ARCHIVED—Recipient Bios
Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
Year: 2002 – Province: Quebec
Certificate of Achievement Recipients
Bonnie Mitchell
School: Howard S. Billings Regional High School
210, rue McLeod
Châteauguay, Quebec J6J 2H4
Principal: Norman Woods
School Telephone: 450-691-3230
School Fax: 450-691-3234
Grades/Subjects Taught: Grades 10-11, English, French, math, drama in alternative program
Teaching Approach:
- Build teams and recognize everyone's contribution.
- Demand high standards of behaviour and achievement while simultaneously building students' sense of self-worth.
Outstanding Achievements:
Sets high-risk students on the path to academic success with alternative program "Directions." Under Mitchell's direction, a team of teachers provides a student-centred, well-structured program enabling students to find new, more positive directions and begin to succeed in school. Community action projects build pride and self-esteem, research and study projects build academic knowledge and skills. Mitchell is constantly seeking out new instructional techniques and sponsorships, grants and other resources to give her students the extra "boost" they need.
Created intensively hands-on media course based on suggestions and ideas of students. The course developed out of a drama course variety show on the theme of "identity crisis," which highlighted the cultural diversity of the school; the funds earned from the performances were used to purchase filming and editing equipment. The students use television, radio, print and cultural study sources to research and create self-selected projects over the school year and also create a 90-minute video sold with the school yearbook.
Rave Reviews:
"The streetwise students take her measure quickly and find absolutely no deceit, condescension or guile. Bonnie teaches respect for the people they are and they become entranced with her unshakeable belief in the people they are capable of becoming." Parent
"Her ability to stimulate students' desire to learn, her endless devotion to spending as many hours working one-on-one as it takes to reach a student, her rapport with each individual student, her support and encouragement have made this project a resounding success." Colleague