(FORT MCMURRAY, AB – May 29, 2018) Fort McMurray Public School District (FMPSD) and Fort McMurray Catholic School District (FMCSD) proudly welcomed back Mr. Gary Ho, CEO, Tzu Chi Canada, and his delegation.
The Vancouver-based Buddhist Compassion Relief Foundation is involved with charitable and humanitarian services across the globe.
Mr. Ho was in town on May 23 and 24 along with Ms. Sophia Tseng, Vice Head Principal of Tzu Chi Humanistic Academy, Ms. Lili Chen, secretary, Ms. Chun Tu Fu, teacher of Tzu Chi Humanistic Academy, and Ms. Chiao Heng Chen, teacher of Tzu Chi Humanistic Academy.
They toured local schools from both districts, where student leaders showcased “The Leader in Me,” programs funded by the group.
Learning about Leader in Me during Math class at Dr. Clark Student Leaders at Islamic School tour Mr. Ho
Last January both districts received an almost $700,000 post-wildfire donation for the leadership program, which is designed to help teachers develop leadership skills in students. The delegation toured Fort McMurray Islamic School, Dr. Clark Public School, Christina Gordon Public School, Saint Kateri School, Saint Martha School, and Sister Mary Phillips School.
Linda Mywaart, Chair, FMPSD Board of Trustees presented a memento of appreciation to Mr. Ho – a collage depicting all the Leader in Me school students in action.
“It is an honour to present this memento from Fort McMurray Public School District to the Tzu Chi Foundation. Your incredible generosity has meant so much to us. And, like this collage, our schools have come together to embrace Leader in Me – an incredible program, which believes every student is a leader, now flourishing in seven schools – because of you,” Chair Mywaart said.
“In keeping with your goal to serve in compassion, our student leaders give back to the community. Whether it is the soup kitchen, Salvation Army, or the food bank, FMPSD students are everywhere helping our region. They champion their schools, and fellow students. We see greeters, public s
peaking leaders, recycling leaders, office leaders, diversity leaders, and lunch monitor leaders, to name a few. They are making their schools better, just as they are making their community better,” she continued.
"The legacy of this generous gift and support from the Tzu Chi Foundation continues to be evident in our schools. Leader in Me provides an additional means for our students and staff to pay forward the support we've received in our region for the past two years. The Tzu Chi Foundation has been integral in bringing Leader in Me to all of our elementary schools in the Fort McMurray Catholic Schools family,” noted Paula Galenzoski, Board Chair, Fort McMurray Catholic Board of Education.
Mr. Ho was impressed with all the schools, and appreciated the warm welcome.
“We are flattered. It’s great to see the smiles, and the students happy. I see them using Leader in Me language already. They are true leaders. This program runs well. I’m grateful to the teachers, parents, and both school districts for their efforts. Parents told me ‘be proactive; synergize; and think win-win’ are regular terms in their house. Who knows in 10 years, Fort McMurray might be the first city in Canada, even the world to be using the Leader in Me language,” he enthused.