The Principal at a Kemptville school is being recognized for her creativity and innovation.
Principal at Oxford on Rideau Public School Laura Oliver has been named a recipient of the Upper Canada District School Board’s 2021 Trustee Innovation Award.
Oliver was one of eight individuals selected for the award, which recognizes staff for innovative teaching and work practices.
She says she earned the honour for her work on COVIDEO 2020, an online film and art festival, which showcased artwork done by students all over the region.
“Kids really worked with their families, they were resourceful and used things from around the house to create these videos” Oliver said. “So, they really showed their creativity and ingenuity,”
Oliver launched COVIDEO 2020 as part of her role leading the school board’s Drama Subject Council, in an effort to get students from Kindergarten to share their work in drama, music, and visual arts during the time of remote learning.
This platform supported students working with each other in their own schools and between schools to foster engagement during the pandemic.
As for winning the award, Oliver says it fills her with a sense of appreciation and accomplishment.
“It really lifted my spirits,” Oliver said. “I guess for me, even though it was a passion project, I just really appreciated that other people enjoyed and appreciated it as well.”
Oliver will receive her award in the fall at her school, and she will also be a part of a video presentation at the Board of Trustees meeting.