WSD celebrates decades of dedication at annual staff recognition ceremony

The Winnipeg School Division honoured 190 employees at its recent 68th annual Long Service and Retirement Reception. The ceremony celebrated staff who have helped shape public education at WSD for generations. 

Nine employees were recognized for 40 years of service, 69 staff members were honoured for 25 years of dedication, and 119 employees celebrated their retirement. 

"Whether as a teacher, administrator, clerk, educational assistant, custodian, clinician or member of the building department, you have all contributed to the excellent reputation that the Winnipeg School Division has earned over the past 154 years," said Board Chair Kathy Heppner. 

The celebration began with Kookum Marsha Missyabit bringing greetings to the gathered community. Students from Tev Voc's Good Heart Elk Singers opened the ceremony with traditional drumming. Four WSD students also performed Indigenous dances such as the jingle dance and fancy shawl dance.  

Among the staff honoured for their long service and dedication was clerk Karma Copeland who started at WSD in 1985 and is retiring as head clerk at J.B. Mitchell School. Teacher Craig Dominik began teaching in WSD’s C.O.D.E program in 1985 and now works at Winnipeg Adult Education Centre. 

Teacher Emily Sinosich, who served 40 years as an educator with WSD, is retiring from Sisler High School this year. Meanwhile, Frances Held spent 40 years as an educational assistant. She began her career at the Prince Charles Education Resource Centre in 1984. Both women have helped many teachers, students and families through their four decades. 

Tricia Penner joined WSD as a music teacher in 1985 and became the principal of Earl Grey School in 2016. During her long tenure, she has helped organize the Honour Band Program for WSD high school students. 

Ecole Riverview School’s principal Cinzia Caputo accepted a 25-year service award on behalf of all those recipients. “As I look around the room, I'm reminded that while much has changed, our purpose has remained constant," she said. “We are here to inspire and make a difference—one student at a time, one conversation, one day at a time." 

Vinh Huynh, principal at Gordon Bell High School, accepted the retirement presentation for all 119 retirees. Each retiree received a hand-crafted ceramic bowl inspired by the Manitoba landscape and designed by local artist Alan Lacovetsky. 

One of the highlights of the ceremony was a dazzling performance by Gordon Bell High School's Urban Fusion Dance Team, which recently won a choreography award at the Canadian National Dance Competition. 

"The Winnipeg School Division, students and families have benefited from your hard work and dedication," Heppner said. "We sincerely thank you for your excellent service." 

Here's the list of WSD employees and some more photos from the long service and retirement celebration: