Former resident earns teaching math honours

By Murray Green

Teacher Lacey (nee Brockhoff) Pasemko has earned high praise from the Prime Minister. She earned a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Teaching Excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Teaching Excellence Award recipients are honoured for their remarkable achievements in education, and for their commitment to preparing their students for a digital and innovation-based economy. The Teaching Excellence in STEM Awards honour outstanding teachers who help develop the culture of innovation Canada needs today and in the future.

Her concept of “Learning Math, a Collaborative Experience”, caught the attention of education leaders. Lacey received a Certificate of Achievement for her innovative teaching methods. Collaboration and commitment to higher academic achievement for her students are the key elements in her approach to teaching math.

“I teach Grade 6 to 8 math this year. This award is awesome, I didn’t expect to win because the recipients are amazing from what I’ve read. It means that I am doing something right. I’m following my passion working with students, working with my teaching team at school, and following my passion of math and problem solving,” explained Lacey.

The former Edberg area resident and New Norway School student is a Grade 6 to 8 teacher at the new Four Winds Public School in Morinville.

“I use a different way to teach math. Our school is very much inquiry based. Worksheets and pencils are really not my style. In my room, I have floor-to-ceiling white boards,” added Lacey.

Collaboration may be the key element of her approach to teaching. She has implemented a 360-degree classroom, where students write on vertical non-permanent surfaces around the entire room, rather than sitting in desks.

“I pose a problem to my students and they work with peers, side by side in random groups, and work out the problem. Everything is related to the real world,” Lacey commented.

Collaborative learning (CL) involves a team of students who learn through working together to share ideas, solve a problem, or accomplish a common goal. The structure defines how student groups are formed (usually by teacher assignment) and how group members are expected to interact.

“Our school is only three years old and our principal used to be a math teacher, so he was open to the same ideas and concepts. We both studied Peter Liljedahl (a professor of education at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC), an amazing mathematician, who has done more than 20 years of research on vertical, non-permanent surfaces.”

Being able to erase work encourages students to take risks and share their thoughts. Writing in your own binder, with your own pen at your own desk does little to encourage collaboration. “When you are standing beside someone and there is only one pen, working together comes naturally. The non-linearity of work these surfaces provide also more accurately reflects the thinking process,” she said.

Students naturally become the teachers in this setting and build their confidence when they explain concepts to others. “I use everyday topics like a grocery list to solve problems. They think of it as solving a money issue, like how much they spend on products. Instead of buying a six-pack of something for $3.62, they have to figure out what they pay if they only bought five items. They learn to do division and to use decimal points without using the word division or realizing they are doing math,” Lacey revealed.

This encourages mobility of knowledge and participation. Besides helping students become more collaborative, this method eliminates social barriers, decreases the reliance on the teacher for answers, and increases enthusiasm and engagement to complete mathematical tasks.

“At the beginning of the year, I spend the first few days getting to know the students and exploring their passions. I ask them what they want to learn and encourage them to follow their passions. I have a bass player in my math class, so I use music questions to teach. We have basketball, hockey and volleyball players, so I ask questions on sports because they already know how to calculate stats.”

Lacey has the ability to optimize academic results with students. She is dedicated to incorporating digital technologies for creation, collaboration and enhanced understanding of learning targets for her students. She designs lessons that effectively engage students, encourage collaboration and result in students discovering answers to complex problems on their own.

“I find this system really benefits the students who struggle with math. It puts everything into reallife problems and they are now solving those daily tasks. They are not afraid to take risks or to make mistakes.” This is a great example of how technology can be used as a tool to create experiences and enhance the learning experience.

“I would think middle school is the ideal place to teach this system. Coming off COVID-19, it was hard because we didn’t have the group sessions as much, but when they learn together, instead as individuals, they learn at a faster pace,” she said.

Lacey’s reputation is growing. Her circle of influence has garnered considerable attention in professional development organizations across Alberta. She has developed workshops, professional development and instructional videos for a number of professional development consortiums in the province. She did not solicit these opportunities, but rather she was sought out because of the legacy and success of her own teaching.

“We noticed before in exams, some students didn’t even to attempt a problem. Now, we notice they have the skills to attempt any problem, no matter what. That is our biggest goal, to get students to try it. One day, I took all of the furniture out of my class because we were going to have a messy, chaotic session. They had the white boards and each other, they didn’t need anything else,” shared Lacey, who has taught math for five years. Her award actually landed her a permanent teaching position.

