The Creemore
Echo
Friday, February 24, 2017 Vol. 17
No. 09 www.creemore.com
News and views in and around Creemore
Inside the Echo
Stranger Danger
Playoff Showdown
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
Comedy trio performing in Creemore
Stayner takes on Midland
Publications Mail Agreement # 40024973
Risk of ice jams
Staff photo: Trina Berlo
Teacher Myrna Whitley, surrounded by students in her Grade 4 class at Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School, has been nominated by a group of parents for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.
Parents nominate teacher for national award by Trina Berlo Creemore parent Jennifer Hayward has nominated Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School teacher Myrna Whitley for the Prime Minister ’s Awards for Teaching Excellence. Hayward has been impressed with Whitley’s teaching skills and her commitment to the community, in school and beyond. “I see how well those two kids have done and I just wish my older son had had her,” said Hayward. Having heard about the federal teaching award, Hayward reached out to other parents for support. She had no problem finding other people to support the nomination and ended up submitting letters from
fellow parents Victoria Brulotte and Brian MacIntyre, although others offered to put their support in writing. Whitley is being lauded for her innovative instruction, collaborative approach and embracing technology in the classroom. Whitley currently teaches Grade 4 at NCPS, where she has spent 15 years of her 23-year teaching career. Among the specific ways Whitley goes above and beyond in her role as educator: she initiated an outdoor learning pilot program and uses the school garden to teach students about healthy eating. Students make food using fresh ingredients from the garden, which they bring home to share with their families. In addition to coaching other sports, Whitley
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initiated the school’s hockey team and parents say they are very impressed when she attends hockey games outside of school to cheer on her students. “Mrs. Whitley makes learning fun and entertaining and gets all the children involved,” writes Hayward. “When you enter her classroom you can feel the positivity in the children and how eager they are to learn.” She said Whitley creates an inclusive classroom community environment in which every student has a place and no one is centered out. Parents are also impressed with Whitley’s efforts to explore new techniques and technologies. She uses a number of programs and virtual (See “Whitley” on page 3)
A flood outlook statement issued by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) warns that although flood potential is low despite warm weather, the potential for ice jams is high. Daily temperatures are expected to remain above freezing for the rest of the week and with 15-20 mm of rainfall forecast for Friday and Saturday. Temperatures have been significantly warmer than normal, which has caused snowpack to begin to melt, states the NVCA Flood Duty Officer, resulting in an increase in water levels throughout the watershed. Stream banks can be slippery and unstable, which combined with extremely cold water temperatures can create hazardous conditions around our rivers and streams. There is also the potential for ice jams and localized flooding. No major flooding is anticipated at this time. Hazardous conditions may exist around all waterbodies, as there is a high risk of life-threatening injury if a person falls into the extremely cold water. The public, especially children, are advised to stay away from all waterbodies. For additional information, call 705424-1479 and select option “1” for the flood information line or visit www. nvca.on.ca.
Hawks vs firefighters Creemore Minor Hockey’s Valley Hawks will take on the Clearview Fire Department in a March 25 hockey game at Creemore Arena. Admission costs $5 per person. Children are admitted free of charge. Puck drops at 6:30 p.m. An age of majority dance will be held in the arena hall after the game. Proceeds go to Creemore Minor Hockey.
Concert cancelled The Grey Lands performance scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Creemore Legion has been cancelled. Organizers said the cancellation is due to a family emergency with one of the musicians.
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