, I met Dennis Stoffer. He couldn't believe I was from Alfred B. Dixon Elementary - and kept saying that over and over again. He went to Dixon in the 1960s when he lived on Garry St. He is now an MP in Nova Scotia. Small world.

PM Awards website

I am in awe of all of the teachers who are here in Ottawa with me. We are all saying the same thing. Teaching is the most important profession in the world. What wonderful teachers we have in Canada. You might want to visit the website of the Prime Minister's Awards to read the biographies of this year's recipients.

Go to http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmate-ppmee.nsf/eng/wz01822.html

Here is a photo of this year's recipients - teachers and early childhood educators.

A demain! ... Mme Marin

Thursday

This was an unbelievable, inoubliable day. Now I'm writing like someone from Ottawa - they speak French and English in the same sentence. I'm attaching my photo taken with our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. Today we were at the Aviation and Space Centre in the morning then at the Governor General's residence at Rideau Hall (where we met and chatted with David Johnston!) After that, a short walk to 24 Sussex Street for a reception hosted very graciously by Laureen Harper (Mrs. Stephen Harper!). We were able to talk 'education' with people who have the possibility of making changes and improvements. Mrs. Harper's 18 year old cat was on her favourite couch. Tomorrow is our last day here. The teachers have vowed to reunite to continue our important discussions.

Wednesday

Incroyable - three super parts to this day. In the morning we visited the Ottawa Inuit Child Centre - preschool Inuit children reconnecting with their cultures. In the afternoon, the PM Awards ceremony at the Museum of Nature, with a reception afterwards. Then, we walked to Quebec for dinner (but decided to cab back). Invited to Mrs. Harper's tomorrow afternoon.

Day 3

Sorry, no photo for today. No time or opportunity to take pictures. This morning, teachers brainstormed issues in teaching, strengths and attitudes, then shared with Early Childhood Educators in games and activities. In the afternoon, we walked to Parliament Hill and had our photos taken with Stephen Harper. Then lots of official photos outside parliament. I will have copies of those later. Mr. Harper was gracious and encouraging. It was memorable!

Tomorrow we visit an Inuit Children's Centre in Ottawa, then the Awards Ceremony in the afternoon. Prediction is sunny and 19º tomorrow.

Day 2

My head is bursting. What a wonderful day sharing ideas and perspectives with fellow teachers across the province. Today was full of presentations and discussions - so much talent, passion and dedication. It is raining lightly and tonight about 5 of us walked through the neighbouring Ottawa streets, stopping in front of the parliament buildings. Tomorrow morning more discussions then tomorrow afternoon a meeting with Stephen Harper.

Sunday October 2, 2011

Arrived safe and sound and am staying in a beautiful suite at the Mariott in downtown Ottawa. We had an orientation meeting this evening and I met the other award recipients - such a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Teachers from the Yukon, from Regina and from Bay Roberts, Nfld. Tomorrow we each present a session on 'best practices' - what we are doing as teachers, our beliefs and our philosophies. That will last all day. I have to force myself to go to bed now although it's only 8 p.m. Vancouver time - tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. (6 a.m. for you), I will have to be alert and ready to present and discuss. A demain! ... Mme Marin

October 2 Sunday