TOPS IN EDUCATION
» Erickson principal Laurie Bachewich receives Premier’s Award for Excellence
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/04/2025 (348 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The principal of two Erickson schools received a top education honour Friday at the Manitoba legislature.
Laurie Bachewich — principal of Erickson Elementary and Erickson Collegiate in the Rolling River School Division — was named as the recipient of the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education.
Described by the province as “a champion for reconciliation in her schools and throughout the division,” Bachewich was one of nine educators singled out for the province’s Excellence in Education Awards.
Education Minister Tracy Schmidt (left) takes a selfie with Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education recipient Laurie Bachewich and husband Kevin Bachewich at the province’s Excellence in Education Awards ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday. (Mikaela MacKenzie/Winnipeg Free Press)
Congratulating this year’s award recipients, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt noted the “huge impact” educators make in the lives of their students.
“Today I am honoured to acknowledge these exceptional educators who create inspiring environments in which to learn,” said Schmidt.
In its backgrounder on Bachewich, the province said she has had “an immediate, profound and lasting impact on staff, students and the surrounding communities,” embracing the schools’ joint vision of Mino-Pimatisiwin (the good life) and fostering school cultures that respect and celebrate each child’s uniqueness.
“To empower students and strengthen their sense of belonging, Bachewich established a variety of community groups, including one related to the Seven Sacred Teachings where students explore each teaching, identify practical ways to put them into practice and promote them throughout the schools,” the province’s backgrounder said.
“Recognizing the power of community connections, she enables students’ participation in the Leda Lake Development Project, the community garden, the Royal Canadian Legion Days, the Rolling River First Nation powwows and other events.”
As part of her community outreach, Bachewich has built strong relationships with the local First Nations communities, inviting elders to share teachings and provide training and mentorship to other principals.
“Bachewich exemplifies exceptional educational leadership,” the province said.
Also presented Friday were three Teaching Excellence Awards (to Amanda Almdal of David Livingstone Community School in the Winnipeg School Division, Jenna Desilets of Ste. Anne Elementary School in the Seine River School Division, Justin Valentino of R.D. Parker Collegiate in the Mystery Lake School District) and the Outstanding New Teacher Award (Jonathan McPhail of Exchange Met School in Seven Oaks School Division).
The Outstanding Team Collaboration Award went to Katelyn Hart, Kelly Mikkelson and Rachel Novak of Green Valley School in the Hanover School Division, and the Outstanding School Leader Award was given to Caleigh Matni-MacDonald of Chan Kagha Otina Dakota Wayawa Tipi School in the Frontier School Division.
The award recipients were chosen by a selection committee made up of representatives from the Manitoba School Boards Association, the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning.
The awards have been presented since 2006.
» The Brandon Sun