Dorothy G. Walker Award of Merit Recipients

Dorothy G. Walker Award of Merit

The Dorothy G. Walker Award of merit is presented to a teacher, supervisor, and/or administrator who has made a notable contribution to the development of physical and health education in the province of Nova Scotia.

Dorothy Walker Robbins with TAPHE past president, Jennifer LLoyd McKenzie at the 2014 TAPHE conference in Halifax.

2019 - Alan Ferguson

Alan Ferguson Graduated from Dalhousie University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Physical Education. He taught Physical Education in Northern Alberta for 2 years before attending the University of Alberta to obtain a Bachelor of Education in 1988. Alan continued his education at St. FX completing a Master of Education in 2012.

In 1988, Alan accepted a Teaching position at Islands Consolidated School and moved to Freeport teaching Physical Education P-12. At ICS Alan encouraged physical activity and participation in both school sports and life-long fitness activities like running and skiing. For more than 15 years, Alan coached many sports including: cross country running, basketball, badminton and track and field. He also supervised: 100 and 200 km running clubs, a gymnastic club, weight training club, volleyball club and noon hour intramurals. During his time at ICS, Alan received two Education Week teaching awards, one for physical education and one for science.

In 2005 Alan accepted a job teaching Physical Education at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School where he continued to coach a variety of sports and provide an intramural program and serve as Athletic director. During his time at YCMHS Alan organized acted as meet director for Track and Field, a duty he continued for several years

In 2006 Alan accepted a position as the Physical Education teacher at Port Maitland Consolidated Elementary School where he later served as principal for one year. Alan completed his career as Vice Principal at Meadowfields Community School where he continued to provide activities for students until his retirement in 2016.

In addition to coaching school sports, Alan was a dedicated hockey coach with both Digby and Yarmouth Minor Hockey associations winning coach of the year on several occasions. Like his school programs, Alan believed in developing skill and a love of the game. He wanted all athletes to see hockey as a lifelong sport as a part of a healthy active lifestyle.

Throughout Alan’s teaching career, he worked hard to provide a quality physical education program that was both innovative and responsive to the needs of his students, regardless of their ability. He believed in setting an example for his students by practicing a fully active lifestyle himself, and providing an environment in the gym that was both welcoming and enjoyable. His commitment to developing a positive school environment as well as a strong sports program, where students were both dedicated to improving their skill while demonstrating sportsmanship and having fun, was commendable. Alan did not see teaching physical education as a career, teaching was his passion. Watching Alan in the gym or in the field, his deep love of sport and the positive rapport he developed with his students combined to make him an outstanding teacher.

Alan also influenced many new teachers entering the field of physical education. He served as mentor, colleague and friend always ready to help, guide, and model excellence in teaching, inspiring everyone he connected with to do the same. As a result, he positively shaped physical education programs across our region.

2018 - Sue Stevenson

Since the early years of her schooling career, Sue was always excited to learn, lead and be active. She is a life-long learner with a passion for actively respecting nature, health, and empowering others to do the same. As an adult, Sue excelled in sport, with a focus on soccer and volleyball. She completed a Physical Education (PE) degree and a Master of Physical Education in Administration at Memorial University in Newfoundland, where she also competed on the varsity volleyball team for 5 years as well as coaching high school and Canada Games girls volleyball.

After 8 years of teaching high school PE, health, math and coaching elite athletes, Sue moved to Nova Scotia to coach varsity sport and teach in the PE Department at St. FX University. Throughout her time at St.FX, Sue attended the Coaching School for Women. It was during this time that Sue’s passion for gender equity in sport deepened and she became a strong advocate for female athletes and the advancement of PE in the school system. It was here at St.FX that Sue met her mentor, Dr. Peggy Gallant, who continues to support and influence her in both her life and career.

Sue then returned to teaching high school with the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRSB/CCRCE), with ten years at South Colchester Academy, teaching high school PE and Physically Active Lifestyles courses while also filling the role of Athletic Director. The most significant part of Sue’s development as a PE teacher was through PAL 11. This curriculum cemented her belief that every student must have the opportunity to explore as many different physical activities as possible in a safe and non-competitive environment to ensure that youth are able to find something that they love, to take with them for life. Sue’s own life reflects the values of health and physical education (HPE) and advocates that we must promote these values and raise the profile of HPE through action. This passion for PE and Health and her experiences as both teacher and coach prepared Sue to become the Active Healthy Living (AHL) Consultant for the CCRSB.

