L-R: Debbie Reimert, Carolyn Massel. (Chinook's Edge School Division)

By Jordan Rein

dozens of staff celebrated

Chinook’s Edge celebrates long serving and retiring employees, and welcomes new teachers

Oct 25, 2024 | 9:48 AM

(By: Chinook’s Edge School Division)

Chinook’s Edge School Division is ready to celebrate dozens of staff who have served the school division for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years, as well as 34 new teachers, and 37 retiring staff members.

The annual Celebrations event is set to run Oct. 25, co-hosted by the Board of Trustees and the Alberta Teachers Association Local #17.

The event celebrates the contributions of all employee groups at every level across the division. It will begin with an induction of the new teachers, and finish with a tribute to the retirees.

“The Board wishes to thank our staff members for the important contributions they make every day with our students,” says Holly Bilton. “Each of these individuals have added to the strength of the Chinook’s Edge family, and the care and concern we have for each student and their success. To each of our staff members, thank you for your dedication.”

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Debbie Reimert, a teacher at River Valley School in Sundre who will be recognized for 35 years of service in the division, says she has enjoyed working with students including a few former students who have become teachers.

“I love observing individual student’s excitement when they have struggled to understand a concept, and then have an ah-ha moment,” says Reimert. “What I love about coming to work is that everyday is different and unique. I enjoy working with the team at our school, and have been fortunate to work with staff members that did their student teaching with me.”

Reimert started her career at Cremona School where she taught Grades 4, 5 and 6.

At River Valley School she has taught Grades 3, 4, 7 and 8 and the Life Skills programs.

“Other highlights of my career have been becoming a lifelong learner, participating in the mentorship program, Indigenous Lead days, as well as coaching volleyball earlier in my career.”

Carolyn Massel, currently the Principal of Westglen School, is also celebrating 35 years of service with Chinook’s Edge, and says she also loves “when the light goes on for a student.”

“I appreciate having the opportunity to teach several generations of a family, and getting to work with former students as parents in my school and following their successes as they grow up,” says Massel. “I love the energy and the laughter. I work with incredibly talented staff who love being with middle schoolers. I also love that there is always a new challenge to solve and how staff are open to trying new approaches and ideas.”

“I like the division’s continued emphasis on professional growth. When I started teaching, the prevailing thought was ‘develop your lesson plans over your first couple of years and then you will be set for your career.’ Now there is a culture that values continual improvement and growth as teachers and learners,” says Massel.

Massel was a student teacher at Westglen School. When she started teaching it was at Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs in a Grade 3 class. Since then she has taught at Westglen School and Cremona School in elementary school and middle school. Massel became vice principal at Westlgen School and then principal.

“Thank you to each staff member who is being recognized tonight for their service to students in Chinook’s Edge.

We appreciate you, and hope that you have a wonderful evening reflecting on the important work of public education and your role in it,” says Mike Garrow, Associate Superintendent of People Services.