Northland School Division

Chelsea Cattroll, Peerless Lake School (middle - third from right) with Zone 1 Edwin Parr Teacher Award Selection Committee

Northland School Division No.61 (NSD) congratulates Peerless Lake School Teacher Chelsea Cattroll for being selected the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Zone 1 Edwin Parr Teacher Award recipient. The Edwin Parr Teacher Award recognizes first-year teachers that demonstrate exemplary dedication and commitment in the field of education. Cattroll, who teaches Physical Education at Peerless Lake School, is the second NSD educator to win the Zone One Edwin Parr Teacher Award.

“As soon as they announced [Northland School Division] it didn’t really register at first; but then Lois [Official Trustee Lois Byers] looked at me and said that’s you get up there,” said Cattroll. “It didn’t seem real to walk up to the stage and receive the award, but in reality, it felt like my hard work was being appreciated in that moment. I was thinking about the staff and community members who made me feel so welcome after moving away from home. I wish they were here to celebrate with me."

Peerless Lake School Principal Connie Molcak witnessed the big announcement. She says Chelsea was the teacher we needed in Peerless Lake.

“Chelsea has been an asset to the community and to the school,” said Molcak. “As a first-year teacher, she has increased student physical activity and has embraced the culture of the community. She was the teacher we needed at the school to improve physical education. She’s an inspiration for students and other educators. It was an honour to witness the announcement in person.”

 “There are opportunities at NSD for educators you can’t find anywhere else,” said Lois Byers, Official Trustee. “Chelsea has taken advantage of the opportunities and is making a difference for students and the entire community of Peerless Lake.”

“The Northland family is very proud of Chelsea’s achievement, said Gord Atkinson, Superintendent of Schools. “She has gained the respect of students, school staff, parents and community members in Peerless Lake. Chelsea’s relationship with the students is helping them feel strong in identity, healthy and successful. We are grateful she is part of Northland School Division.”

With a year under her belt at NSD, Chelsea says she would be a huge advocate for teaching in a smaller community.

“I have had such a positive experience but then again you have to come into these communities with a positive outlook,” said Cattroll. “I didn’t want to stay in an urban centre because I felt the relationships that you would have with students would be limited and not be as personal. You don’t get to know your students in the way you would in a Northland community. Another advantage with NSD is you have more opportunities for success as a new teacher. You are given more chances to stretch your wings, participate in more professional development and learn things outside of your current expertise. For myself, I had the chance to go to culture camps. Even though I was teaching, I was equally receiving as much education in return.”

The announcement was made during the ASBA Zone 1 Fall Awards Ceremony in Peace River on September 14, 2017. Chelsea will now be recognized with other Edwin Parr Teacher Award winners from Zone 2,3,4,5 and 6 November 19th at the ASBA Fall General Meeting in Edmonton.