Krista Richard

Year: 2016 – Province: New Brunswick

Certificate of Achievement Recipient

Krista Richard

Forest Glen Elementary School
43 Keenan Drive
Moncton, New Brunswick  E1A 3P8

Principal: Craig Hutchings
School telephone: 506-856-3414
School email: craig.hutchings@nbed.nb.ca
School website: http://forestglenschool.nbed.nb.ca

Subjects and grades taught: Physical Education, Kindergarten to Grade 4

From bringing in the latest in equipment and technology, to ensuring that children have new sneakers in which to play, Krista Richard enriches school and student life through physical activity and fun.

Teaching approach

Ms. Richard seeks to have children learn to enjoy physical activity in a non-competitive atmosphere, instilling in them sportsmanship and the importance of safety. She teaches students a catchy phrase to help them remember these important principles: "Have fun. Play safe. Get along. If it hurts, it's wrong!"

Outstanding achievements

  • Offers an extensive after-school program to give children from low socio-economic backgrounds the chance to participate in sports and activities, and to provide much needed structure for their late afternoon hours.
  • Links participation in after-school activities and her regular sport-a-thon on Friday nights to positive student behaviour and good attendance, with widespread improvements resulting in both areas.
  • Introduced the Spark Bike to the school: advocated and fundraised for these silent stationary bikes that allow students who struggle to concentrate to benefit from the calming effects of cycling; the goal is to have one in each classroom, since the effects have been so positive.
  • Capitalized on her participation in the Olympic Torch Relay to develop school-wide interest in the games, including learning about the hard work and determination it takes to be an Olympic athlete.
  • Created Fit Fridays: each week representatives from a community group or club introduce students to a new physical activity, such as yoga, tae kwon do or tennis; these sessions also strengthen connections between the school and the community.

Rave reviews

"In her dedicated and tireless way, Krista had the ability to provide the inclusive education and social network that my son and many others were in desperate need of."

Parent of student with disabilities

"Krista not only teaches her students about respect and inclusion. She is a role model to others through her actions."

Former principal