Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning I had the opportunity to attend the very first NWT Education Hall of Fame ceremony. I would like to credit the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment for taking the initiative of developing an idea and establishing an NWT Education Hall of Fame. I am more than pleased to be able to use my statement today to acknowledge one of the 15 inaugural inductees, someone who is also a personal friend, Mrs. Toni Auge.

---Applause

Mrs. Auge, now retired, had a teaching career which spanned 40-plus years and included teaching in her home country of New Zealand, at the Yellowknife Play School and at three Yellowknife Education District No. 1 schools: Mildred Hall School, J.H. Sissons School and Range Lake North School. Toni was the kindergarten teacher of Yellowknife. Parents would drive their kids across town to school because they wanted their child to have the wonderful experience of Mrs. Auge’s kindergarten class.

Over years of teaching, Toni has taught two and sometimes three generations of the same family. She has a great work ethic and she was and still is known for her empathetic character. Her teaching style has been described by colleagues as a very firm but fair policy in her classroom while making learning fun.

She was an education pioneer in many respects, someone ahead of her time. She taught by way of real life learning long before authentic learning was the buzz word in education. Learning in Toni’s class is all about making connections with the kids, with her colleagues, and with the parents. She had the respect of her peers and she was an inspiration to

teachers young and old. She, as well, formally mentored several beginning teachers.

Outside the classroom, Toni was always dedicated to her students and her profession. No matter where she worked, Toni was an integral part of the school and its activities. Since her retirement in 2006, she stays in touch with former students and teachers and has continued to be an integral part of the Yellowknife Education District No. 1 through any number of activities.

These days, Toni maintains her interest in young children through her grandchildren and their friends. Mrs. Auge is most deserving of the honour bestowed on her as an inaugural member of the NWT Education Hall of Fame. I offer my heartfelt congratulations and ask Members to join me in saying well done, Toni. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.