Awards

2023 Recipients

Paul Renwick Award - Graham Hayes

Paul Dwight Renwick taught at Henry Janzen School in Regina from 1982 to 1987. As a physical Education instructor, he excelled in his field. Most students found his physical education program stimulating and challenging and his extra curricular activities exciting and exhilarating. Paul’s program was recognized and he received the CAHPERD QDPE Award in 1987. Paul’s life was cut short and he died of cancer June 22, 1987.

Paul was actively involved with SPEA. He was president-elect in 1981-82, president in 1982-83 and past president in 1983-84. During his year as president Paul foresaw a need for SPEA to be much more than a conference planning body. He envisioned and proposed a three year plan for the organization and laid the foundation for SPEA to become the major voice for physical educators across Saskatchewan. From 1985-1987 Paul assumed the role of part-time executive director where he pursued sources of grant money to enable the organization to pursue provincial initiatives. Paul’s foresight and vision left a legacy for physical educators in Saskatchewan and for SPEA as an organization.

In recognition for his outstanding professional career and his unwavering commitment to physical and health education in the province of Saskatchewan, PHE Saskatchewan wishes to bestow its’ highest honor, the Paul Renwick Award to Mr. Graham Hayes of Regina, Saskatchewan.

Graham Hayes, was born and raised in Rosetown, SK. He earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina. During this time, he was instrumental in the development of the University of Regina Student’s HOPE Association. As a result of the foundation that Graham set, the HOPE Association has gone on to support not only countless university students but also youth throughout the province.

Shortly after the completion of his BEd, he went on to complete his Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Regina.

Throughout his teaching career Graham has taught a range of subjects as well as holding the position of Physical Education/Health Consultant, for the Regina Catholic School Division from 2014-2017. He is also a provincial facilitator with the Saskatchewan Professional Development Unit, as well as a sessional instructor at the University of Regina. He is a former assistant coach and player with the University of Regina Cougars men’s hockey team. Graham was also nominated to the Give Kids A Chance Board in 2021 by the Saskatchewan Hockey Association.

He served as President of the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association from 2017-19. To this day, Graham is still an instrumental influence on the success of the Student Leadership Experience which PHE Sask facilitates each fall.

An experienced school-based administrator and curriculum consultant, Mr. Hayes has been the catalyst to many provincial and national initiatives. He is truly a deserving candidate of the 2023 Paul Renwick Award for PHE Saskatchewan!

Congratulations Graham!

Jack MacKenzie Career Service Award - Dr. Twyla Salm

Following the passing of Jack MacKenzie on August 22, 2018, the then SPEA Executive passed a unanimous motion to rename SPEA’s Career Service Award to the Jack MacKenzie Career Service Award. With the merger of SPEA and SHEA in August of 2021, the new PHE Saskatchewan Executive endorsed the continuation of this award in Jack’s honour. Jack was instrumental in modelling the physically holistic healthy lifestyle that this award truly epitomizes. 

This award has been created in honour of outstanding contribution to Health and Physical Education in the province of Saskatchewan and its schools. The award winner is exclusively chosen by the PHE Saskatchewan Board of Directors and presented at its own discretion and time.

Congratulations go to Dr. Twyla Salm, professor at the University of Regina, for winning the 2023 Jack MacKenzie Career Service Award!

Twyla Salm, Ph.D., is full professor and Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Programs, in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina. Her research focuses on teaching and learning in higher education, with specific interests in developing the professional educator and health curriculum change. She also studies anti-oppressive teacher education, particularly as it applies to interprofessional collaboration. Dr. Salm is a former middle and high school teacher and continues to ground her research in K-12 schools. 

Twyla started her journey in nursing and earned a BSc in Nursing from the U of S, before earning a BEd from the University of Regina. While teaching in Prairie Valley School Division she earned a MEd (Curriculum & Instruction) from University of Regina. She then began working as a full-time professor at the U of R at which time she earned a PhD (Curriculum & Instruction) from the University of Regina in 2006. Her PhD explored the way expertise, influence and power are negotiated within human service integration in the context of SchoolPLUS.

Throughout her career has also been an active advocate for the health and well-being of staff and students by leading through research, presentations, and holding board positions on influential committees such as the U of R Ethics board, Faculty of Education Admission and Studies Committee Member, Saskatchewan, Canadian Association for Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD)

This award is a small token of appreciation for all of her hard work and dedication to her students, her peers, her community and the province of Saskatchewan. She is truly deserving of this very special award!

Congratulations Twyla!

