Gilbert Paterson teacher named Edwin Parr nominee
By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on March 14, 2024.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com
The Lethbridge School Division has announced this year’s Edwin Parr Award nominee for outstanding first-year teacher was selected from Gilbert Paterson Middle School.
In a release shared with media on Wednesday, the division announced Mahaliah Peddle, who recently joined the Gilbert Paterson Middle School at the beginning of the current school year, has been selected as its nominee.
The release states Peddle has been teaching Grade 6 and Grade 7 French Immersion after completing her Bachelor of Education in Modern Languages (French and Spanish) at the University of Lethbridge.
Prior to completing her studies, Peddle was already supporting students across the Lethbridge School Division as an Educational Assistant and as the assistant coach for club volleyball at Gilbert Paterson.
In the release Peddle says she is honoured and grateful to be nominated for the award and being part of the Gilbert Paterson school community.
“Seeing my students try new things, learn and grow as individuals are some of the biggest joys of teaching. I am also grateful to be a part of the amazing school community at Gilbert Paterson Middle School. My colleagues are incredibly supportive and encouraging and have helped me in countless ways to become the teacher I am today,” said Peddle.
 She adds that she is deeply honoured to represent her school and the Division through being nominated for this award.
The school’s administrative team, including principal Morgan Day and vice-principals Catherine Thorsen and Pierre Legal, state in the release that Peddle’s dedication to the school community can be seen on a daily basis.
“Her exceptional dedication, passion and commitment to our French Immersion program has not gone unnoticed, and this recognition is truly well deserved,” said the team.
 They added that having had the privilege of witnessing her teaching firsthand, they have been impressed by her innovative approaches, genuine care for her students and unwavering dedication to their educational success.
 “We thank her for her outstanding contributions to the field of education and the positive impact she has made in student learning.”
3
-2