Northland School Division

Northland School Division No.61 (NSD) had a reason to celebrate today (September 22, 2016) at the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Zone One Fall Award Ceremony. Andrew Bots, Gift Lake School, received recognition from the ASBA for his Edwin Parr Teacher Award nomination. The Edwin Parr Teacher Award recognizes first year teachers that demonstrate exemplary dedication and commitment to the field of education.

“It is a tremendous honour to be nominated for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award and to be placed in the same conversation as great first year teachers from last year and from years past,” said Bots.

Robert Heyde, who recently retired as Gift Lake School Vice-Principal, says Andrew is an excellent candidate for this award.

“Every time I walked into the gymnasium, students were activity engaged in a wide variety of activities,” said Heyde. “There may be a perception that Physical Education is an easy subject to teach. But, like any other subject, teaching it well, adding variety to your program, having all of the students engaged – that takes a tremendous amount of planning, skill, and persistence. Mr. Bots is well respected by his peers, his students, and our administration.”

In addition to teaching Physical Education and Health at Gift Lake School, Andrew and another staff member organized afterschool programs and coached the school’s junior high boys’ basketball team. The team made history last season by winning the Smoky River Basketball League and the Northwest Alberta Athletic Association 1J Zones for the first time ever.

“On behalf of Northland School Division, I congratulate Andrew on earning a prestigious award nomination,” said Gord Atkinson, Superintendent of Schools. “His contributions have impacted in the lives of students.”

Andrew celebrated his Edwin Parr nomination with other recipients in Zone 1 at the Belle Petroleum Centre in Peace River. In May, NSD honoured Andrew for his nomination at its Long Service and Recognition Awards.