Christine Ayling

The oldest of six children in an Alberta farm family, Christine grew up in the pioneering spirit, a strong support to her parents and the land. She left the farm at 18 to pursue her studies at Camrose Lutheran College (now Augustana University) and completed her BA at the University of Alberta in 1976. She completed her BSW in 1978 through the University of Calgary (Edmonton Campus). In 1980  she moved to Grande Prairie with husband Wayne, to whom she has been happily married for 26 years. It was because of their two children, Britt and Christopher, that Christine initially became  involved in the education system through parental advocacy.  It is her dedication to all children that has lead her to continue to champion the role of parents in education at a local, regional, provincial and national level.  Her skills and experience as a social worker give her a unique insight into the role of education at the various stages of all our lives. Christine has worked in a variety of capacities as a social worker including income security, child welfare, adoptions, foster care, and most recently at the QEII Hospital in Grande Prairie.  Her respite from the emotional, intellectual and physical demands of being mother, parent advocate and social worker  has been singing. Christine has performed in a number of choral groups over the last 30 years in addition to offering her vocals to Susan's performances when the opportunity arose.

PRESENTATIONS/SPEECHES

Ayling, C. & Linden, M. (2004). “Kick It Up A Notch: Roles, Responsibilities, and More.” Grande Prairie Catholic School District and Peace Wapiti School District, Grande Prairie, AB.  

Ayling, C. & Linden, M. (2004). “Kick It Up A Notch: Roles, Responsibilities, and More.”  Holy Family Catholic Regional Division and Peace River School Division, Manning, AB..

Ayling, C. & Linden, M. (2004). “Roles And Responsibilities and Successful Meetings” Fort Vermillion School Division, Fort Vermillion, AB. 

Ayling, C. & Linden, M. (2003). “Roles And Responsibilities and Successful Meetings” Peace River School Division and Holy Family Catholic Regional Division Peace River, AB.  

Ayling, C. & Linden, M. (2003). “Roles And Responsibilities and Successful Meetings” Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, High Prairie, AB.   

Ayling, C., Linden, M., & Buelow T., D. (2003). “Can I do That? - Roles and Responsibilities and Successful Meetings.”  Sustaining Our Voice  5th Annual Parent School Council/Conference Grande Prairie, Alberta.  

Ayling, C. & Linden,M., Fisher, M.,(2003).  “Roles and Responsibilities.” Simon Valley School Council, Calgary, AB.  

Ayling, C. &  Linden, M.,( (2002) “Goal Setting” St. Mary’s School Council, Spirit River, AB. 

Ayling, C. & Linden, M., & Buelow, T., (2002). “Building Parent Confidence With Humour.”“ Parents Opening Doors of Schools Hearts and Minds” 4th Annual Parent/School Council Conference. Grande Prairie, AB. 

Ayling, C., (2002). “Parent/ Teacher Partnerships: The Power, Magic and Privilege in our School Communities.” Presented to education students at Grande Prairie Regional College 

Ayling, C., (2001). “Parent/ Teacher Interviews: A Partnership” Presented to St. Gerards’ School Council. Grande Prairie, AB. 

Ayling, C., Linden, M. & Buelow, T., (2001). “Building  and Celebrating Parent Confidence” “Parents Opening Doors of Schools, Hearts and Minds”  3rd Annual Parent/ School Council Conference .Grande Prairie, AB.  

Ayling, C., (2001). “Community” as Partnerships” Presented to education students at Grande Prairie Regional College, Grande Prairie, AB. 

Ayling, C., (2000).  "Effective Communication with Your Child's Classroom Teacher: It's All About Building the Relationships." Presented to the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils. Winnipeg, MB.  

Ayling, C.& Fisher, M., (2000) “AISI Opportunities and Challenges from a Parent/School Council Perspective” Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CASE) . Edmonton, AB.

Ayling, C., (1999). "The Family's Role in Student Achievement." Presented to the Alberta School Boards Association Spring Conference "Reaching New Altitudes". Banff, AB. 

Ayling, C. & Linden, M., (1999).  “Building Parent Confidence” at Partners for Students’ Success 2nd Annual Parent / School Council Conference Grande Prairie, AB. 

Ayling, C., (1998) “The Power and Potential of Integration” presented to Childrens’ Services Authority Board Members at Provincial Conference, Edmonton, AB.

In her role as President of the Alberta Home and School Councils’ Association:

Ayling, C., (1999). "Public Education : A Vision." Presented to the Public School
Board Association of Alberta, Red Deer, AB.

Ayling, C., (1999). "Relationships Built, Commitment to Trust, Hope for the Future." Greetings to the Fall General Meeting of the Alberta School Boards Association. Calgary, AB.

Ayling, C., (1999).  "The Gift of a Song: Opening a Space for the Imperative Human Touch in the Classroom." Greetings to the Annual Representative Assembly of the Alberta Teachers Association. Edmonton, AB.

Ayling, C., (1998) "Nurturing the Partnerships: Defining the "trust" in Trustee and Investing in Children." Greetings to the Fall General Meeting of the Alberta School Boards Association. Edmonton, AB.

Ayling, C., (1998). "Beside You, Behind You: Sharing the Responsibility." Greetings to the Annual Representative Assembly of the Alberta Teachers Association. Alberta, Calgary, AB.


ELECTED POSITIONS/APPOINTMENTS


2000-2004: Past President and Life Member: Alberta Home and School Councils Association.

1998-2000: President: Alberta Home and School Councils Association.

1996-1998: Vice-Chair: Management Team, Northwest Regional Learning Consortium.

1997-1998: Vice President: Alberta Home and School Councils Association.

1996-1997: Regional Director: Alberta Home and School Councils Association.

1995-1997: Co- chair: Services for Children, Grande Prairie Working Group.

1991-1998: Board Member: Grande Prairie Association for the Mentally Handicapped.

1995-1997: Chair: Swanavon Elementary School Council.

1995: Co-chair: Montrose Junior High School Council.

1986-present: Past President and Founding Member: G.P. Singers

AWARDS/DISTINCTIONS:

2004: Awarded the prestigious Friends of Education Award conferred annually by Zone One Alberta School Boards Association to a recipient who has contributed significantly to the improvement of education.

2000: AHSCA Life Member conferred for outstanding service rendered to the Alberta Home and School Councils’ Association over time.

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