Congratulations to our long-standing staff member Mrs. Reesa Pawer who was recently nominated for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education in the category of Outstanding Support – Teaching Assistant.
Morah Reesa has been a member of the RJDS family since 2006 working both as an Education Assistant and Student Life Coordinator. She was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. and has two sons who are both RJDS alumni. Morah Reesa has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and taught preschool for many years.
The Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Award awards are awarded annually, recognizing the enormous contributions of B.C.’s exceptional teachers, administrators and support staff that are vital to the cultural, economic and social well-being of our students. Morah Ressa’s extraordinary commitment to students and our entire school community makes her an exceptional candidate for this nomination. She consistently ensures that each child she works with is provided with the instruction, supports, and services they need to make progress and thrive in school. Moreover, her ability to connect and build a positive and strong rapport with students in their own intellectual and social needs through individualized support and encouragement is truly commendable.
In addition to the universal and targeted support that Morah Reesa provides our students, Morah Reesa has also contributed to a healthy, safe and productive school community by championing inclusive, connected and engaging learning experiences for students, parents and the community both inside the building and beyond its walls. For example, sponsoring the Chesed – Kindness Club, Morah Reesa has worked with students at RJDS in our fundraising to support countless community initiatives such as the Variety Club, Project Somos for Guatemala, and Richmond’s Regional Animal Protection Society. In addition, she has had our students work with seniors including those at the Kehila Society and Chabad Richmond, organizing choir and dance presentations, pen-pal exchanges and grandparents tea for the elderly in our community. Another major contribution is her work with a neighboring school, Az Zahraa Islamic Centre. Together with students from both schools, Morah Reesa sought out donations from community businesses such as Save-on-Foods and organized the students in distributing over 700 meals to the homeless in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Below is a testimony from one of our RJDS parent’s about Morah Reesa’s impact:
“Mrs. Pawer’s Israeli Dance program at the school has offered my daughters an engaging outlet to explore their culture, a fun physical activity, and a chance to showcase their talents to the larger Vancouver community…. My daughter, who has some learning challenges, including learning languages, was able to learn Hebrew songs and dance through the lunchtime workshops with Mrs. Pawer. …Mrs. Pawer not only choreographed and taught the students the dances, but she organized all aspects of participation in the local festivals and performances, spent evenings and weekends preparing the students, supporting them, traveling with them, and even including celebration packages for each student. She communicated with parents, making the events so easy to just enjoy, knowing she handled everything from student stress to last-minute venue changes…” – Parent, RJDS
Congratulations Morah Ressa on your nomination for the Premier Awards for Excellence in Education! You are an exceptional educator and the staff and students are lucky to have you as a part of the RJDS Family!
Y5 Creative
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