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Calgary substitute teacher wins skeleton title
When not in the classroom shaping emerging young minds, substitute teacher Dave Greszczszyn can be found hurtling down an icy track at high speeds on the equivalent of a cafeteria tray on blades — and winning.
Greszczszyn won the Canadian men’s skeleton championships at Canada Olympic Track in Calgary on Nov. 2 with a two-run time of 1:59:84. It was the second consecutive national title for the 35-year-old known as “Grizz.”
A substitute teacher with the Calgary Board of Education, Greszczszyn secured the win by improving on his first run time by more than two seconds.
“I knew I had to dig deep for the second run,” he told the Calgary Herald. “I felt good and just felt the sled accelerate down the track and just did as little as possible.”
Bowden Grandview teacher honoured
Danielle Ringheim is this year’s recipient of the Sharon Armstrong Early Years of Practice Award from the ATA Special Education Council.
For the last four years Ringheim has taught high school English, social studies and CALM classes at Bowden Grandview School, and has served as the student services co-ordinator on the school’s learning support team.
Her skillful and innovative teaching practices have their roots in her own family, where she witnessed the struggles her brother went through growing up with learning needs that were not well supported.
“My older brother had unique learning needs but, unfortunately, when we were in school there wasn’t an emphasis on inclusion, and I think the consequences of that are everlasting,” she said.
Ringheim said she’s grateful to work in a school system that is leading the way in helping all students succeed with a teaching approach that emphasizes treating each child as a whole person.
While the work can be hard, Ringheim finds it very gratifying to be able to help students succeed in achieving their goals.
“I’m honoured to receive this award, but I am more honoured to be working with these students.” ❚
