Dec. 5, 2011
for immediate release
PDF version of media advisory

Two CBE teachers receive Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History

Calgary—Two CBE teachers at Valley Creek School, Sarah Beech and Chad Howie, have won the Governor General’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Beech and Howie are being recognized for the work they have done with students in teaching them about the Seven Years’ War.

Over a five-week period, students relived the war by learning military tactics, designing an intelligence report, role-playing, and much more. Students also had the chance to re-enact the battle on the Plains of Abraham with over 120 Grade 7 students. This learning concluded with students being asked to consider how different Canada might be today had the French been victorious in the war.

These awards recognize teachers who demonstrate a commitment to Canadian history in their teaching. Six recipients were selected from a group of 18 finalists, with each winning entry receiving $2,500, a medal and a trip for two to the award ceremony in Ottawa.

Media are invited to attend the presentation of a $1,000 donation to the school from award sponsor TD Bank Group and visit a Grade 7 class where students will be researching their personas for the re-enactment of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham this year.

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Note: Principals have a responsibility to limit media coverage only to students approved for interviews. Reporters attending an event are requested to receive permission from a CBE contact before interviewing or photographing students. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and for joining us in celebrating public education.

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Web Administrator: Leslie Miller
Last Modified: January 10, 2012