St. Augustine School Grade 4 teacher nominated for Edwin Parr Award

Ponoka — A caring nature, and an engaging classroom are just two ways in which St. Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic Schools’ nominee for the 2018 Edwin Parr Teacher Award stands out.

Molly Ballhorn, who is in her first teaching assignment as a Grade 4 teacher at St. Augustine School in Ponoka, was nominated by STAR Catholic for the prestigious Edwin Parr Award.  Ballhorn’s instruction goes beyond the Grade 4 classroom, as she also teaches Junior High Math, Religion and Health, a challenge for even the most seasoned educator.

Ballhorn is also a relationship builder, knowing that parents are the primary educators of their children, she has fostered strong connections and lines of communication with parents. As a commitment to life-long learning, she is also focused on her own professional development. From the Beginning Teachers Conference to the STAR Mentorship Program to professional growth activities including math, PLC and First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultural awareness, Ballhorn is keenly purposeful in her PD.

“We are blessed at STAR Catholic to have teachers with such passion, drive and commitment that Molly possesses in her first year of teaching,” said Michelle Lamer, Board Chair. “Molly is a true example of a dedicated educator, committed to her students, her classroom, and school, and to her own professional growth. We are excited for her and happy to see her nominated for the Edwin Parr Award.”

Each year the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) honors six outstanding first-year teachers with the Edwin Parr Teacher Award. School boards may nominate any first-year K to 12 teacher who has taught in an Alberta school jurisdiction which is a member of the ASBA.

Based in central Alberta, Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division represents 12 schools that serve the communities of Beaumont, Drayton Valley, Lacombe, Leduc, Ponoka, and Wetaskiwin. The STAR Catholic Schools team of teachers and support staff are committed to giving more than 4000 students across our division every opportunity to achieve their potential in a caring, safe and Christ-centred environment.

- 30 -

For more information, contact:

For more information, contact:
Vince Burke
Manager of Communications
STAR Catholic Schools 
(780) 986-2500
vince.burke@starcatholic.ab.ca