Sir Winston Churchill Public School Unveils Alex Getty Memorial Grove Dedication Ceremony

49 Mulvagh Avenue | Thursday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m.

June 1, 2010 Ottawa, ON — Alex Getty was known for his smile, his humour, his belief in the power of Public education, and his commitment to family and community. On Thursday June 3, the Sir Winston Churchill Public School Council will unveil the Alex Getty Memorial Grove in his memory.

School Council members, in partnership with the City of Ottawa, planted trees and shrubs in the schoolyard to honour the years of service Alex dedicated to the community. Additionally, the grade 8 class of Mrs. Charos was invited to design perennial beds and did much of the preparation work in advance of the ceremony. A student from each homeroom class from JK to Grade 8 will plant a perennial that blooms during the months the students are in school.

The Alex Getty Memorial Grove dedication ceremony will take place this Thursday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Sir Winston Churchill Public School

Principal Aisling O’Donnell says, "Students and staff wanted the Getty family to know that their husband, father, and brother was thought of as a valued member of their school community. Trustee Getty never missed a graduation ceremony and was often found in the front row supporting students in their theatrical productions. Our students will be joined by students of Parkwood Hills Public School for this event.”

The Sir Winston Churchill and Parkwood Hills school communities are excited about the opportunity to pay tribute to this much-loved trustee and to come together on June 3.

Alex Getty was the School Trustee for Zone 3, Barrhaven-Knoxdale-Merivale for nearly 15 years. He was first elected to the Carleton Board of Education in 1991 and was re-electd in 1994. He was elected to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board in 1997 and served as the first vice-chair of the Board through 1998. He was then re-elected to the Board in 2003 and 2007.

During his trusteeship he served on all of the main committees of the Board including Business Services, Budget, Human Resources, and Audit. Alex was well known in the community and respected by his colleagues, his constituents, his students, and the staff of the District. He was committed to his community, his family, and his friends.

Alex was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, a graduate of the University of Strathclyde, and retired from the Canadian Public Service after a 31-year career with Canada Customs and Revenue.

-30-

For more information please contact: Principal Aisling O’Donnell at 613-224-2336 or Communications Officer Sharlene Hunter at 613-596-8264.