Winnipeg Election 2018

Pamela Kolochuk - Louis Riel - 4

Why did you decide to run in the 2018 (Winnipeg Civic Election / School Board Election)?

I have a deep passion for education that started at an early age being a child of a School Teacher and Administrator. I believe that the quality of education that is provided to our children is what sets them up on their path in life and enables them to be a successful human being. My husband and I have two children that are currently part of the public school system and I want to ensure that they and others are provided the opportunity for the best education possible.

After being part of Parent Council for over four years, I felt that I had more to give and wanted to continue to have a positive impact on all the schools in the division, not just Ecole Van Belleghem and their school community.

I believe that there are opportunities that have not yet been discovered or uncovered to ensure our children have access to a great education. I believe the success of their education is determined by the Administrators, Teachers and support staff in the school. Ensuring that they have the tools, resources and support needed is the first step in ensuring our kids are getting the best education.

What experience will you bring to complement your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee)?

I am a Certified Professional Accountant with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. I have a strong financial background with a focus on decreasing costs and improving processes through change. I have managed many successful projects ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000. I have been part of Senior Executive teams and Boards for over 15 years.

I have prior board experience with the Children’s Hospital Foundation – Teddy Bear’s Picnic as the Volunteer Coordinator of over 500 volunteers. I was also on the Howden Preschool Board and Van Belleghem Preschool Board. I have been a part of the Ecole Van Belleghem Parent Council for over 4 years, holding different positions from Grant Coordinator, Vice President and President.

During my time on the Parent Council I had the ability to work with the school community and Government (Matt Allard–City Councilor, Andrew Smith–MLA and Dan Vandal-MP) and execute multiple projects. I secured over $100,000 in Grant Funding to build a $200,000 playground. I also managed the playground project. This project and the successful transition from a K-6 school to a K-8 school afforded me the ability to create a great working relationship with the City, Provincial and Federal Government.

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee), and why are these issues important to you?

I support an education of equality that is available and inclusive to all students, staff and parents. I believe every child is entitled to an education that provides opportunities for them to grow, challenges them to learn and enables them to believe in themselves. Every child should have access to a library, arts program, music program and physical education. These are key to the development and engagement of children.

I support access to an education within the community you are living. I believe schools should be available within close proximity or transportation provided to ensure a safe route to school. Lack of transportation adds stress to the children and parents for access to a human right – education.

I support small classroom sizes, day cares and preschools in the school. They help create community and provide support and opportunities to the families in the school.

I support administration and teachers in ensuring they receive the support they need to do a great job with our kids. This includes additional support staff in classrooms, training and resources. Kids shouldn’t have to go to another division in order to get the support they need.

 

What is something that you appreciate about the (City of Winnipeg / the ward / the school ward or school division) you wish to represent?

I appreciate that the parent in Ward 4 are looking for change. They are prepared to stand up and take action for the quality of education that is provided to their children and will not settle for anything sub-par. As the landscape changes in education it is important to have open and honest communication between the division and the community.

The schools in Ward 4 have strong parent councils and parents that support education and their schools. They are active participants and this has shown through the opportunities and accomplishments that are happening at each school. This is having a positive impact for the students and community.