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PES celebrates teachers and a year of change

Students at Ponoka Elementary School (PES) celebrated a year of change during an end of the year assembly.
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Ponoka Elementary School students gave retiring teachers Brenda Zimmerman

Students at Ponoka Elementary School (PES) celebrated a year of change during an end of the year assembly Wednesday, June 25.

Vice-principal Nicole Rawlinson said the day was meant to recognize students’ and teachers’ hard work moving from the pink building to their new location. It was also a day to honour three teachers who have been at the school for many years: Music teacher Althea Lewis, Grade 3 teacher Brenda Zimmerman and Grade 4 teacher Audrey Russell.

“The end of the year assembly has always been a big event at this school,” said Rawlinson.

For many years, it was Lewis who organized the assembly, and teachers and students who organized the event this year did so to recognize Lewis’ efforts over the years. Rawlinson said Lewis fostered a strong love of music among students and there were several musical performances from former students as well as from current students.

“We wanted it to be for her, not from her,” said Rawlinson.

For Zimmerman, students took time to recognize her work over the years during the assembly.

“Across the board, it was (for) what a special person she is, what a great teacher she is because she makes it fun. She tells stories to make people remember things,” explained Rawlinson.

With regard to Russell, another teacher who has been with WCPS for many years, Rawlinson said she was pleased to be able to include her in the end of year assembly. All three teachers were provided front row seats during the presentation.

With the move to the new school, students and teachers had to adapt to a new location and to a change in how they receive education. She said recognizing the move at the end of the year assembly was an important celebration.

A pancake breakfast was held the day before, and during the assembly local rock group Bandolier played some fun tunes for the students. Dylan Hart, another former student presented an original song thanking Lewis for her dedication over the years.

Lewis, along with Bandolier also sang some favourite songs that all the students joined in on.

The music program will continue next year and will be shared with two other teachers.