April Pratch, Registrar and Secretary, Davidson Creek Elementary
Sherwood Park, AB. — April 23 marks Administrative Professionals’ Day. It’s an opportunity to extend a special thank you to all secretaries, administrative assistants, executive assistants, receptionists and other administrative support professionals throughout Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) for the outstanding work they do, day in and day out.
April Pratch has worked with the Division as an administrative professional in many capacities, first part-time and then full-time after several years with the RCMP. “I knew already the positive environment EIPS had been in the past, so I decided to take a leap and apply again for full-time work,” says Pratch. “A supportive work environment makes your days so much easier, and my current role allows me to enjoy the best of both worlds—information management and trying to make the day a little brighter for each person I get the chance to interact with.”
Pratch has worked as the receptionist at EIPS Central Services and currently works as a secretary and registrar at Davidson Creek Elementary. “Working at Central Services was so enlightening,” says Pratch. “I got to learn about how all the different departments and schools work together to make EIPS the best it can be. I feel fortunate to have worked with so many amazing people at Central as well as here at Davidson Creek—the support has been incredible!”
Helene Hewitt, the Principal at Davidson Creek Elementary, says Pratch sets the tone for everyone that enters the school. “She says hello to every student and remembers the little details of their lives,” says Hewitt. “She sings to them on their birthdays, checks their scrapes and bruises after an eventful recess break and gives them hugs when they’re feeling homesick. When students arrive at school late feeling frazzled, she reassures them getting here is all that matters and she’s happy to see them. With a few simple words she lets every child know they belong here, and we miss them when they’re gone.”
No two days are the same for these staff—whether they’re working at a school or Central Services. Every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities that keep the job interesting. And, whether they’re in their first week on the job or a seasoned veteran of 30 years, administrative professionals throughout EIPS are always eager and willing to collaborate with peers and share their wealth of knowledge to support those around them.
“Almost each day there is something new—it keeps me on my toes,” says Pratch. “There are so many great aspects to this job—the opportunity to create a positive interaction with so many different people is probably the best though. Smiles and laughter from the students, appreciation from my coworkers and admin, trading stories with parents, and crossing things off my to-do list all make my day.”
Pratch is one of many administrative professionals who work within EIPS. They’re critical in supporting the complex operations of every school and Central Services department across the Division. “While Mrs. Pratch and Mrs. Gawron, our school business manager, are extra special to our hearts at Davidson Creek Elementary, we know each school in EIPS has their own special administrative professional team,” adds Hewitt. “These individuals make a difference in the lives of students, families and staff every day. We wouldn’t survive without them! Congratulations to all our incredible staff on Administrative Professionals’ Day.”
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.
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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902