The nominees for this year’s Inspiring Success Award of Distinction include Christine Ivanc, Vice Principal at École Coloniale Estates School (ECES) in Beaumont.

As vice-principal, she enthusiastically assumes a variety of roles and responsibilities, always maintaining a positive and upbeat attitude. She is a strong shoulder to lean on as well as an open ear to listen. “For Christine, the needs and best interests of the staff and students are always high on the priority list,” said ECES teacher Sheila Fraser, who co-nominated the vice principal for the award. “As a highly respected member of the community, she is a symbol of what effective public education looks like.”

Christine has long been a contributing member of the Beaumont community and the school division: student, parent, teacher, and now as a school administrator. She has also taken on the role of director for the Beaumont Hockey Academy, and over the past four year has taken the program to new heights.

Throughout the school Christine is known as a passionate advocate for wellness. She inspires and encourages staff and students to always do their best and to remain focused on their goals. Her ever-present smile and words of encouragement continually help boost morale. Her simple thank-yous inspire those around her to continue striving for their best.

“It’s the little things she does on a daily basis that make the biggest difference,” said ECES teacher and co-nominator Heather Skerry. “Christine’s daily check-ins with students and staff demonstrates her wealth of caring and respect. She is the first individual to step in when situations call for “all hands on deck,” the first to offer help, or simply takes it upon herself to complete tasks around the school.”

During the COVID shut-downs Christine ensured ECES remained in touch with the school community via daily video messages, and her weekly information memos to staff and parents continue.

“Christine regularly goes above and beyond to strengthen the strong sense of family and community that École Coloniale Estates School is so proud of,” said ECES teacher and co-nominator Sherry-Lynn Gudmundson. “Her leadership impact on the school community is awe-inspiring, and we are so proud to have her in our Black Gold family.”