Division names Edwin Parr Nominee!

Northern Gateway Public Schools is pleased to announce that Ms. Makayla Chamzuk has been selected as the Division's 2025 nominee to the Alberta School Boards' Association (ASBA) Edwin Parr Selection Committee. Ms. Chamzuk teaches Kindergarten at Pat Hardy Elementary School in Whitecourt.

"Ms. Chamzuk is a responsive and dedicated first-year educator and a respected member of the Pat Hardy team," shared NGPS Superintendent Kevin Bird. "Her creativity and commitment to a student-focused approach within her school and classroom communities is exemplary. We are incredibly fortunate to have excellent first-year teachers like Ms. Chamzuk working with NGPS students."

Ms. Chamzuk is recognized for her reflective and intentional planning, her commitment to student growth, and her enthusiasm in supporting the Pat Hardy team and fostering a nurturing, and engaging atmosphere for all students. Ms. Chamzuk is commended for building authentic and compassionate relationships with students, families and colleagues and her classroom is a safe and encouraging environment where students are able to try new things, make mistakes, learn and grow.

Pat Hardy Principal, Anne Martens commented, "Makayla's enthusiasm and passion for teaching inspires others around her. A true team player, she collaborates seamlessly with colleagues to create a positive and inclusive learning environment."

Ms. Chamzuk graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Education After Degree.

Ms. Chamzuk shared how much she values the support of her Pat Hardy colleagues, "I am so appreciative of their knowledge and experience, and likewise, I feel that I am appreciated for my perspective and experience. I love the collaborative atmosphere, and being a part of the team."  

Congratulations Makayla!

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Who was Edwin Parr?

Those who knew Edwin Parr describe him as a person intensely concerned with the education of children. So great was his interest that he sacrificed much of his own time to ensure the children in his area received an education equal to or better than that available to urban students.

Mr. Parr, who participated in selecting new teachers, stressed to the applicants that they must go beyond the duties normally expected of teachers. Edwin Parr’s interest in first-year teachers lead to his school division instituting an “Annual Teacher Award.” He encouraged the Alberta School Trustees’ Association to consider a similar award at the provincial level but his dream was not realized in his time.

In searching for a way to perpetuate the memory of a man who served as the Alberta School Trustees’ Association’s president from 1956 to 1962 and to honour the profession he so deeply respected, the Association established the Edwin Parr Teacher Award.