SRCE Celebrates Education Week 2026: May 10 to 16 - Nine (9) Staff Recognized for Their Contributions
Education Week, May 10 to 16, 2026, provides an opportunity for school communities to share in celebrating the achievements of students and staff, and to acknowledge the contributions many people, in supporting roles, make to our public education system.
This year’s Education Week theme is Fostering Empathy: Learning and Leading with Kindness. Empathy helps students build strong friendships, work well together, and grow into leaders who care about others. By learning and leading with kindness, we prepare students not just for success in school, but for making their communities better places.
One of the features of the Provincial Education Week Committee’s activities is the recognition of staff and partners who have made outstanding contributions to their work relative to the theme.
The Strait Regional Centre for Education congratulates the following recipients who have been formally recognized as recipients of an Education Week Award:
• Cathy Allen, Early Childhood Educator, Tamarac Education Centre
• Margo Batherson, School Secretary, Dalbrae Academy
• Susan DeYoung, Vice Principal, St. Andrews Consolidated School
• Kelsey Forgeron, Teacher, Richmond Education Centre/Academy
• Kendra Landry, Teacher, St. Andrews Consolidated School
• Tracey MacDonnell, Teacher, SAERC
• Mandi MacLennan, Teacher, St. Mary’s Education Centre/Academy
• Lady Eagle Bird Violet Paul, Mi’kmaw Student Support Worker, East Richmond Education Centre / Richmond Education Centre/Academy
• Sabrina Skinner, African Nova Scotia Student Support Worker, Tamarac Education Centre and East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy
“Congratulations and thank you for your outstanding leadership and commitment to supporting student well-being, achievement and success. Your significant contributions in fostering empathy by learning and leading with kindness are helping students build positive connections and relationships, strengthen their interpersonal skills, and grow into leaders who care about others,” said Paul Landry, Regional Executive Director of Education for the Strait Regional Centre for Education.
Please access a copy of the celebration posters at:
Education Week 2026 Award Recipients – Fostering Empathy: Learning and Leading with Kindness
Education Week 2026 – School Activities Celebrating Fostering Empathy: Learning and Leading with Kindness
NOTE: Please see below for respective biographies of the SRCE 2026 Education Week Award Recipients.
Cathy Allen, Early Childhood Educator, Tamarac Education Centre
Cathy is described as kindness personified. On a daily basis, she radiates compassion and empathy as she interacts with the children in the Pre-primary Program. Cathy’s respect for each child’s individuality is evident in her play-based, relationship-centered approach where she encourages and supports children’s growth and development. She models respectful relationships, helps children with problem-solving, and gives children the opportunity to develop emotional literacy.
Cathy's impact in the classroom is felt beyond the pre-primary walls as evidenced by the many hugs and hellos she receives from students who were fortunate to have been in her pre-primary classroom. Cathy has a soft-spoken way of supporting children to strengthen their social emotional skills while helping them develop self-regulation and social competence while making them feel welcome and loved.
Margo Batherson, School Secretary, Dalbrae Academy
Margo’s is recognized for the incredible care, compassion, and dedication she brings to the school community each day. She is described as the heart of the school where Margo’s endless kindness and empathy make positive and meaningful differences in the lives of both students and staff.
Margo has a remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and supported. Whether a student is having a difficult day, celebrating a success, or simply needs someone to listen, she is always there with patience, understanding, and encouragement.
Margo's warmth fosters a strong sense of belonging and positively impacts students' well-being. Her compassion, positivity, and quiet dedication strengthen the entire school community, making her truly deserving of this recognition.
Susan DeYoung, Vice Principal, St. Andrews Consolidated School
Susan is an exceptional leader whose kindness, empathy, and commitment to student well-being make her invaluable to St. Andrews Consolidated School. In her dual role as Vice Principal and Student Services lead, she consistently champions inclusive practices, supports diverse learning needs, and ensures that every student feels cared for, competent, and connected to the school and community.
Susan creates a safe, inclusive, and caring environment where students, staff and families feel valued and respected. She brings patience, clarity, and a calming influence to her role always focusing on strengthening relationships. Susan collaborates closely with staff, families, and outside agencies to develop thoughtful plans that honour each student's strengths and needs. Her empathy and kindness strengthen the school's partnership with the community and reinforces a shared commitment to student success.