One of the highlights of Sue’s career was working with the AHL Mentor Team for CCRSB. Sue initiated and coordinated a group of 6 PE and Health mentors to provide teachers with relevant and current professional development and peer support to enhance their professional practice. She was honoured to collaborate with such an incredible team of knowledgeable and creative individuals who continue to positively influence the health of youth and adults. Sue worked with provincial AHL consultants and the DOE to develop new curriculum for PE and Health with the most notable addition to the PSP being Yoga 11 which she helped bring to Nova Scotia Schools. This work led to Sue receiving the Yoga in Schools Award from Breathing Space Yoga Studios in 2016 for her dedication to bringing yoga in schools programming to Nova Scotia.

Sue finished her career as a principal of 2 rural schools where she felt blessed to be able to promote and put into action healthy schools for both students and teachers. One of the school’s accreditation goals, after approval at many levels, was aligned with the Healthy Living curriculum - Healthy Self, Healthy Relationships and Healthy Communities. Whether by nature or nurture, Sue’s work ethic and drive in this area have always been congruent to how she engages in her personal life.

In 2014, Sue was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Teaching Award for Teaching Excellence. Throughout her career, she served provincially with TAPHE, Nationally with PHE Canada as a Board Member and on various committees within the HPE world. Sue is now retired, which is kind of an oxymoron for her. Sue lives in Dartmouth and is presently developing her own class schedule: enjoying daily physical movement whether it be on her new mountain bike, attending daily hot yoga classes, hiking in nature, teaching herself ukulele, and coaching her partner Shawna on the health benefits of more daily physical activity for life. Although she may be labelled retired, she definitely has much more work to do yet.

2017 - Steve Ranni

Steve Ranni has taught at all levels at a variety of schools in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board including Harbourside, Glace Bay High, GD Lewis, and Riverside. At each school, he was very active in the school community. He has coached soccer, organized and ran breakfast programs and coordinated elementary and middle school softball and baseball tournaments for the entire CBVRSB for many years. He served as a member of the school board’s lead team for Physical Education. Steve serves as the middle school sport coordinator for the Cape Breton-Victoria District in the Highland Region of Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation.

Steve Ranni was President of TAPHE from 2010-2014. During his tenure he inspired those around him to join the dream of TAPHE growing and thriving. Steve’s leadership and kind hearted approach brought many leaders to his executive to help grow that dream. We now have an annual newsletter, website including a detailed history dating back to 1972, and the TAPHE Awards have been brought back to life. With the awards committee being reestablished we have seen over 70 teachers recognized in our province for the outstanding role they play in their school and community. We have also seen eight of our provincial champions recognized at the National level. Steve’s dream has become a reality and TAPHE is now being recognized at the National level and a leader in health and physical education throughout Canada. Steve’s crowning achievement was when he brought the 2012 PHE Canada National Conference to Halifax.

It is with great honour that TAPHE presents Steve Ranni with the 2017 Dorothy Walker Award of Merit.

L to R: Renda Vandertoorn and Dorothy Walker Robbins

2016 - Renda Vandertoorn

Renda Vandertoorn is a most deserving candidate for for the 2016 Dorothy G. Walker Award. Since beginning her teaching career in 1987, Renda has spent most of her years at Hantsport School, primarily as a Phys. Ed. teacher. She has also been a coach, referee, athletic director, classroom teacher, organizer and model to hundreds of students and even works with other teachers throughout the board as a Physical Education Mentor.

Renda has always prided herself in providing a program for her students that was full of variety and ever changing. Renda’s classes are as diverse as the energy level is high: one day you might walk into a square dancing class, another day you might get an explanation of the intricacies of Cricket, then another have a game of Snow Rugby! Her organizational skills are exemplary, with her multi-grade, multi -school programs consistently being learner focused, and bursting with creative active lessons. Renda is mindful of maximum participation by all students and is able to create an atmosphere of fun, enjoyment, success, fair play, self–fulfillment and personal health.

