Koraley Anderson is the epitome of authenticity—a core value she uses daily to build safety and trust among the students in her classroom. Equipped with a determined growth mindset, Koraley employs the authentic teaching strategies of “voice and choice” to connect student interests and passions to content learning. From her early journey as a journeyman hairstylist and esthetician to her time in the University of Saskatchewan’s SUNTEP program as a mother of three (Class of 2006), listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to hear the story of a skilled educator and a resilient and determined individual. And, of course, find out the answer to the question we have all been wondering: “Has she ever used a mannequin head to scare her husband of 32 years?”

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

Born in Meadow Lake, SK, and raised in Edmonton, AB, Andrea Atkinson is living a dream here at NBCHS! Working in a school is a desire she has held since encountering her Grade 4 teacher, who demonstrated the power educators have to inspire students and make them feel like a somebody.

Like all of us, Andrea has experienced some significant setbacks on her journey; however, she has transformed these into strengths, using them to connect with, inspire, and guide our NBCHS students. She encourages them to stay the path, graduate, and position themselves in the best possible way to succeed in life.

Did I mention Andrea is also a gifted artist and poet? That’s right—her poetry has been published, and her framed artwork has adorned the office walls of our administration.

Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to hear from an inspiring educator, dedicated professional, and gifted individual—and find out which former NBCHS staff member played a key role in Andrea realizing her dream of working in a school.

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

Born in Regina, SK, and raised in North Battleford, Kaelee Forgrave brings a wealth of experience to her role as the administrative assistant in the Student Services Office (SSO). Throughout her professional life, she has worked as an educational assistant (obtaining her EA Certificate from North West College), lifeguard (she was an avid competitive swimmer growing up), waitress, social services on-call support worker, and certified EAL instructor. Kaelee draws on her impressive skill set to embody her core value of hard work and to mobilize her life experiences through her role as the “CEO of the SSO” (my words… not hers).

Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to hear the behind-the-scenes journey of an exceptional administrative assistant, a ferocious fighter, and one incredible human being.

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

Born and raised in Niagara Falls, ON, and a graduate of Brock University in St. Catharines, ON, Edward Edmonds traded the hustle and bustle of the Golden Horseshoe for the untamed parkland beauty—and blueberries—of St. Walburg, SK. It was here that Ed began his now 13-year career in education which, fortunately for us, has led him to NBCHS.

Over the past four years, he has established a phenomenal drama department and built a staff team that has once again placed NBCHS on the map as an exceptional drama school.

Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to hear the journey that eventually brought Edward 3,000 km west to his NBCHS destiny—and to find out just how impressed he is with Saskatchewan’s equivalent to Niagara Falls: the Saskatoon Weir.

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

A graduate of Bready Elementary School, Cairns Junior High School, and NBCHS, Mark Kotorchek was born and raised in North Battleford, SK. However, education was not Mark’s first endeavour after high school. In fact, teaching is his third career—more accurately, his third successful one.

A gifted and highly skilled individual, Mark is motivated by helping students communicate more effectively so they can be heard and understood in any context. As you hear his story, you may also be struck by his deep desire to use his skill set simply to help others—especially students who need to develop the tools and perspective to make wise decisions as soon to be graduates.

Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to hear from an amazing educator who is here because he chooses to be—and to find out where the mounted deer head that once hung in his classroom chooses to be as well.

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

Michelle Sack is a LEGEND in the NBCHS senior math department. She has spent the last 25 years of her 33‑year career in education blessing the students and staff of our school with her incredible skill set and wonderful personality. This June, she is graciously and triumphantly winding down her 33‑year career as she transitions into retirement. She does so in the best possible way—knowing she has consistently stayed focused on her core motivation for entering the profession: genuinely and sincerely helping students.

Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to hear Michelle’s amazing 33‑year journey, and to discover the answer to the question every staff member asks themselves when a colleague retires: “Will I ever see them again?”

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

Born in Calgary, AB and graduating class of 1990 from Mayfair School in Mayfair, SK (closed spring of 2004), Rachelle Kennedy received her bachelor of education and bachelor of science in physical education from the University of Saskatchewan. She interned in Radisson School (closed summer of 2004…just sayin’), and soon after landed her first teaching position at Alexander Junior High School (closed Fall of 2001………), which landed Rachelle in Living Sky School Division, and we could not be more grateful. Fast forward to today and Rachelle has spent 27 years teaching middle years students and is now enjoying her first year in the land beyond - teaching grade 9-12! Listen to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to find out if Rachelle takes school closures personally, learn one of her next level strategies to building positive student - teacher relationships, and learn whether her dad’s business, Kennedy (?)oncrete, was spelled with a K! 

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

Born in Turtleford, SK, and raised in Meadow Lake, SK, Lee Nordell graduated from Carpenter High School (class of 1995). Though young in both appearance and heart, Lee comes to his very successful role as an educational assistant after a 22 year career with the Co-op, much of which being served in management. Lee’s journey as a gifted manager, leader, and speaker has most impressively been observed through his current role as senior pastor of North Battleford Four Square Mission, located across from the Armoury in the Riverview neighbourhood of North Battleford. Grounded in authentic relationships, NB Four Square Mission, is a church that Lee and his wife, fellow amazing EA Candice Nordell (shout out to Lawrence School!), decided to plant themselves in 2015. Since then, it has grown from 16 attendees to 160+, currently. Tune in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to hear first hand from a gifted educational assistant with a contagious positive attitude and a genuinely deep care for the success of NBCHS students. And, as an unexpected treat, find out what event comprises the Nordell family’s favorite shared past time!

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

Born in Rosetown, SK and growing up in Biggar, SK, Keya Kennon attended three different schools before graduating from her fourth school, Martensville High School, only a few short years ago (class of 2021). After interning in Unity, SK, Keya landed her first teaching job at NBCHS just this year, while at the same time continuing to complete her Education degree at the University of Saskatchewan. For all who have been around Keya in her short time at NBCHS, it is easy to be inspired by her positive demeanour and the persistent relational focus she has with her students. Tune in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to learn more about one of our newest staff members, what drives her desire to be in education, and what dream location she got to live in for 8 months when she was eight years old (you won’t want to miss it)! 

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity

A graduate of Oxbow Prairie Horizons School in Oxbow, SK (class of ‘93), and the University of Saskatchewan, Tammy Kachmarski has been teaching and leading in education for 26 years. In fact, she has been on staff at every Living Sky School Division School in the Battlefords (maybe that makes her the Kevin Glenn of Living Sky - shout out to the former Riders QB!). Yet, as a testament to her skill and dedication to education, she is still pursuing new experiences like teaching Commercial Cooking, a subject that would strike fear into the most experienced educator. Listen in and find out first hand why Tammy is such a beloved leader and educator by one and all and finally put your curiosity to rest regarding which school has the nicest staff room in the Battlefords! 

Episode Credits:

Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky

Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard

Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)

Check him out ⁠HERE⁠

Host - Jeremey Verity