Long Service and Retirement Reception 2026

Every June, Winnipeg School Division gathers to celebrate staff reaching remarkable career milestones at its annual Long Service and Retirement Reception. The event honoured employees celebrating 25 and 40 years of service, as well as those retiring this year after dedicated careers supporting students, families, and school communities.

This year, the celebration recognized 228 staff members, including 121 retirees from a wide range of roles, from custodial and support staff to administrators and school principals, along with 105 employees marking 25 years of service and 2 employees reaching 40 years of service.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, memories, and meaningful reunions as colleagues, friends, and family members came together to reflect on years of service and commitment. Guests also enjoyed performances by the Good Heart Elk Singers from Tec Voc High School, the Elmwood Sr. Jazz Ensemble from Elmwood High School, and DMCI’s Finest Dance Team. Throughout the event, members of the Board of Trustees presented the long-service and retirement recognitions, celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of this year’s honourees. Staff celebrating 25 years of service received the WSD Gold Bell, while retirees were presented with a handcrafted pottery piece by local artist Allan Wood Lacovetsky.

Speaking on behalf of retiring employees, Fernando Batista, former principal of Harrow School, addressed his fellow retirees, reflecting on the impact of a career in education, sharing, “I wish you nothing but the best. Take care of yourselves, enjoy this next chapter of your lives, for you have earned it. Hold on to those cherished moments. You’ve touched many young lives and made a huge impact, a huge difference.”

25-year honouree Jennifer McKiel of Montrose School reflected on her years of service in education, sharing, “In education, the impact of our work isn't always seen immediately. It lives in small moments as a student gains confidence, a family feels supported, a classroom becomes a place of belonging. Over time, these moments add up to something powerful and lasting. This is the legacy of 25 years of service.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s long-service recipients and retirees. Thank you for your years of dedication, leadership, and care in supporting students, families, and school communities across Winnipeg School Division.