Superannuation celebrates teachers who are retiring from the profession. The STA recognizes and honours the commitment and service of these teachers every year, typically in June.
Registration for the STA Superannuation Celebration is now open! Please contact superannuation@saskatoonteachers.ca if you are superannuating, but have not yet received the email with registration information.
Andre Poisson
Andrea Hettel
Bill Fahlman
Carol Sarich
Catherine Schabel
Cheryl Arnold
David Pilon
Denise Keehborn
Dietta Todos
Donnie Davidsen
Jana Lalach
Jenn Gruending-Pizurny
Keely Vickaryous
Kevin Leschyshyn
Kim Hergott
Maria Monteiro
Melissa Stockbrugger-Knaus
Rick Garchinski
Sandra Ehr
Sheila Brown
Todd Paslawski
Tony Bairos
Tamara Resch
Tricia Armstrong
Vicky Neufeld
Angela Anderson
Carol Slater
Catherine Powell
Cathy Frain
Chris Mirwald
Corey Apesland
Dawn Heck
Diane Clouthier
Ian Wilson
Janet Williams
Jud Heilman
Kellie Bell
Lanette Smyth
Laurena Lee
Leslie Ruo
Maria Jones
Megan O'Shea
Mike Stockham
Murray Guest
Najla Akl
Paula Patola
Paula Pete
Sharon Braun
Shauna Tilbury
Stefanie Stefanson-Pexa
Terry Horsley-Dewar
Warren Hay
Wendy Jerred
Please note that this list is incomplete. This is because some superannuates have requested that their names not be listed.
After 36 very memorable years in education—23 in the classroom and 13 as an English as an Additional Language teacher, Andrea is retiring with a heart full of gratitude. She has treasured every moment of her career, finding immense joy and purpose in each student she taught, every family she connected with, and the incredible colleagues she had the privilege to work alongside. While she will deeply miss the day-to-day interactions that made her journey so special, Andrea looks forward to spending her retirement creating memorable moments with family and friends, discovering new hobbies, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to the community.
I am celebrating 40 years as an educator. I began my career teaching in Calgary , with 21 years in Saskatoon. Looking forward to spending my retirement travelling, playing golf, and living at the lake.
Catherine’s teaching career began in 1992 in the village of Domremy, SK. After one week with just one student to teach, the school was closed, and she was transferred to Wakaw School and Ecole St. Isidore de Bellevue. The following year, she was hired by the Nipawin School Division to teach at Smeaton School in the village of Smeaton. There, she taught grades 1 to 3 altogether in one classroom, plus grades 4 to 6 core French. Teaching in a three-grade classroom was a huge learning curve, especially since all three grades were new to her. Catherine is forever grateful for her mother’s support and advice, which helped her through the first few months. The next year, it became a four-grade classroom, but what’s one more grade? While in Smeaton, she learned to use a spirit duplicator and to keep a manual attendance register. The internet also arrived during her stay there. Oh, how times have changed! After five years in Smeaton, Catherine moved to Saskatoon to teach core French for one year and then returned to the primary classroom where she was happiest. Twenty-six years of her career have been spent in grade one, and she feels honored to have helped hundreds of children learn to read. She has taught in ten schools during her career and treasures the memories and friendships made in each one. She also served as an STA staff representative for approximately twenty years and was a member of the STA Superannuation Committee for over ten years.
Catherine looks forward to traveling, gardening, spending time at the family cabin at Candle Lake, reading, cooking, and having more time with her husband, Brian; her children, Alysha and Matthew; and with other family and friends.
Corey Apesland has had a wonderful and memorable career in education. He earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and then worked as a teacher in Macklin, Kindersley, and Kinistino. He was honoured when he secured his first permanent position in Kinistino, taking over from the retiring teacher who had personally inspired him to become a teacher. After that, Corey went back to school to complete his Master of Education degree in Educational Administration at the University of Saskatchewan. Since then, he has held various roles as principal and vice-principal in Chaplin, Moose Jaw, Kenaston, and Saskatoon, with each of those positions allowing him to teach his favourite subjects. Corey’s teaching experience spans all grade levels, from preschool to Grade 12, and even adult education.
Corey has always valued the relationships he’s built throughout his career. He is incredibly grateful to his family for their support and encouragement throughout his journey. Their love and belief in him have been the foundation of his success and happiness. He also appreciated his time working with his administrative colleagues, feeling lucky to have worked with and learned from such exceptional individuals. Corey would like to thank all the teachers, educational assistants, and school staff members he’s collaborated with, recognizing their strong dedication and hard work they put in every day. He’s grateful to the parents for trusting him with their children’s education and to the students who have shared many great memories and who have taught him valuable life lessons.
