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Credenda Graduation Speech Receives Standing Ovation
PRINCE ALBERT – October 15, 2011 – Credenda Virtual High School and College celebrated the graduation of thirty‐four people from their college programs at a gala event on Saturday afternoon. Twenty‐six graduates and their families traveled from northern communities such as Ile a la Cross, La Ronge, Wollaston Lake and North Battleford to accept Educational Assistant, Office Administration, Library Technician certificates and Early Learning and Childcare certificates and diplomas.
The event was also attended by Prince Albert Mayor Jim Scarrow, dignitaries from Prince Albert Grand Council and staff from the partnering colleges of Red River and Lakeland College. Vice Chief Don Deranger summarized the sentiments of the dignitaries when he stated, "We are so proud of you…. You have taken this opportunity to get the training you needed and now you can contribute to your own lives, the lives of your families, and to your community."
Vince Hill, Credenda's Director of Education hosted the event and explained, "Credenda has had over 150 graduates since our first grad in 2008. In our Library Technician program alone we had fifteen graduates in March this year with a total of forty‐eight in 2011. When our students don't have to leave their communities and their lives to learn, we have a 92% success rate."
Dora Sha'Oulle demonstrated this success when she gave the Convocation Message. Dora earned her Library Technician certificate while working in the high school library at Hatchet Lake. In her opening remarks she shared, "My kids really respect me for what I am doing." She continued to tell her story, "It was nice that I was able to do this without leaving my community… Having a full‐time job, plus a family to look after was a struggle. There were times when I wanted to give up. With the encouragement from my Instructor and classmates, I never gave up and that is what helped me continue on with the online course."
"Last year I was diagnosed with cancer on September 4, I was in shock and everything seemed to collapse. That was the day I gave up on my course. I thought all the studying and struggling was for nothing. While I was in the treatment, I thought about my course. I only had eight assignments and I thought 'I can do this'. At the time I was really sick from all my treatments, but I kept studying. My dear friends, education is never too late. I struggled to succeed and I have achieved my goal." Dora received a standing ovation for her speech and many in the crowd were moved to tears.
Some of the diploma graduates are now looking to enter into the Bachelor of Arts in Northern Studies from the University of Saskatchewan which is delivered on‐line through Credenda. Mayor Scarrow encouraged the group to continue their education when he stated, "We're very proud of you…. What a great opportunity that you can use [Credenda programs] towards your BA in Northern Studies."
"Our goal is to help build capacity in northern communities, whether First Nations or Non‐First Nations. If our students can live, work and learn in their communities by using the latest technology, that's a good thing," says Hill.
Pictures from the event can be found on the Credenda Virtual High School and College Facebook page. Credenda offers high school, adult 12, college and training courses. The main office is based in Prince Albert and all courses are offered on‐line with a live teacher. Check out their website at www.credenda.net to "be the change you want to see".
Virtual School Practices Real Service
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – September 12, 2011—Saskatchewan's Credenda Virtual High School and College has established a relationship with Amani School in Tanzania, Africa. Both schools are looking forward to learning and working together.
In the Amani School's reply to Credenda's invitation, they wrote, "For this letter, as Amani Primary School we are very happy, also we are inviting you to be Amani's Sister School, is blessing to us, because we are going to learn many things from you."
The Amani School motto is "Together We Can". The school is growing by a grade a year. In 2012, they will add Standard Four and are now approved to teach English. In Tanzania, secondary school is taught in English so students need it to succeed.
Credenda is a virtues based school. Director Vince Hill explains, "We are thrilled to be their sister school. We know the importance of Ghandi’s 'be the change you wish to see in the world'. It is amazing how their school philosophy matches ours. They are very holistic and student centered. I also love their motto, 'Together We Can' because the best way to learn is together."
Guidance Counselor Steve Winkler is excited, "We've already been able to make a donation of $2000 from the staff "Casual Friday" fund. This will go a long way towards the desks and texts needed for Standard Four when it begins in January 2012."
Credenda and Amani students will be exchanging letters and learning about each other. Credenda students will have the opportunity to practice service and generosity as they raise funds for their sister school. The Credenda web page http://www.credenda.net/GlobalService has samples of the first batch of Amani student letters and more information on the Amani School.
Students of Amani School, sister school of Credenda Virtual High School and College, pose for the camera. The Amani School is in Tanzania, Africa and recently accepted Credenda’s invitation to establish a relationship to learn and work together.
Caption: Students of Amani School, sister school of Credenda Virtual High School and College, pose for the camera. The Amani School is in Tanzania, Africa and recently accepted Credenda’s invitation to establish a relationship to learn and work together.
Hyperlinks Traded for Golf Links
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – September 9, 2011 – Staff of Credenda Virtual High School and College set aside their usual hyperlinks on Friday September 9, 2011 to join other golfers on the links for the Big Brothers Big Sister of Prince Albert's 2nd Annual Diva for a Day Ladies Golf Tournament at Cooke Municipal Golf Course. All proceeds from the event go to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters "Go Girl" program.
Chris MacAulay, a Credenda Information Technology Consultant, was auctioned off the night before the tournament and purchased by Credenda's Glamour Gals; Deanne Riese, Lori Gay, Nancy Carswell, and Tanya Jackson. MacAulay volunteered to be caddy, "Tanya asked me to caddy for the tournament and I agreed because I know Big Brothers Big Sisters does good work. Then she added that it was a man auction but I stuck it out anyways."
Jackson knew Diva Tournament organizer Allyson Wall was looking for teams. She pitched the idea to Credenda. Credenda saw a great opportunity to be of service to the local community. Jackson says, "Big Brother Big Sisters helps out children from single parent families so there is the reward of knowing we can make a difference. Anytime I volunteer I find my life richer. At Credenda, we have a staff 'Casual Friday' fund that was used to purchase our awesome caddy, Chris and for the Glamour Gals' registration."
The golfers and caddy appreciated the treats from local businesses at various holes and all would join these links again next year.
Caption: Glamour Gal Lori Gay swings for a good cause while Caddy Chris MacAuley and team members Nancy Carswell and Tanya Jackson look on.