Big Day Celebrated at Beachy Cove Elementary

It was a major occasion at Beachy Cove Elementary in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s today as the school community hosted the presentation of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Awards to six recipients from Newfoundland and Labrador – including two students at the school – and the launch of a new mobile web-based application to highlight school activities.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, joined his Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Their Honours the Honourable Frank Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and Mrs. Patricia Fagan, and David Brazil, MHA for Conception Bay East - Bell Island, for the afternoon of events, which saw more than 500 students, staff and special guests on hand to witness the ceremonies.

“I congratulate all six recipients from Newfoundland and Labrador, including sisters Rachel and Julianne Moss from Beachy Cove Elementary, on receiving the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award,” said Minister Jackman. “What an honour it is to receive such recognition for the hard work they have done to help raise about $30,000 for the Janeway Children’s Health & Rehabilitation Centre over the past several years. It just goes to show that any individual, younger or older, can make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

For more information about the award visit: www.gg.ca/caring. A list of the Newfoundland and Labrador award recipients is included in the backgrounder below.

Minister Jackman and MHA Brazil also commended the school on the launch of a new mobile web-based application to highlight school activities and encourage more family and community involvement, a project which received support through the Department of Education.

“This is an excellent way to use new technologies to reach out to the broader school community,” said Mr. Brazil. “Students and families at Beachy Cove Elementary now have another tool to help facilitate even more positive engagement with the school.”

Members of the school community who would like more information on the mobile application are encouraged to contact the school.

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BACKGROUNDER
Caring Canadian Award Recipients and Citations

Todd Churchill, St. Philip's
Todd Churchill is committed to supporting the organizations that help his son Carter, who has cerebral palsy and is hearing-impaired. He raised funds by renting out the full-size hockey rink in his backyard, featuring side boards, nets and lights, which he built himself. The initiative, dubbed Reason for the Rink, became a huge success, raising both awareness and funding for the Mazol Shriners, Easter Seals of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Rainbow Raiders therapeutic riding program.

Father Michael Horlick, St. John’s
Known for his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to his community, Father Horlick has supported veterans and their families for several years by organizing commemorative ceremonies honouring Canadian heroes. With great compassion, Father Horlick has regularly visited veterans in their homes, in hospitals and in palliative care centres for veterans.

Julianne and Rachel Moss, Portugal Cove-St. Philip's
Since 2009, Julianne and Rachel Moss have raised funds to support the Janeway Children’s Health & Rehabilitation Centre. When Rachel broke her leg at age four, the two sisters determined they would give back to the institution that had helped her recover. Starting with a goal of raising $100 by selling homemade bracelets, they have since raised $30,000. Their creations now include magnets, snowman pins, Christmas ornaments, hair clips and much more.

George Herbert Powell, St. John’s
With exemplary determination and perseverance, George Herbert Powell has donated his time to various causes for over 26 years. Notably, he has assisted refugees and new residents in his region, organized St. John’s Festival 500, and helped out in seniors’ residences.

Marie Ryall, St. John’s
For over 25 years, Marie Ryall has served her community by taking part in numerous fundraising campaigns benefitting the hospitals in her region. Her good humour and energy have also made her a welcome presence for seniors at the centres in her region, who credit her with brightening their day.

2013 06 13                                          1:35 p.m.