As Corey moves into a new chapter in his life, he looks forward to new professional endeavors and spending more time travelling with his family, a passion well-known to those who know him. Wherever his journey takes him, Corey is committed to making the most of every moment and embracing each experience with enthusiasm.
After 25 years of service at Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division, David Pilon is retiring June 27, 2025. Shortly after completing four years of SUNTEP at the U of S, he began his teaching career in September 2000 at St. Maria Goretti School. He quickly got involved with committees focussed on First Nation, Metis, Inuit curriculum such as; The Sense of Belonging PD series (headed by Gord Martell), Treaty Catalyst Teacher Certification, Treaty Education PD (with Larry McCallum) and many other committees. In 2010 a committee was formed to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Batoche (Metis) and set up a Scholarship for high school Metis graduates.
Leaving St. Maria Goretti, David moved to St. Peter then to the newly named Pope John Paul II followed by St. Mark. He especially enjoyed his time at St. Mark. His twelve years there were very rewarding because of awesome staffs and students. David was
transferred back to Ecole St. Peter to finish his career. Over his career there were some school administrators (Laura Foley, Owen Fortosky, Katrina Sawchuk, Len Thomas, Tara Macknak) he would like to THANK for guiding, mentoring, and supporting him. His
current administrators (Shawn Lorenz & Adele Wotherspoon) have made this last year stress free and very rewarding, thank you.
Looking forward to spending my retirement travelling, playing golf, watching the Habs and spending quality time with his family (especially his granddaughter – Riley) and friends.
Dawn’s teaching career began in 1992 as a Substitute Teacher followed by 11 years as a Gr 4-7 Classroom Teacher and finally jumping head first into 18 years as a K - 8 Phys Ed Teacher. She will be celebrating her superannuation with her husband Brian, their children Brayden (Sara) & Logan, their family & friends. Dawn looks forward to exploring Canada and the world while also finding time to pursue her hobbies in photography, genealogy, gardening as well as paddling, peddling and counting loons (it’s really a thing) at Anglin Lake.
Dawn’s teaching career began in 1992 as a Substitute Teacher followed by 11 years as a Gr 4-7 Classroom Teacher and finally jumping head first into 18 years as a K - 8 Phys Ed Teacher. She will be celebrating her superannuation with her husband Brian, their children Brayden (Sara) & Logan, their family & friends. Dawn looks forward to exploring Canada and the world while also finding time to pursue her hobbies in photography, genealogy, gardening as well as paddling, peddling and counting loons (it’s really a thing) at Anglin Lake.
-Diane’s career began in kindergarten at Dundonald School in 1995 with classes of 28 four and five-year-olds, and despite the initial chaos, she was hooked! She has spent over 30 years teaching only in kindergarten and still loves it.
-During her career, she also taught at Alvin Buckwold, Silverwood Heights, Holliston, in a virtual classroom for OLCE during Covid, and finally at Wildwood School.
-Diane is proud of being there for students who needed extra care, and standing strong with her colleagues to address class complexity and the needs of all students. She will miss spending time with coworkers, students and families, children giving her hugs, and helping with choir and ORFF clubs. Diane is looking forward to spending more time with her husband Reid, their children Adam and Maria, and her mom. She plans to spend much of her time outdoors enjoying the quiet beauty at her favourite spots on Lac La Ronge and at the cabin.
Dietta's approximately 30 year teaching career has included two school divisions and four schools. It began in 1994 at Sacred Heart High School in Yorkton, SK. The first six years at the high school were very busy as she was the lone French Immersion teacher in the school and taught 2, 3, & 4 grade splits, met and married the love of her life, and had three children. She was pregnant with her third child when she was moved to Ecole St. Michael elementary School. It was an amazing experience to have a team of colleagues to confer with even though she was the lone teacher in the school division in the grades that she taught. In her 13 years at Ecole St. Michael School, she taught grades 5-8 and was graced with two years of a straight grade, otherwise she taught 2 or 3 grade splits. She shared a classroom, taught out of the library conference room, and taught out of the staff room. It was near the end of those 13 years that she had the honour of teaching her two youngest children and working with a former student once the school division grew to include another dual-stream French Immersion school.
After 19 years in Yorkton with Christ the Teacher Catholic School Division, her and her husband, along with their three sons, made the move to the big city of Saskatoon! In her twelve years with Greater Saskatoon Schools, she was at Ecole Francaise de Saskatoon/Saskatoon French School (SFS) for four years teaching grade 6, then made the transfer to Ecole St. Peter School where she finished her career teaching grades 7 and 8. The highlight of her time at SFS was working with an intern and former student from Yorkton. And in moving to Ecole St. Peter School, she also returned to grade 7 and 8 where she spent the majority of her career.
She has worked with amazing people during her career, having developed some very close friendships. She has also taught some amazing students, making connections with their families as well. She would like to thank the school divisions, principals, and colleagues with whom she has journeyed not only in education, but also in faith.
Her retirement plans are to enjoy time with her husband and family, to plan her day around exercise activities, and to go on adventures in Canada.
Ian's teaching career began in 1995 at Silverwood Heights School where he spent 5 years teaching middle years but primarily grade 8. Throughout his 30 year career, he taught at 8 different schools. He spent 5 years as a classroom teacher, 9 as a Vice Principal, and 16 years a principal. Working in education has been an honour and one that he will miss a great deal. Ian is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Karen and their children Dale and Regan and their partners. He will have more time for officiating Lacrosse and Basketball, travel, time at the lake, and looking for the next adventure
Jen's knew from a young age she always wanted to be a teacher. With both of her parents being educators she had many opportunities to see what teacher life was like. Over the course of 32 years with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Jen worked in 7 schools being honoured to open two brand new schools and create cherished memories and new school communities. Her years were spent in primary grades 1-4 with 22 years in grade one. Jen always loved to jump in and lead committees and teams. Basketball, volleyball, student leadership, intramurals, Christmas concerts, playdays, PLCs - you name it, Jen would get involved. One of her favourite positions was school librarian for many years as she loves children's books or reading overall. Every year, Jen fell in love with her students - her crew. 13 years were spent with ECEC in Saskatchewan in many positions on the council and helping to plan and chair many provincial conferences. She was always willing to step forward to present at the conferences as well. Her free time was spent at the family cabin, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and traveling, quilting and crafting, and of course reading over the years. Jen is married to Peter who is also a teacher with GSCS. She is a fierce mama bear to Luke, who is a sports lover like she is. Much of her evenings and weekends are spent at the ball field, football field, basketball gym or the hockey rink. Jen feels blessed to have found a career that allowed her to be independent, creative and fulfilled. Every day was a joy to share with her little people with so much learning over the course of grade one. One quote she loves to follow is: "teach me to laugh, teach me to love, teach me to live". All important parts of the school day. There wasn't a day that went by without many giggles, hugs and lots of love.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years. I’ve had an amazing fun career with almost 99% spent with GSCS teaching at Bishop Murray, Bishop Mahoney and St.Joseph.Truly, all were some of the best times of my life. When I think on the highlights of my teaching career what sticks out is the time spent Coaching Senior Girls Basketball. I have met and maintain many lifelong friends and established lasting relationships. Watching these young women grow into beautiful young women and mothers is a reward in its self. There was no better feeling than practising, winning, losing and sharing laughs and experiences on and off the basketball court.
Teaching has given me the most amazing gift of frienship. My lifelong friends were all a result of teaching. Perhaps is one of the greatest gifts this profession allows. Teachers truly do care just ask the amazing women in my life all who this profession has brought to my world. Amazing friends who have been there for laughter, tears, milestones and just because.
Finally, the experiences with amazing amount of students we have the opportunity to be with everyday. There were tough days, laughter and so many proud moments. I initially went into teaching because of impactful teachers in my life and I hope somewhere down the road I’ve also had that same influence on studentsas they have had on me.
My retirement brings lots of exciting opportunities. I look forward to spending time at Candle Lake and golfing. fishing. traveling, sporting events,coaching and of course, being a free spirit, with my husband Brad, daughter Billie and son Jack and my many girlfriends who can' wait to see the trouble I get them into !!
I spent 11 years as a science and computer science teacher at Walter Murray. Then I spent the balance of my career at Evan Hardy. During 12 of those years, I was also half-time at Aden Bowman. I enjoyed using computing to automate tasks like building Powerpoints and updating digital signage. Along the way, it was great to show how programming can actually save time. It was interesting to meet students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Regardless of their background, I have noted that I have a Christian worldview and it doesn't matter what you study if you don't know how the world works. I started a Financial Club at the behest of a student. Through that club, I showed students how I saved money on a mortgage by understanding inflation and how options can generate income. My faith has been especially important these last 3 years as cancer struck my wife and I had a stroke in my class in February which ended my career. I will sadly leave Saskatoon for Oakville, Ontario as my son's are studying in Ontario. I am very thankful for being able to teach in Saskatoon.
Maria's career began with GSCS in 1999 and has been an Administrator with GSCS for 15 years. Maria moved to Canada in 1992, from Goa, India, where she was the Vice principal of a K-10 school. She feels blessed to have been able to share her gifts and talents with numerous students and staff in the role of a classroom teacher, Vice principal and a Principal.
Maria looks forward to spending her retirement traveling, connecting with friends and family, and spending time with her grandson. She also wants to give back to the community, and will be looking for opportunities to volunteer her time and talents.
Megan O'Shea is hanging up her teaching hat after a career that took her from classrooms in Japan and Vanderhoof, BC, to several schools in Saskatoon, including Vincent Massey, Pleasant Hill, Lakeridge, Roland Michener, and having the privilege to help open Chief Whitecap School. She spent the first half of her career teaching in the classroom, then willingly moved to the gym to teach physical education—helping little humans move around without bumping into each other. Now, with no plans other than figuring out what’s next, Megan is ready to tackle retirement like a pro, and she can’t wait for it to begin!
Melissa’s career began in 1991, in Cut Knife, SK, where she taught a Grade 5/6 class for the months of May and June after convocation in April. She then accepted a position at St. Augustine School in Humboldt, the school she is now retiring from 34 years later! Most of those years were with Grade 7 students, the perfect age, where students are still kids, but old enough to have some independence and have meaningful class discussions! Melissa will be celebrating her superannuation with her husband, Clark, and their children, Brooke and Austin. Melissa looks forward to spending her retirement travelling with her family, camping, catching up on reading books other than kids’ novels, and planning weddings for her children, who are both engaged to be married! Melissa has also accepted a part time position as Pastoral Associate in her parish of St. Augustine in Humboldt. She is very excited about this new challenge and opportunity to grow in and share her faith!
Murray spent his entire career working to improve the educational experience of all students and the lives of the teachers of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. He had more successes than failures. Murray would never have been able to do any of the work he did do without the support of various talented colleagues and the patience and trust of his students. It would have been entirely impossible without the love of his wife, Vanessa, and his sons, Ben and Max.
Retirement means resting a bit, continuing to be of service, reading, writing, and to work for money from time to time. He will also be alternately spending more time with Vanessa and getting out of her way as her needs dictate.
I started my career in February of 1991 at Raymore School. In the fall of 1991 I began the remainder of my teaching career (34 years) at St. Gabriel School in Biggar, SK as the Grade 8 Homeroom teacher, later as the Grade 9 Homeroom teacher. I have been the principal there since 2009. I look forward to slowing down, spending more quality time with my wife and children/grand children!
Sandra Ehr has been working for GSCS for 26 years. She began as a classroom teacher, teaching grades 1-7, as well as release. In year 10, she moved into the role of teaching EAL. Over the course of her career, she has worked at 12 different schools, set up 18 different classrooms spaces, and worked with 17 different principals. The longest period at one school was Father Robinson for 8 years. She is completing her career at École Cardinal Lèger.
She would like to thank her family for enduring all of her school talks about situations- the crazy, the sweet, the frustrating and the rewarding. She would like to thank her husband and two daughters for being understanding of the time she gave to her students and career.
She will miss conversations with staff, the satisfaction of “aha” moments, and the hugs and “I love you’s” from students.
In her retirement, she plans to give more time to her hobbies of painting, writing, walking with her dog, Jarvis, reading and camping. She also plans to travel and have adventures with her husband, daughters, 8 siblings and friends.
My teaching journey began at Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation, where I taught for six years and built meaningful relationships within the community. I then spent 30 years teaching in Saskatoon, serving at schools including Vincent Massey, Holliston, Victoria, Egnatoff and Sylvia Fedoruk.
Throughout my career, I primarily taught Grade 1, a level where I found immense joy in watching children discover the excitement of reading, writing, and exploring the world around them. I have always been passionate about creating a warm, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been working alongside dedicated staff who share a deep commitment to student growth and well-being. I have truly enjoyed the camaraderie of my colleagues and the lasting friendships formed over the years.
As I look back with gratitude, I will deeply miss the energy, curiosity, and spirit of my students. It has been an honour to play a role in their early learning journeys, and I leave the profession with countless cherished memories and a full heart.
Shauna Tilbury’s career in second languages began as a high school student on German exchange. This challenging experience set the stage for her interest in supporting language learners. After completing a 3 year B.A. in French that included a few detours (France, Quebec), she ignored her mother’s wishes and completed her B.Ed. in secondary French. She later pursued a Certificate to teach English as an Additional Language and an M.Ed. Despite her mother’s fears, she has enjoyed a fulfilling career as a core French and EAL teacher, consultant, coordinator, and university instructor. She hopes to continue learning and serving learners in future roles.
Sheila’s career spans many years and school divisions and grade levels. She started teaching in 1994. She has worked for the Regina Separate school division, the Francophone division, the Saskatoon public and Catholic school divisions and also has worked in the Prince Albert Catholic schools as well as for Rivier Academy. She has done anything from a grade 1 home room to a grade 10 home room. Many of her earlier years were in French immersion and her later years were as an English grade 3 or grade 4 teacher. Sheila enjoys her family and is looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren. She is also an avid volleyball player, gardener, cook, kayaker, and loves to travel. Her days in retirement will certainly be filled!
Stefanie’s career began in 1983 at Bready and Connaught Schools in North Battleford, teaching compulsory band at both schools. The other half of her assignment was a Grade 4/5 classroom at Bready, teaching science, social studies, and math. After the first year, she became a full-time teacher at Bready, with primary classroom music added to her assignment. During most of her nine years in North Battleford, she conducted an extracurricular band and a primary choir and entered twenty to thirty student soloists and ensembles in the Battlefords Music Festival.
In 1992, Stefanie left North Battleford and enrolled in French and Ukrainian classes at the University of Saskatchewan. She accepted a 0.2 contract, which was extended for an additional year, teaching Grade 5 to 7 band at l’École canadienne-française. In her second year in Saskatoon, she added a 0.7 contract with Saskatoon Public Schools, teaching music at James L. Alexander School and core French at Princess Alexandra. In the fall of 1994, she was offered a full-time contract at James L. Alexander, where she remained until 1999 and then returned from 2007 to 2019. She also taught at W.P. Bate Community School from 1999 to 2007 and Wildwood School from 2019 to the present.
Over her career, Stefanie has been fortunate to share her love of music with hundreds of wonderful and talented students. She is grateful for the support she has received from fellow staff members and administrators and has enjoyed collaborating with teachers within her schools and across the school divisions and the province.
Stefanie will be celebrating her superannuation with her husband Harold and daughter Katrina, and she looks forward to spending her retirement reading, playing and singing in various musical ensembles, gardening, working on German, French, and Ukrainian language skills, teaching piano lessons to students in the Heart of the City Piano Program, and participating in social justice and climate activism.
Todd will be celebrating his superannuation with his wife Sarah and their children and (grandchildren) Bekkaand Lina (Robyn, Arwen), Andrew (Cassie), Destiny (Aisleigh), Trey, Marcus, Spencer, and Charlie. Todd looks forward to a new career with the Kinistin Saulteaux First Nation serving as the Post-Secondary Advisor and Trust Administrator based out of their Urban Office located in Saskatoon. 30 years spread out at Bishop Murray Catholic High School, Bethlehem Catholic High School, and the Saskatoon Catholic Cyber School have flown by. Todd thanks all his coworkers, staff, students and families who have been a part of this journey. For 30 years Todd ordered lunch every possible Friday for his entire staff no matter what building he worked in. And these shared meals created community, memories, and laughs which will be remembered forever.
Tony’s career began in 1994 in Beauval Saskatchewan and continued for 30 years in Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Tony will be celebrating their superannuation with their spouse Lorelei their children Jordan, Logan and Avery. Tony is looking forward to spending their time travelling and spending time on his boat.
Vicky’s teaching career began in her hometown of the Battleford’s at John Paul II Collegiate, at the high school she attended. She cherished her time teaching and coaching along with her former role models. In 2000, she and her family relocated to Saskatoon, where she taught at Holy Cross, Bishop James Mahoney, and St. Joseph High School. Her career, as a Learning Assistance Teacher, working with students with special needs has brought her great joy and has impacted the lives of many. Coaching Cross Country and Track & Field, working with SRC and the Best Buddies program, were just a few of the highlights of her extra-curricular involvement and helped her share her passion for inclusion. Vicky will be celebrating her superannuation with her spouse Arnold and their children Jake and Sarah. Vicky looks forward to spending her retirement travelling, gardening, pottery, volunteering and spending quality time with her family and friends.