Kaleigh Henrikson and her students at Steinbach Regional Secondary School recently had a tremendously successful experience at the Provincial and National Skills Competitions, both of which took place here in Winnipeg.

The Provincial Competition for Software Applications took place on April 13, 2017 at the Red River College Roblin Street Campus.  Kaleigh was able to bring three students who trained with her for many hours outside of class (and independently on weekends!) to achieve the level they felt was required to succeed at this event. And succeed they did.  All three students, Felina, Jana and Lia spend the day creating presentations, databases and documents using MS Office software.  In addition to being a high school Business Teacher, Kaleigh enjoys success as a high-level Amateur Hockey Coach.  Kaleigh was surprised at how much her knowledge of sports psychology could help prepare her students for future competitions.  Waiting to hear the final results during the presentation ceremonies was as nerve racking as the final moments of a gold medal hockey game!  When it was announced that Jana had placed 3rd and Lia had placed first, the entire Steinbach group was thrilled with their success.

This Skills Competition was about more than just software applications.  Lia expressed that through the process she “learned to work independently and it helped her increase her problem solving skills”. She also said that because you’re in a competition she felt that she pushed herself even more than she typically does in class. She wasn’t able to ask for help as a last resort like she does in class, it was all on her and gave a more “real life” feel to her work.

The National Skills Competition took place on May 29th and 30th at the RBC Convention Centre here in Winnipeg.  while Lia did not place during this event, as a grade 11 student, she says loved the experience and will use it to participate next year.  Kaleigh thinks that the best part of the day was hearing how Lia was having fun the whole time.  Now that’s what teaching is all about! Authentic learning, community connections and deeper thinking.  Congratulations to Lia, Felina and Jana for all their hard work, and thank you to Kaleigh for giving her students a way to succeed.

Steinbach student, Lia, wins the Gold Medal at the Provincial Skills Competition.