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Variety of experience among new staff at École Mother Teresa School

Six people have joined the staff at École Mother Teresa School this fall.

Six people have joined the staff at École Mother Teresa School this fall.

Mme Annette Guemni Kamga is the French Monitor for both École Mother Teresa Catholic School and École Our Lady of the Rosary School. Her role is to promote French language and culture while working with students from Kindergarten to Grade 9. Originally from Cameroon in Central Africa, she earned her bachelor of education at the University of Ottawa. Married with three children, she and her family live in Red Deer. She gained experience there last year, substitute teaching at École La Prairie.

In her position as French Monitor, Mme Annette will be helping teachers with some activities and working with small groups of students to improve their French language and learn about the culture.

Principal Dorice Swensrude said, “she’s also going to bring her African dance and culture to our students”. They’re already planning an event which will include teaching the students about beat and tempo as it applies to dance from her home country. They may also have some cultural costumes for some of the students to wear.

Adam Sia is teaching students in Grades 6-9. A graduate of the University of Alberta with a bachelor of education degree for middle school, he’s previously taught elementary students at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School in Innisfail, middle school science, math and physical education at St. Marguerite, and science, technology and physical education at St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School in Red Deer. He enjoys outdoor activities and running.

Ann Dyck is an educational assistant and spent the past eight and a half years working with English as a Second Language (ESL) students at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School in Red Deer. She earned an educational assistant certificate at Red Deer College and has 10 years’ experience in Fort Nelson, B.C.

She has a daughter, son-in-law and grandson in Miami, a son, daughter-in-law and grandson here in Sylvan and another son living in Sylvan Lake. She helps coach badminton and is involved with T.O.U.C.H. Ministries projects in Ogooma, Uganda.

Hélène Marquis is an educational assistant and has previous experience as an educational assistant program leader in pre-school French Immersion. She moved from Lethbridge where she spent 25 years in Catholic schools during which she took many courses. Family includes her husband, two sons a daughter-in-law and “two beautiful granddaughters”. She’s involved in youth ministry.

Lauren Folk is working at the school as a part time educational assistant. She taught Grades 5/6 and Grades 8/9 in British Columbia and has been a librarian. Married with three children, she moved to Red Deer from Kelowna three years ago. She has earned a bachelor of arts degree with major in English, a bachelor of education degree and diploma in library education. Folk’s hobbies include photography, camping, fitness and spending time with her children.

Brigitte Bouchard is new in the office as an administrative assistant. She’s had previous experience as an educational assistant with French Immersion experience as well as with special needs students. A graduate of École Secondaire St. Maxime, she earned an educational assistant diploma from ICS. She moved from Quebec to the Northwest Territories in 1993 and then to Alberta in 2001 and resides in Red Deer. Daughter Meagan, 18, is majoring in English at Red Deer College. Roxanne, 16, a student at Lindsay Thurber Composite High School participates in volleyball and soccer, and daughter Émilie, 13, attends École La Prairie and is involved in synchro and speed swimming. Brigitte is a summer swim club volunteer official.