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OAKVILLE BEAVER Saturday, April 18, 2009 · 4 Oakville teacher and custodian win Premier's Awards for excellence They have gone above and beyond to give Oakville students an extra special education and earlier this week they got their due. Monique Gazan, a teacher at Iroquois Ridge High School and David Margetts, the head custodian at White Oaks Secondary School, are among only 15 people to be recognized with the 2008-2009 Premier's Awards for Teaching Excellence. Gazan's ability to convince her students that they can bring change to the world earned her top marks with an award for teacher of the year. Her achievements included motivating and empowering her students to organize a conference with Stephen Lewis, raise awareness for a variety of global causes, advocate for healthier cafeteria food and to get recycling bins in the school's classrooms. Gavin refreshes her courses every year with new materials and methods and inspires both students and staff to go beyond what they are and to take on leadership roles. David Margetts' contribution to White Oaks Secondary School was no less impressive for which he was recognized with the award for excel- Monique Gazan lent support staff. Margetts has volunteered his time to serve as the school's technical director for 19 musical and drama productions. In this capacity he manages a student technical crew that hangs lights and runs sound equipment. Margetts also keeps the school shining thereby instilling a sense of pride and ownership among the school community. Committed to supporting students, Margetts also steps in to coach and referee school sports and volunteers with other school activities. David Margetts The hard work both Gazan and Margetts put into their schools did not go unnoticed by Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. "Congratulations to Ms. Gazan and Mr. Margetts on receiving this well-earned recognition. Their contributions are evidence of the difference an individual can make in the lives of students," said Flynn Over the last three years, more than 3,000 nominations to the Premier's Awards For Teaching Excellence have been received with 58 individuals being recognized. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/teachingawards. STUDIO ONE DESIGN & BUILD INC. Occasional teachers have tentative deal A tentative settlement has been reached following months of talks between the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the Halton Elementary Occasional Teachers represented by the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Halton, Negotiations on Tuesday, April 14 resulted in the agreement. This tentative deal between the occasional elementary teachers and the HDSB will cover the time period of Sept. 1, 2008 to Aug. 31, 2012. Details of the settlement are to remain confidential and will not be released until ratification by both parties. The HDSB reviewed the tentative agreement and voted to ratify the agreement at its regular board meeting on April 15. Halton's occasional elementary teachers are expected to review the details of the tentative deal with members and hold a ratification vote on April 28. "We are pleased to have come to a mutually beneficial agreement which will ultimately serve the needs of our system and our schools," said Dawn Beckett-Morton, executive officer of human resources for the HDSB. "We believe this agreement is of benefit to our employees, and the stability of our organization as we move forward for the term of this collective agreement." The Halton Occasional Elementary Teachers represents more than 1,000 occasional educators who work in Halton's elementary public schools. BASEMENTS ADDITIONS WINDOWS · Licensed · Insured · WSIB Over 20 years experience Featured contractor on popular home revovation show 905-257-3092 Call for a Free Estimate