Physical Educator of the Year - Mr. Levi Broda

Levi was born and raised in Melville, Sk. before heading off to Saskatoon to pursue a Bachelor’s of Education and Kinesiology degree at the U of S.   He was excited to accept his first teaching position within the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and was placed at St. Agnes for the 2008-2009 school year. Upon the conclusion of the 09 school year he was brought to Vanier to assume duties as athletic director and physical education teacher. If you have ever visited the gym there to watch a game you have probably run into him! His teaching duties include all physical education classes ranging from grades 9 through 12. He is enthusiastic about all athletic pursuits and enjoys introducing students to new physical activity opportunities.

Vanier has a rich history of athletics and Levi has enjoyed the opportunity to carry on the traditions of those who came before him. As athletic director he oversees all of Vanier’s athletic programs and ensures that all ten of the sanctioned SHSAA sports are equally represented at the school. He has also continued his education by achieving his Masters in Educational Administration and Leadership. He is thrilled when speaking of the athletic culture that exists at Vanier. All of the students have tremendous opportunities to take part in their athletic programs and develop important life skills away from the classroom. Personally, he has been a passionate coach for Senior Boys Volleyball and Track & Field; two programs that have achieved recent success at the local and provincial levels. Levi is an excellent physical educator and most deserving of this award.

Congratulations Levi!

Health Educator of the Year - Ms. Jill Kondratiuk

Jill Kondratiuk has been a health educator for nine years at Martin Collegiate in Regina, Saskatchewan.  Jill models the four pillars of Comprehensive School Community Health.  Over the course of her teaching career, she has been instrumental in creating high quality health education programming for Grade 9’s using the Saskatchewan Health Education Curriculum.  She also teaches Grade 10 students a locally developed course that explores the connection between Mental Health and Addiction.  Jill is involved in the school community through coaching badminton, track and volleyball, and is the teacher advisor for the SRC and the yearbook.  Jill recognizes the shifting landscape of challenges facing youth and uses health education as a way to address issues such as consent, healthy relationships, food security, and the dangers of social media.

She is most deserving of this special award!

Congratulations Jill!

Dr. Andy Anderson Young Professional of the Year (PHE Canada) - Mr. Lynden Proctor

Lynden is being recognized for his outstanding work within the Saskatoon Public School Division and for his commitment and dedication to physical education and health instruction.  He has been instrumental in establishing triple-ball, 3 on 3 basketball, get real movement sessions, social justice in physical education, emotional safety in physical education, and the creation of the HOPE project within the Saskatoon region. His passion for physical education and health has positively impacted the lives of countless students in the Saskatoon area and now across the province.

Lynden’s commitment to physical education and health has helped to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for students of all backgrounds in many schools in Saskatoon.  He has dedicated years of service to this cause and his hard work has been a driving force behind the success of his programs.

Lynden’s award is a testament to his tenacity and dedication to the profession.  He deserves to be commended for his tireless work and his dedication to the students and school community that he serves.

Congratulations Lynden!

Local Initiative Award Winner - Mr. Darcy Lepowick

Darcy is noted for creating a strong land based program at Dr. Brass School in Yorkton that promotes First Nation and Indigenous culture in the school community.

Darcy has brought the enjoyment and the love of Indigenous Culture to the school. He has provided students with an authentic hands-on learning approach. Students learn about respect and the importance of Indigenous and Metis culture through the Grandfather Teachings, Smudging, Cree, Michif, and Saulteaux language. Furthermore Mr. Lypowich has taught students how to remove feathers of birds, skinning various animals, one being the tail of a beaver, and tanning the skin of a fish. This group has also participated in ceremonies at Fort Qu'appelle and Keeseekoose First Nation. As well, he hosted Elder’s visits throughout the year focusing on Indigenous Storytelling and the sharing of lived experiences from the past with his students.

After school he has brought drummers in to work with the students for extra-curricular opportunities. He has also started to get some dancers to work with students interested in dancing.

The students at Dr. Brass School have been so fortunate to work with Mr. Lypowich this past year.  He is a very deserving winner of this Local Initiative Award!

Congratulations Darcy!

Local Initiative Award Winner - Mr. Jason Grieve

Jason has been integral in organizing and establishing a successful athletics program in the school and community on Carry The Kettle First Nation. 

He has committed his professional services to the students in a manner that creates opportunities to compete and participate in after school programming in a way that has not been previously available. The school is connected to provincial partners via high school sports where bridges are now being built between the First Nations and surrounding rural communities. Jason has learned and instilled Indigenous values into the athletic program that students carry when they visit other communities for competition. 