The extracurricular program was an important aspect of Renda’s programming, and at one point, over 85% of the junior high students were involved in one or more sports. Participation and excellence are the goals for the students/players: in that order. One year she had all female students in the Junior High participating on at least one extracurricular team. To allow for more participation, she initiated a no cut policy which delivered three teams for both boys and girls in some sports. The effort involved in organizing and promoting this quality of program speaks to her commitment to her students and her profession.

Renda has also been involved in working with other Physical Educators and is an advocate for her profession as both a mentor and a presenter. Over the years, Renda had supported many physical educators with an opportunity to learn how to be well versed and prepared to implement quality P.E. programing. Renda is a lifelong learner and supporter of Physical Education professional development.

Renda has experienced many changes to PE outcomes, indicators and the ever changing expectations placed upon P.E. teachers. Renda has adapted to and grown along with these changes. One such example is Renda’s implementation of technology into her curriculum in creative and effective ways that positively influence student learning.

Renda’s dedicated commitment to Physical Education over the years has offered her several significant awards. She won the NSSAF Board of Governors 25th Anniversary Award, was CAPHERD’s Young Professional of the Year in 1996, and received the AVRSB TAPHE Teaching Excellence Award in 1997 and 2012. She won the NSSAF Outstanding Service Award, and was recognized in her community with the Citizenship Award for working with Hantsport youth, and the 2009 Town of Hantsport Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award.

Renda is a wonderful example of one who lives the life of a physically educated individual. Renda can be found playing golf and tennis in her spare time, and is often first on the dance floor when the music begins!

Renda is a very qualified, enthusiastic physical education specialist teacher, with the best interests of her students at the forefront of her programming. A Physical Education professional in every sense, Renda ensures that her students have the opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and habits that they need to lead physically active lives now, and into the future. She has changed the lives of hundreds of students, who have or will grow into healthy active adults leading physically active lives because of their experience in P.E. with Mrs. V! It is with great honour that TAPHE presents Renda Vandertoorn with the 2016 Dorothy Walker Teaching Award.

2015 - Matt Haliburton

Matt grew up on a farm in Avonport, Nova Scotia and was inspired to go into education by some of the exemplary teachers he had in his youth. He graduated from Acadia University with a degree in Physical Education in 1985 and earned a Master of Education degree in 2002 from Mount Saint Vincent University.

Since graduating, Matt has been an invaluable member of the Tri-County Regional School Board's Physical Education team. Throughout Matt's 30 year career he has acquired knowledge and expertise; building upon this foundation of instructive practice he's developed a dynamic, resourceful and imaginative physical education program.

With continuous professional development and active participation as a conference presenter and delegate Matt combines current trends in education with sound pedagogical practices in his classroom. Some of these include; curriculum design, introduction of new technologies, social emotional learning, adaptive resources and equipment as well as health promotion initiatives. Always striving to provide a well-rounded physical education program to all of his students Matt continues to be an innovative early adopter; introducing new activities before they become commonplace.

His commitment to growth and learning expands far beyond the classroom. As a physical education mentor he has given support to both physical education colleagues and other school staff with the introduction of iPad technology; an exercise that requires expertise in curriculum delivery, planning, assessment and reporting. A teaching vice principal he continually provides staff with the guidance and support needed to enhance student learning and success.

His mentoring extends to early career and pre-service physical educators as well. Matt’s willingness to share curriculum delivery practices, assessment ideas and act as a sounding board for others ensures that our profession continues to grow and develop. Mr. Halliburton has also been a mentor to many of his students and athletes; always bringing out their best, helping them realize their full potential; whether in the classroom, gymnasium or on a sports field.

His passion for physical education and student wellbeing is evident in both his teaching practices within the gymnasium as well as his life outside of school. A school based and community coach Matt has volunteered countless hours not only to the development of athletic skills but also character among his players. The immense impact Matt has had on children and youth in his community is admirable. TAPHE is honored to present Matt Halliburton with the 2015 Dorothy G. Walker Award of Merit for his notable contribution to the development of physical and health education in Nova Scotia.

