Creating a culture of inclusion for every student has landed Dr. Bernard Brosseau School national recognition.
The Catholic middle school in Bonnyville was presented with the National Inclusive Education Award, by the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL).
“For us, it’s humbling to get the award. We went and we received it, we were very emotional about it because we didn’t do it to get the recognition for sure, that’s not why we do it,” said principal Vince Spila. “It was very nice to be recognized.”
The award was presented during a pre-conference session on inclusive education on Friday, April 13 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton.
The accolade is an initiative organized by the CACL, as well as its provincial and territorial member associations. For Alberta, the award is provided jointly by CACL and Inclusion Alberta to honour a teacher, school, or school district whose commitment to inclusive education is impeccable and merit worthy.
“We are very proud and honoured that they have been recognized nationally. They do a tremendous job with the use of technology, providing it to the students, and ensuring that the students know how to use it effectively in their studies,” expressed Mary Anne Penner, chair of the Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) board of trustees.
The local school is among just 14 educational facilities across Canada who are part of the Apple Distinguished Schools initiative. Only three schools have this designation in the province, which recognizes a school’s vision for learning with technology and using innovation.
At Dr. Bernard Brosseau School, the students have a unique learning environment as the school offers one iPad per student to assist them in their learning.
“Over the last eight years we’ve developed this one-to-one iPad community and we make sure that our kids are included,” explained Spila.
This is the school’s first time receiving this award, and Spila said it was completely unexpected. They were nominated by one of the parents who spoke highly about the service that the school provides to her son, as well as the other students.
Spila expressed, “It’s very exciting for us. It wasn’t even the district, it was the school, which is neat. It helps build on what can we do from here and make sure our whole district is along the same line.”
He added, the school doesn’t see funding as a barrier, instead they take it as a challenge and figure out what they can do to make their kids successful.
