DURHAM -- A Port Perry High School teacher's dedication to students has earned him school board recognition. Robert Almack is this year's recipient of the Bruce Mather Award, heard those attending the Sept. 17 Durham District School Board meeting. Chosen by a committee from 10 nominations, Mr. Almack was instrumental in developing the Durham Forest as a residential outdoor education centre and creating the Academy of Reading.
"I want to say how outstanding a person he is," said Pickering Trustee Sherry Croteau, who was on the selection committee.
"These are kids that are sitting on the edge of not making it," she said, referring to those with whom he works. She added he pulls them back into the education system so they can finish high school and go on to other things.
During his acceptance speech, Mr. Almack thanked the board.
"But, this award is the result of the collected efforts of many talented and dedicated people," he said.
Mr. Almack talked about how he became involved in helping struggling kids learn to read and was hooked right away. He thanked all the people involved, those who helped get the Academy of Reading going, and made investments to help children learn to read.
He also discussed two students with whom he's worked. One had received a massive brain injury, spent time in The Hospital for Sick Children, and missed two years of primary education. In Grade 9, the area of his brain that makes reading automatic was damaged - it must be rewired now because he can read books fluently, said Mr. Almack.
Another child came to the school in Grade 9 and had problems with the alphabet, but by age 16, he could read his driver's manual.
"The Bruce Mather award is not about me, it's about our collective goal to make students' lives better," said Mr. Almack.
Developing reading automaticity is the most important thing they can do to help students learn and become confident adults, he added.
"I am thankful I work with such a progressive team, to all of you who made this award possible, thank you," he said.