Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The development of a successful education system is based on a partnership between the home, the school and the community. In the Northwest Territories, this partnership has been strengthened by the efforts of many hard-working and creative teachers, as well as by many community people who are willing to share their time, knowledge and skills with our students.
To recognize outstanding contributions to education in the NWT, the Department of Education has established two awards programs.
The Partners in Education Award of Excellence program is designed to recognize non-teaching school staff, such as custodians, secretaries, teaching aides and bus drivers, we well as elders and other community members who volunteer their time. The Excellence in Teaching Awards program is designed to recognize any certified teacher, principal, vice-principal, classroom assistant, teacher consultant or curriculum staff.
Nominations for the awards are sent to the appropriate divisional board or school district for review. Nominees who meet the selection criteria receive a regional award. The boards then send the nominations of the top three candidates in each category to the Department of Education for consideration by a review committee. This committee recommends nominees who deserve a territorial award.
This year seven volunteers and 11 teachers will receive awards. The winners of the Partners in Education Award at the territorial level are: Corporal Dave Grundy and Darrin Myers of Yellowknife; Lynn Rollin and Joy Suluk of Arviat; Ray Sliney of Resolute Bay; John Tinashlu of Repulse Bay; and Laura Vital of Nahanni Butte.
Winners of the Excellence in Teaching Award at the territorial level are: Charles Lirette of Inuvik; Florence Sliney of Resolute Bay; Mary Aliqatuqtuq of Broughton Island; Jaqueline Beland of Coppermine; Elisapee Karetak and Christine Purse of Arviat; Kate McDermott and Winnie Pibus of Iqaluit; and Heather Nolsoe, Sylvia Seto, and Marnie Sherburne, all of Yellowknife Education District No. 1.
Charles Lirette and Florence Sliney have also been named the NWT recipients of the Marshall McLuhan Distinguished Teacher Award. These are national awards which recognize teachers who show innovation and use new technologies in the classroom. Mr. Lirette's name will be put forward as the Northwest Territories candidate to be considered for the national McLuhan Award.
Mr. Speaker, a good education system is the result of the co-operative efforts of many people. I would like to congratulate the winners of this year's Partners in Education Awards and the Excellence in Teaching Awards, and thank them for contributing to our schools. Thank you.