Laidlaw School opens its doors to host citizen ceremony

We are always looking for opportunities to open our doors and connect with our community. In March, Laidlaw School hosted a special Canadian citizenship ceremony. Fifty people became new Canadians, including Laidlaw’s principal, Jacqui Kroeker.

“I love being part of this community and I wanted to share this special day with my family, but I consider everyone in this school and my colleagues in Pembina Trails members of my extended family,” shared Kroeker. “I am surrounded by the incredible people I work with every day, who have helped me become the person I am here today. Our experiences and our stories form who we are, and I have loved all of my time here in Canada, from arriving here on a student visa, to a working visa, to a Permanent Resident, to now becoming a citizen.”

Principal Kroeker, who was born in Warrington, England, admits that writing the citizenship test was a humbling experience. Hosting the ceremony was also an opportunity, on many levels, for Laidlaw students.

“What better way to teach students about diversity by seeing this special event of new immigrants becoming Canadian citizens. There will be people from all around the world. They can see for themselves what an important event this is and how we all come together as one in a country that values cultural diversity and honours everyone. We are using the circle of courage as part of our school plan this year, and one part of this is learning about the spirit of belonging; what better way to do this than welcome new immigrants into our school to watch them become Canadian citizens,” said Kroeker.

Manitoba’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Janice Filmon, Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, City Councillor, Kevin Klein, Pembina Trails Chair of the Board, Jaime Glenat and divisional Elder, Winston Wuttunee, were among the many honoured guests.

Our Chair of the Board brought greetings and congratulated the 50 new Canadians including Principal Kroeker.

“We are fortunate she chose to start her teaching career in Winnipeg. She is a true leader and embodies the values of our great school division. We know sharing this moment with her Laidlaw family is a dream come true,” shared Glenat.

On behalf of our Board and Senior Administration, we would like to congratulate all the new Canadians.