Jason’s commitment to creating life-long movers is evident in the classes that he teaches at the school. His philosophy as a teacher is the concept that everyone has the potential to be movers, he recognizes that everyone’s abilities are at different levels but motivates everyone to maximize those abilities. The culture of the Physical Education program at Nakoda Oyade Education Centre has shifted from previous “organized play” to learning physical literacy at all levels from Pre-kindergarten to grade 12.   

In addition to his service to the students, Jason has become a leader and role model for his peers. He is committed to developing his professional repertoire by volunteering to learn land-based activities from the Nakoda perspective as well as taking the initiative to seek and participate in professional development from provincial allies. Jason is driven, committed, and possesses a strong work ethic. He is a valued member of the local school community. 

Jason has created a culture around physical education and sports that ties the philosophies of team work and committed athletes to learning the skills to take care of ones health in becoming life long movers. Jason has laid the foundation for a life maximized with whole-wellness benefit for the students he serves.  

He is very deserving of this Local Initiative Award!

Congratulations Jason!

Local Initiative Award Winner - Ms. Mykayla Brems

Mykayla Brems is a Grade 3 teacher at Kipling School.  She is an educator who incorporates health education into all of her teaching. She has a calm and steady personality and is always looking to maintain or improve the health of her students.  She is outstanding at building connections with her students because she is so caring and gives them so much respect. 

Examples of Health Education in Ms. Brems’ classroom include:

Mindfulness time: Everyday during period 4 (right after lunch) the class has mindfulness time. This consists of whole group activities, small group, or individual. Some of these activities include, yoga, stretching, reading, journalling, playing with links, kinetic sand etc. It is such a calming environment, where the students can calm down from the craziness of lunch and all students are excited about this time of day.

Choice rotations: During this time there are two scheduled teacher tables. (Two teachers each running a table) If the students are not at a teacher table, they are able to choose their activities (within reason) for example they can choose between, independent ELA, Independent math, reading, technology, hands on math or hands on ELA. This gives the students independence in their work. They know what they must finish, but it also gives them a chance to take a break to read for 15 minutes if that were something that they would like to do. 

Brain Breaks: These occur throughout the day. One usually happens in the morning, that consists of dance, phonics man, etc. Some brain breaks occur in the afternoon during mindfulness time where she includes yoga and stretching as an option. 

Outdoor Physical Education everyday for 30 minutes. Incorporating the environment, such as sledding, building snowman, playing kickball, going for walks, using the outdoor rink etc. 

These are just a few of the many amazing things that Mykayla Brems does in her classroom to promote health and wellness among her students. 

She is a very deserving winner of this Local Initiative Award!

Congratulations Mykayla!

TPSR Alliance of Canada

Distinguished Service Award 2023

Dr. Nick Forsberg

Dr. Forsberg has had a professional teaching career that has been noted through his involvement in physical education, physical literacy, outdoor education, risky play, wellness, and positive healthy promotions for the whole child. His holistic approach to teaching physical education is modelled after the work of Dr. Don Hellison and he is known for his inquisitive nature and instinct in making sure his students are well served and prepared for the future. He is a disciple of Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility and he practices it with his students everyday both at the university, within his research, and in mentoring youth as part of the HOPE Association and the Student Leadership Experience.

Nick has served on the SPEA Board of Directors and held many portfolios over his time of service. He is a past CAHPERD President and has served the nationally with PHE Canada in many capacities throughout his career. Nick has always been noted for his work in promoting the mentorship of young professionals through his work with the Student Leadership Experience (SLE) both nationally and now provincially in Saskatchewan.

He is an excellent role model to all who have had the privilege of knowing him. He is reflective in his approach, passionate about his
teaching, feisty, and always observant of the world around him. He always puts the needs of others first and this is exemplified with his
family, his work, and his community. Wherever Nick has been, he has truly made a positive difference for those placed around him. 

Nick’s professional career and work with SPEA can be summed up in this way; he has always stood for what he believed in and what was right. Dr. Forsberg has challenged the status quo and backed up his beliefs with action that has truly made his students and all of us that have worked with him better people. His tireless efforts in teaching, mentoring, and advocating for the benefits of physical education has positively affected many already and many more in the future. This has truly created a sustainable and positive future for his students and anyone who has ever had the privilege of working with him.

The character traits I just listed match the man who will be awarded this inaugural award.

This award is a small token of appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication that Dr. Forsberg has given to his students, his peers, his community, the Province of Saskatchewan and Canada. He is truly deserving of this very special inaugural award.

Congratulations Nick!