Lacey also teaches sports sessions two days a week, as well as coaches basketball and volleyball.

In local professional development sessions, presenters recognized how well she incorporates educational technology into her lessons and the passion she has for teaching. Her services have since been retained to create learning opportunities for teachers across Alberta.

Lacey Pasemko

SILENT SANTA

Winter comedy tour includes Bailey

By Murray Green

Canada’s biggest stand-up comedy tour is returning to Camrose and the Bailey Theatre.

Camrose’s Paul Myrehaug and his co-troop of comedians will be presenting their Snowed In Comedy Tour on March 4, 2022 at 8 p.m.

The Snowed In Comedy Tour has turned into a Canadian success story, celebrating its 12th year. The tour has now grown to be the largest in Canada, with 70 cities from coast to coast. The tour has performed in Australia, US, France and Switzerland.

The 2020 tour received numerous standing ovations and was the most successful to date. Without major TV credits, the growth of the tour is attributed to word of mouth from delivering knockout performances year after year.

Four international comedians come together to create one amazing show with each bringing a unique and hilarious take, providing something for everyone.

Just for Laughs winner Dan Quinn is joined by the Great Canadian Laugh Off winner Myrehaug, sixtime Canadian comedian of the year nominee Pete Zedlacher, and Seattle Comedy Competition winner Damonde Tschritter.

Paul has appeared on CBC’s The Debaters, was the $25,000 Great Canadian Laugh Off winner, performs on Just For Laughs, Comedy Now! on CTV and the Truck Jokes YouTube video series.

Early bird tickets are on sale now, with a discounted price until December 14th.

James McGillivray Route 1 Cecil Whitefish Route 2 Liam Campbell Route 3

Terra Vu-Sutherland Route 9

Jody Young Routes 10 and 24 Joanne Geertz Route 11 Michael Frenette Routes 4 and 5

Danny Gibbs Route 6A and 27 Devon Krezanoski Route 7 Richard Van Slyke Route 8

Mike Elder Route 12

Matthew Searle Route 13 Lindsay Wenger Route 14 Gabe Danen Route 15

Hayden Sharp Route 16

Callum Gau Route 22 Ezra and Avey Osterwalder Route 17

Ian Snydmiller Route 18

Randy Simmet Routes 19 and 28 Lloyd and Carolyn Olson Routes 20 and 21

Jenna Worton Route 23 Sawyer Isaac Route 25 Maligne Morris Routes 26 and 39 Sam Mize Route 29 Presley Charchun Route 30

Riggs Bergen Route 31 Braeden Boyson Route 32

Jamie Towne Route 37

Kirby Fowler Routes 38 and 47 Michael McCarroll Route 33 Jeff and Ethan Myck Route 34 Rob Boos Route 35 Joyce Family Route 36

Paige and Shelby Smith Route 40 Thierry Kristensen Route 41 Caleb and Reeve Rittenhouse Route 42

Christmas Fund sees higher demand for food hampers

By Murray Green

Groceries arrive on Tuesday (today) and volunteer teams are eager to pack Wednesday and Thursday in order to be ready for Merry Christmas Fund volunteer drivers to come to the Camrose Fire Hall on Saturday, December 18 after 9 a.m. to deliver hampers and toys to those in need in the community.

“Local businesses, service groups and individuals have stepped up to provide services, products and volunteers to make this program a success. Without them, the program likely wouldn’t be happening,” said co-chair Morris Henderson.

The Camrose Merry Christmas Fund was started about 56 years ago to supply food hampers to less fortunate families within the community.

Last year, the Camrose Merry Christmas Fund supplied about 250 hampers to families.

“Camrose and area residents and businesses have generously donated to our fundraising needs. Based on Food Bank use over the last six months, we planned for about 250 hampers to make for a happier Christmas. Last week, Neighbor Aid let us know that we will likely need 300 hampers to provide for registrants. Wild Rose Co-op Food Store staff assured us that extra groceries will be available, so we don’t have to restrict recipients,” said Merry Christmas Fund cochair Morris Henderson.

“Although we will be spending more than we planned, I am confident that our community will come forward in support of the hamper program,” said Morris.

