École Springfield School educator selected as PRSD’s first year teacher award nominee!

For immediate release

April 23, 2021 - Peace River School Division (PRSD) is thrilled to announce that Mme Arzouma Kalsongui, an educator at École Springfield School (SES), has been selected as PRSD’s nominee for the Edwin Parr First Year Teacher Award.  The Edwin Parr Teacher Award recognizes first-year teachers that demonstrate exemplary dedication and commitment in the field of Education.

“Arzouma spends countless hours after school and on weekends preparing lessons that are both exciting and imaginative; she always seeks ways to engage her students in learning and in speaking French” says Elizabeth Green, SES Principal.  “It is easy to see the growth her students have had since they started with her class this year; I am very pleased that Arzouma decided to join our team at Springfield Elementary School, she has embraced the North and our school, and we are very fortunate to have her.”

Arzouma is a graduate from the University of Alberta (Campus Saint-Jean) with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Arzouma has also taken additional university courses focused on First Nations, Métis and Inuit history, treaties, residential schools, and legislation.  One of the things that brought Arzouma to Alberta was the opportunity to make connections with local indigenous culture.  The Social Studies curriculum in both grades 1 and 2 allows for opportunities to learn about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.  Arzouma has taken advantage of these opportunities and integrates Indigenous literature in the classroom.

“I love the culture, it is similar to the African Culture, and I enjoy learning about it” says Arzouma.

Arzouma also says she is very grateful for the opportunity and is very happy being a part of the Springfield family. 

“The support that I have received from Elizabeth (Principal) and the entire staff at Springfield has been incredible,” says Arzouma.  “Everyone at Springfield has been kind and supportive, and I enjoy collaborating with my coworkers.” When asked what her favourite part of teaching is, she replied, “working with the students is my favourite part; they teach me many things as well, they have given me many ideas for extracurricular activities around the Peace Region.”

Arzouma currently teaches grade 1/2 French Immersion at SES where she contributes as an active and enthusiastic participant in school culture. She collaborated with other French immersion teachers to plan and implement a Carnaval; unfortunately, that event did not occur due to provincial restrictions regarding COVID-19.

“On behalf of the Peace River School Division Board of Trustees, we congratulate Arzouma as the 2021 Edwin Parr First Year Teacher Award nominee for the division,” says Board Chair Darren Kuester.  “We are very proud of Arzouma’s passion, enthusiasm and all she does to ensure students reach their full potential.  We are grateful for her service to students, and she is an important member of the Peace River School Division family.”

Each year, school boards in the province nominate an exceptional first-year teacher for the Edwin Parr Award and all zone nominees are celebrated within their division at their respective zone ASBA award banquets where one teacher is selected as the zone winner. Zone winners are then celebrated on a provincial level at a special banquet hosted by the ASBA in Edmonton at their Fall General Meeting.