2014 - Mary Lou Andrea

After graduating from the Nova Scotia Teachers College in 1982 Mary Lou Andrea went on to obtain her BEd and more recently her MEd from St. FX University. She began teaching physical education full time with the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board in 1986. Since 1997 she holds the position of the Active Healthy Living Consultant for the board.

Mary Lou has served as a champion in promoting both quality physical education programs and teaching excellence in health education within the CBVRSB. To name just a few things, she coordinated the development of a fitness log for all students which tracks and inspires improving physical activity. She initiated the usage of iPads for assessment purposes in the PE class and also created a PE assessment team for the board. Mary Lou oversees and strongly promotes schools accessing grants that support Active Healthy Living, Health Promoting Schools, and GirlsPlay2. She facilitated a playground activity project called Powerplay which helps students get involved in active play, fair play and in problem solving (link to PEBS). Mary Lou also coordinates the usage of spin bikes in the lower elementary grades at select schools, which links exercise and self-regulation for children. She worked on the Provincial Safety Guidelines for PE, the NS physical education curriculum. She introduced the Fourth R curriculum for teachers of Healthy Living in Junior High. She also coordinated the development of binders for teachers in Grades 4-6 to support their teaching of sexual health outcomes. She has conducted professional development presentations to physical and health educators at local, provincial and national physical education conferences.

In 2010, Mary Lou was thrilled to be chosen to carry the Olympic torch. In her spare time she serves as a positive role model coaching GirlsPlay2 hockey and the Memorial High School girl's hockey team. Mary Lou is passionate about playing both golf and hockey. She lives in Sydney Mines with her husband Gerard and daughter Genevieve.

2013 - Mary Fisher

Mary Fisher has taught and inspired the children and youth of Guysborough County Schools for over 35 years. She began her teaching career in 1974, in a circuit in Guysborough County in what is now part of the Strait Regional School Board, before the larger community school was built, where she taught for the rest of her career until 2009. A graduate of Nova Scotia’s Teacher College in Truro and a former student of Dorothy Walker, Mary continued the work that Dorothy Walker instilled in her students. Mary was and always will be a very strong advocate for physical education and healthy school communities.

During times of economic struggles in Nova Scotia, when there was concern for physical education being cut from public school programs, Mary did her best to prove physical education should not be cut. She spoke to school board officials to support physical education classes, taught by specialists, for Nova Scotia students. Mary has also been instrumental in the development of curriculum over her career, as part of the writing team for the last physical education curriculum. Over the years, Mary has created many relationships that are still strong today. Former students, colleagues and student teachers make a point to stop in and stay in touch with Mary. Her sense of humour, witty personality and genuine care and concern for others are only a few character traits that make Mary a wonderful person to know.

Mary has never turned away requests for student teachers and is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure they are prepared to enter the busy and rewarding profession of teaching physical education. Former administrators remember her for being the glue that holds schools together, always dependable and full of energy. Whether in front of students, community or staff, Mary always gave 110%, not because she had to but because that is the kind of person she is.

TAPHE is honoured to present Mary Fisher with the 2013 Dorothy G. Walker Award of Merit for her notable contribution to the development of physical and health education in the Province of Nova Scotia.

2012 - Bev Johnstone

Bev Johnstone has been dedicated to the advancement and enhancement of Physical Education in the province and the Halifax Regional School Board since her graduation in 1976 from Dalhousie University. A devoted wife and mother of three, Bev worked with the NS Department of Education to write, review, revise and implement key provincial documents including the current elementary physical education foundation document and curriculum guide, the PE safety document and the junior high health foundation document. Bev has led countless professional development sessions over the years for her colleagues throughout Nova Scotia and has been a mentor teacher for many students from various institutions.

She has served as an executive member of TAPHE and contributed to both the province’s PACY study and the Active Kids Healthy Kids foundation documents. Bev’s contributions to physical education in the province are far too great to mention in a short paragraph. She has been a leader, a mentor, a coach, a student, an author, a facilitator, a visionary, a global thinker, a committee member, a consultant, a founder and above all, a teacher. Teachers, families and especially students around the province have all benefitted from Bev’s passion for learning, teaching and physical education.

TAPHE is honoured to present Beverly Johnstone with the 2012 Dorothy G. Walker Award of Merit for her notable contribution to the development of physical and health education in the province of Nova Scotia.

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