Amazing Members

A HUGE congratulations to Patricia Cawley-Reid who was the 2016 recipient of Cambridge YWCA Women of Distinction Award (Education and Mentor-ship category).

“This year’s (2016) event took place on Wednesday, May 11th, 2016. This event honoured the unique accomplishments of every woman regardless of if they have an illustrious body of 40 years of accomplishments, or are just starting to establish a foundation for themselves in their chosen field and develop their voice. Part of the pride of YWCA Cambridge is a combination of wisdom and youth: it is our belief that taking the time to foster a mutual respect between these two brings an inclusive vision that gives space for and honors every woman’s talents.
This year’s event will also feature a culinary showcase, with the city’s finest brick and mortar restaurants as well as food trucks coming together for a good cause!

Congratulations to the 2016 nominees: 
Amanda Melnick – Andrea Arthur-Brown – Annosha Kizhatil – Bhupi Rajput – Christine Grant
Dusty Madeley – Elaine Brunn Shaw – Jackie Hatherly-Martin – Jane Cipolla
Jenna Quinn – Julie Phillips – Katherine Larsen – Louise Sims – Marsha Jaworski – Marty Deacon –
-Megan Lambe – Michele Jones – Molly Yetman – Patricia Cawley Reid – Sara Box – Sarah Middleton
Susan Foxton – Susan Reise – Tara Douglas – Vanessa Toncic – Victoria Barroso”
*above quote from Women of Distinction YWCA Cambridge website

A HUGE congratulations to Melanie Boyd who won a national public challenge sponsored by Plan Canada.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Girl Squad at Mackenzie King Public School, facilitated by educational assistant Melanie Boyd, took the initiative to plan “Behind the Educator” to showcase some of the amazing women at the school. The Girl Squad developed their own questions, set up interview times with educators, interviewed them, and wrote a report. All of the information that they gathered, continues to be displayed just outside of the main office. Classes routinely visit the display to learn about what their educators are like outside of the school day. After learning that one of the teachers participated in CrossFit training and she regularly travels all over the world, one student remarked, “I had no idea there could be so many parts to one person!”

Another student remarked, “Wow! How do you have time to do so many things!?!” The experience has empowered the school, and it has been an amazing experience for the staff as well.

The response from the community has been overwhelming! All of the girls hard work paid off when they entered and WON a national public challenge sponsored by Plan Canada for their “Because I am a Girl” initiative. Entries were judged on the creative ways that groups chose to celebrate International Women’s Day. As part of the prize package, the school received books, notebooks, pencils, and buttons and more. We are all so very proud of you the girls of Mackenzie King!
*above quote and picture from WRDSB website – Story submitted by Mackenzie King PS

Tonya Gillingham from Glencairn PS was recognized by the Board for her efforts in creating a Mindfulness Room.

Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation and other training.  Large population-based research studies have indicated that the practice of mindfulness is strongly correlated with greater well-being and perceived health. -Wikipedia

The Mindfulness Room  was created for students who need a break to gather their thoughts, to focus or just need a quiet place to be. The room has something for everyone.  Walls are covered with posters of Yoga Poses, breathing techniques and problem solving tips. Shelves are lined with mindful coloring pages, widget toys, Thera- putty and other items to keep hands busy. There are also sensory frames, sensory bottles and a Chrome Book is  available to provide calming music and guided meditation videos.

Many students use the room on a daily basis and it is available to ALL students in the school. Students go into the room, take their time meditating, focusing, maybe do a couple Yoga poses on a Yoga Ball or on the mats and head back to class when they feel calm and ready to learn.