Kelsey Forgeron, Teacher, Richmond Education Centre/Academy
Kelsey is recognized as a teacher who exemplifies empathy and kindness throughout the school community. She provides a soft-landing space for students and has created a classroom environment that is warm, welcoming, and inclusive. Kelsey readily builds a strong rapport with students. Each morning, she can often be found welcoming students at the front entrance, and at lunch time Kelsey’s "Board Game Café” has become a popular space where students gather to connect and feel a sense of belonging.
Kelsey has established a welcoming classroom where every student is valued and cared for. She builds strong relationships with families through regular communication and advocacy for students. Kelsey is a teacher who celebrates students, supports them through challenges, and always meets them where they are.
Kendra Landry, Teacher, St. Andrews Consolidated School
As the school’s Learning Support Teacher, Kendra promotes empathy, kindness, and meaningful connections among students and staff. She creates inclusive opportunities that allow students to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and support one another. Kendra organizes activities such as swimming, Special Olympics, play groups, and various school initiatives where students work together, practice teamwork, and learn positive ways to interact with others. To promote student achievement and success, Kendra designs and implements individualized programs that meet students' unique needs and is always willing to support teachers in planning strategies that foster student growth. Through her compassion, dedication, and collaborative approach, Kendra strengthens relationships within the school, fosters empathy, and helps create a caring, supportive environment where everyone feels valued and welcomed.
Tracey MacDonnell, Teacher, SAERC
Tracey truly embodies empathy and kindness in everything she does in the SAERC school community. She has a remarkable ability to build meaningful relationships with students, making them feel valued, respected, and supported. Tracey takes the time to understand the unique strengths and needs of every learner, and she meets them with patience, encouragement, and care.
As a Global History and Geography Teacher, she skillfully connects world events to students' lived experiences, helping them understand diverse cultures and their role in building a more compassionate society. Tracey also leads by example beyond the classroom through her involvement in initiatives such as the Red Dress Campaign which highlights her dedication to equity and fostering cultural understanding.
Mandi MacLennan, Teacher, St. Mary’s Education Centre/Academy
Mandi is a teacher who leads with empathy and kindness in setting a standard for others to follow. She exemplifies professionalism, dedicating her time, care, and compassion to the well-being of both students and staff. Mandi's natural personality fosters a welcoming learning environment, allowing students and staff to feel comfortable while building trusting relationships.
As a mentor for colleagues, Mandi’s innate ability to create positive connections has a profound impact on students' growth and development. She spearheads school community-building activities which further builds engagement, cooperation and positivity among students and staff. Mandi is described as an impactful, positive, and outstanding individual who wholeheartedly contributes to student success.
Lady Eagle Bird Violet Paul, Mi’kmaw Student Support Worker, East Richmond Education Centre and Richmond Education Centre/Academy
Violet exemplifies what it means to foster empathy through both learning and leadership. She consistently demonstrates kindness in her daily interactions, noticing when others may need support and responding with genuine care. Violet’s natural ability to make people feel included, valued, and heard helps create a warm and welcoming school environment.
Violet builds meaningful relationships with students, connecting with them during recess and lunch. She recognizes when they may be feeling sad or isolated and takes the time to offer comfort, ensuring no student feels alone. Violet is deeply committed to cultural inclusion. By collaborating with colleagues, she helps ensure students see their culture reflected in their learning, strengthening belonging and respect for diversity. Violet leads with empathy by offering students a judgement‑free space where they feel supported and safe to work, ask questions, and grow.
Sabrina Skinner, African Nova Scotian Student Support Worker, Tamarac Education Centre and East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy
Sabrina is recognized for her leadership, advocacy, action, and her impactful work and unwavering commitment to students and community. She creates learning environments rooted in empathy, kindness, and high expectations where every student feels welcomed, respected and capable of success. Through consistent encouragement and purposeful instruction, Sabrina builds student confidence while challenging them to reach their full potential.
Sabrina’s work reflects her commitment to cultural awareness and pride. She provides culturally relevant learning experiences and meaningful opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Sabrina promotes and supports student participation in the African Nova Scotian History Challenges, helping them deepen their understanding of African Nova Scotian history and contributions. She integrates the philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., encouraging students to practice kindness, acceptance, leadership, and service in their lives.