May 1, 2006
Vancouver, B.C.: Dunbar Memorial Preschool (DMP), a parent-participation preschool with nearly 50 years of experience in educating preschoolers, was awarded with high honors by the Council of Parent Participation Preschools (CPPP) at the CPPP’s annual Spring Fling Awards held April 21st.
Head teacher Heather Shaw and three Executive members – Katie Cowden, President; Steve Kurdyak, Parent Education Chair; and Colleen Kirkham, Parent Education Chair – were all awarded with Certificates of Commendations for their unwavering commitment to DMP. Certificate of Commendations are awarded to parents/teachers who have fully exhibited the CPPP Philosophy and have worked beyond normal expectations to the greater good of the cooperative preschool movement. Particularly gratifying is that these DMP representatives were nominated by DMP’s own parent membership and teaching staff.
Although DMP’s supervisor for only one year, Heather Shaw’s commitment to the PPP belief of ‘learning through play’ is ingrained at her very core. Recognized for her staunch commitment to the PPP philosophy through her carefully crafted play-based curriculum, Shaw extended her dedication beyond the classroom to develop a strong, supportive community for all DMP families – no matter how complex their needs. With both DMP children and families forming her top priorities, Shaw was noted for consistently working beyond normal expectations for the greater good of the preschool.
As President of DMP, Katie Cowden was noted for being “truly presidential”, shown through her drive to be a strong advocate and champion for DMP’s teachers, her willingness to repeatedly go beyond the call of duty to help parents in need or to help resolve specific issues related to individual children’s needs, and her initiative to create a host of programs and initiatives to develop a real DMP community.
Eight-year veterans of DMP, Steve Kurdyak and Colleen Kirkham were recognized for their exemplary service and steadfast devotion to DMP through their willingness to fulfill a variety of jobs critical to the preschool and to extend their time commitment by volunteering to both attend and to help organize numerous events.
In addition to the Commendation Awards, DMP’s assistant teacher, Erin Moore, and six Executive members were awared with Certificates of Appreciation. The members are: Olivia Edwards, Pat Elliott, Wendy MacLeod, Barb Thomas, Mary Jo Wagner and Tina Wiebe.
These well-deserved awards help to confirm that DMP is the educational play date for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds and DMP is extremely proud and honored to have such stellar teachers and executives in its membership.
Dunbar Memorial Preschool (DMP) is a parent participation preschool that has been celebrating play as the cornerstone of children’s early learning for nearly 50 years. At DMP play is paramount because play is an essential part of a child's life: a child grows, learns, communicates, acts and reacts through play. Our carefully crafted, multi-faceted programs emphasize this philosophy, enabling children to explore their first school setting freely and safely in a highly social, engaging and collaborative environment. Backed by a superb location in the Dunbar Community Centre, an unrivalled classroom setting and a stellar teaching staff, DMP is the educational play date for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. More information can be acquired at: www.dunbarmemorialpreschool.ca
Contact: