Canora and area members of the Assiniboine Chapter, Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan (STS) and their spouses gathered at Triffon’s Pizza in Canora to honour one of their own.
According to information from the www.sts.sk.ca website: "The Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan (STS) is an organization of retired teachers who are dedicated to promoting the welfare of all superannuated teachers, and to maintaining the ties which bind them to fellow professionals."
The guest of honour was Mike Kaminski, who was presented with a STS Certificate of Honorary Life Membership “For outstanding services rendered in the cause of education.”
Gwen Reilkoff of Kamsack, president of the Assiniboine Chapter, passed along greetings from the Chapter, and thanked those in attendance for coming out “to honour a special man.”
Guest speaker Ken Rolheiser, chapter member, shared a citation detailing Kaminski’s numerous and varied contributions over the years, both in education and other community involvement.
“Terms such as ‘Engagement, Team-building and Leadership’ - these are the kind of words typically used to describe Mike Kaminski. Throughout his 30-year career as a teacher and principal in Invermay, he not only served the Canora Teachers’ Association as councillor, staff rep, LINC negotiator and president, he was also involved in a variety of community associations and numerous provincial organizations. For 30 years he was the Mayor of Invermay, which led him into extensive committee work and the spearheading of projects such as the Invermay Park Proposal, the publication of a history of Invermay, and a Community Futures initiative to develop technological literacy.
“So it was no surprise that in retirement Mike became an active member of the Assiniboine Chapter of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan (STS). He served as president, helped prepare a history of the chapter, applied for an STS support services grant, and acted as chapter liaison with the provincial organization. In addition, he sat on the STS executive for 20 years, where he was much respected as a member of several committees, councillor, and the liaison with the Wadena, Shamrock and Assiniboine chapters. Among his many contributions were the development of the STS Operations Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan, and the provision of a valuable voice on the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism Board.
“Mike’s concern for others, especially seniors, continues to lead him into service at the local, regional, provincial and national levels. Currently he is part of the efforts in Invermay to establish a computer awareness program at the public library and an improved seniors’ facility. He sits on boards overseeing services, planning and initiatives in the Parkland region. He is on the executive of the Saskatchewan Seniors Association and, until recently, on the National Pensioners Federation, and he is the public representative on the Saskatchewan College of Podiatry board.
“Mike Kaminski has deservedly received numerous awards for his many varied achievements, and it is a privilege to include him among the Honorary Life Members of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan.”
Kaminski is only the fourth member of the Assiniboine Chapter to receive this honour.
