Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to two members of the Range Lake North School parents advisory group for their distinguished and long volunteer services at the school.

Madam Speaker, on the first Wednesday of every month since becoming an MLA, unless I am out of town, I have attended the parents advisory group meeting at Range Lake North School and I was able to do that again last night. But this time it was a gathering of appreciation and farewell. Linda Corkal has served as the chair of the committee for the past 11 years. Sue Bennie has served on the group for the past nine years. For Linda, she is graduating from PAC because her two kids have grown up and the youngest is graduating on June 27th. For Sue, her family has decided to move for new experiences in other parts of the country.

Many teachers came out to the gathering. A fitting tribute to two mothers who spent hours and hours helping out at the school, in addition to their volunteer work for the parents advisory group.

Madam Speaker, Range Lake North School parents advisory group, like many others in the Territories, is made up of parents who volunteer their time, knowledge and resources for one reason and for one reason only: because they care about the education their children and their friends at the school receive. They want to contribute to that process. They don’t expect anything else in return and they certainly don’t get any remuneration or gratitude for all their hard work.

Madam Speaker, with the participation and leadership of Linda and Sue, Range Lake North School’s PAC has built a strong record of action on behalf of students and teachers. They succeeded in convincing the city government to install flashing crosswalk lights at very busy intersections. They continually provide extra clothing and snack food for students who need them. In fact, they taught me that reflection tapes are not a meditation video, but something that you put on the back of children’s jackets for their safety in the dark.

For many years they have volunteered for lunchtime supervision, they have helped the teachers in their normal time and during the busy report card time. I have to say, Madam Speaker, they have taught me, through the good meetings with PAC, a lot about what goes on at the school and in the world of students and teachers.

Madam Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The Member for Range Lake is seeing unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Ms. Lee, you may conclude your statement.

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Madam Speaker, the teachers were mostly grateful for the leadership role they played in organizing a major fundraising event called Family Fun Night for the past 11 years. During that time they have raised thousands of dollars. Just last year I was there when we were able to give out $10,000 that we raised and distributed to teachers and students. I have to say I really enjoyed this process. Each teacher applied for money and we go around the table looking at the merit of each proposal. We talk around the table until we all achieve a consensus. Everyone gets their say and we talk and listen until we are happy with the result. How I wish we could work out our budget like that around this Assembly.

---Laughter

Madam Speaker, I could tell you that they have just given thousands of dollars to the school and what they have done and the difference they make to the school is immeasurable. I would just like to express, on behalf of the constituents of Range Lake, my heartfelt appreciation and to wish them the very best in their future life. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause