Recipient's Name: Johann MacGillivray

School: St. Anne Catholic Elementary School

Grade: Grade 1-2 split

Number of Years Teaching: 19.5

• Johann MacGillivary has been teaching for 19 and a half years. She is happy to spend her days with her grade 1-2 split at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School.

"FUN!" is the word that came to Johann when asked what she loves about teaching. She said that every day is different so there is no chance of getting bored. Johann loves that she gets to laugh out loud every day. Her students' excitement makes her feel great and she receives powerful love from them. St. Annes serves a low socio-economic area and therefore Johann believes it is her role to build into many areas of her students' lives. She teaches them kindness, friendship, self care, independence and love of learning. Often they have sad, sad days and in grade one and two the teacher can help fix the day and make it happier. Johann encourages them with huge words of affirmation and helps them find joy in each day. She also works creatively to build up staff unity and the feeling of community at St. Annes.

She believes that school is often the best time and place in a child's day. She sees her role as a mother who loves her kids, not as a person who administers rules.

Johann's colleague, Debbie, nominated Johann, including in her letter comments from parents of a child in Johann's class. Her letter said,

While there have been many, many teachers who have touched me in some way at this school, none has more than Johann. She is a teacher who is in the profession for the love of the children and she goes out of her way each and every day instilling confidence in these young minds. As a fellow staff member I can only say that this past school year has been phenomenal. Johann has embraced all of us, treated us special and has made this year unforgettable. Her enthusiasm and motivation make it a joy to go to school each day.

Parents wrote that "Among the many attributes that set Mrs. MacGillivary apart are her obvious affection for her students and concern for their well-being, her creative approach, her willingness to communicate with and inform the parents, her encouragement of her students' interests, talents and curiosity, and her ability to foster a healthy, fun environment and trusting relationships with her students. Mrs. MacGillivary's contributions to our daughter are immeasurable. She has given her great reason to feel secure in herself and in her school.