(Image Credit: Red Deer Public Schools/Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

First-year teachers

Red Deer Public nominates Gwenaelle Londechal for Edwin Parr Teacher Award

Mar 11, 2026 | 1:30 PM

The Red Deer Public School Division has named French immersion teacher Gwenaelle Londechal as its Edwin Parr nominee.

Londechal, who once served as an educational assistant, currently teaches Grade 4/5 at École Barrie Wilson.

She said she was surprised and honoured by the nomination.

“I was shocked. I did not expect it, but it is an honour, she said in a media release.

The Edwin Parr Teacher Award is an annual honour presented to six outstanding first-year teachers.

First-year teachers

Red Deer Public nominates Gwenaelle Londechal for Edwin Parr Teacher Award

1h ago

Seize firearm

Red Deer RCMP arrest two individuals in stolen vehicle investigation

2h ago

July 2025 Incident

Trial dates set for man charged in Ponoka drug trafficking investigation

2h ago

Each school board can nominate any first-year Kindergarten to Grade 12 teacher, and nominees for the Central Zone 4 ASBA Region will be honoured at a banquet in May.

From France, she learned of her passion for working with children during her time as an au pair.

From there, she went back to university in her home country to complete her degree in English and later completed her master’s.

She moved to Canada at 27-years-old and later joined Red Deer Public as a French assistant at École Mountview before accepting a full-time role as an educational assistant.

After four years, she became a teacher this year. She explained her experience as an educational assistant has helped form her teaching style.

“Being an EA has helped me so much in my first year of teaching. I understand the behaviour behind students, how to help them with concepts, and I feel like I have more patience and training to help them,” she said.

“In my class, you can be who you are. If you’re not happy today, you don’t have to be. If you need a snack, have one. I am really working on regulation with my students; my question to them is often, “What does your body need?” And as a former EA, it gives me a greater understanding of this.”

She added that the connections she’s built with students have been the most rewarding part of her first year as a teacher. That relationship, she said, goes both ways.

“I love the smiles and feeling like they can feel safe and be who they are – it’s what I want,” she said.

“I can have a bad day as well, and they will tell me, ‘It’s okay, Madam, tomorrow will be a better day.’ We take care of each other, and I truly love them.”

Nicola Golby, Associate Superintendent of People Services, said Red Deer Public is thrilled to nominate Londechal for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award.

“Gwenaelle brings compassion, patience and a deep understanding of students to her classroom,” she said. “Her experience as an Educational Assistant gives her valuable insight into student needs, and she has created a classroom where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn.”