The food hampers are intended to provide a good Christmas meal and food for several days. “If you or someone you know is in need of a hamper, contact Neighbor Aid at 780-679-3220. The Kinettes Club of Camrose is collecting toys and gifts to distribute with the hampers. Cash donations are also welcome to fill gaps in collection.”

Donations can be made at the Royal Bank and Camrose Fire Hall. You can also mail donations to: Merry Christmas Fund, Box 1612, Camrose, AB T4V 1X6. The Camrose Merry Christmas Fund is a registered charity, so people who make donations by December 31 will be mailed a tax receipt in January.

Co-chairs for the Merry Christmas Fund are Morris Henderson and Jason Delwo.

Email MCHampers@ gmail.com or call Morris for more information or to volunteer with sorting, delivery or other tasks.

GOOD BOOK

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

The Viking Cup book author LeRoy Johnson, right, shares some memories with Verlyn Olson, a fellow Viking Cup Tournament hockey tournament board member .

Honouring loss during the holidays

By Murray Green

For the most part, holidays are a happy time of year, but for some who have suffered loss, they can also be very difficult. Grieving a significant loss takes time.

While grieving may make you want to isolate yourself from others and hold it all in, it’s important that you find ways to express your grief, advises Alberta Health Services. Use whatever mode of expression works for you. Talking, writing, creating art or music, or being physically active are all ways of expressing grief.

During the holidays, take note of how you’re feeling about the upcoming day as it gets closer and plan to take extra time to care for yourself.

It can help to make a plan. Know the holiday may be a difficult time and plan to recognize the day with a special memory or activity.

Try focusing on simple steps that can help reduce the stress, low mood and grief that are common this time of year.

Being thankful magnifies positive emotions and helps us appreciate the value in something or someone. Create a journal filled with things you are thankful to have in your life.

Do something for yourself. Take time for yourself this season by doing something you enjoy. Go for a walk, or try a new hobby such as yoga or meditation.

Join a community group, reconnect with friends, or volunteer.

Keep a regular sleep, meal, and exercise schedule and limit alcohol. Taking care of yourself will help you deal with grief and stressful situations during the holidays.

It’s okay to say no to events that may cause stress. This will give you more time to say yes to look after yourself.

Remember, help is available if you need it. Talk with a healthcare professional in your area. You can also call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free, confidential help, or visit www.ahs.ca/ helpintoughtimes.

Conlan William Henry Davey

September 9, 2008 ~ December 7, 2021

With profound sadness, the family of Conlan Davey of Camrose, Alberta grieves his passing on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the age of 13 years, with his parents by his side.

His memory will be forever cherished by his mother and father Francine and William Davey; brother Jameson; grandparents Caroline and René Chartrand and Lynne and Scott Davey; aunties Michelle Chartrand and Angie Davey; uncle Curtis McKinnon; cousins Aidan and Leelan McKinnon; along with many other loving cousins, great aunts and uncles, extended family, and friends.

Waiting for him in Heaven are his sister, baby Davey; auntie Cheryl McKinnon; great uncles Wade Ashmore, Robin Trach, Mike Hertel, Raymond Chartrand, and Armand Chartrand; great aunt Bev Davey; great-grandparents Ken and Evelyn Astle, Bill and Edna Davey, Art and Christine Hertel, and Henry and Philomine Chartrand.

Conlan’s family will hold a celebration of his life from the Norsemen Inn, Camrose, on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Due to capacity restrictions, for those who are unable to be admitted, a recording of the service will be made available online following the service.

Those who wish to attend will be required to show proof of vaccination, proof of a negative privately-paid test result from a sample that is taken within the prior 72 hours, or an original (non-copied) medical exception letter.

Memorial donations in Conlan’s memory are gratefully accepted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital (8440 112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7.)

Fondly remembering Lucien (Luke) Charles Bianic

July 22, 1950 ~

December 13, 2019

Dad … we think of you every day – your love of farming, your passion for building those 200 storage sheds in and around Westlock, and for your eighteen years at Westlock Building Supplies. Most of all we miss your family commitment.

Rest in peace.

Love forever: Lyle, Luke Jr. and Shelby, immediate and extended family

In loving memory of Vernon Campbell

who passed away on December 16, 2014 He had a nature you could not help loving, And a heart that was purer than gold, And to those who knew him and loved him, His memory will never grow cold. From your loving wife and family, Dianne, Pam, Steve, Benjamin and Madalyn, Glen, Roxanne, Cody and Nickolas