NBCHS Over Coffee: Recent Episodes
NBCHS Podcasts
Here at NBCHS Over Coffee, I talk to teachers and other staff members at North Battleford Comprehensive High School to open the door into their lives beyond the classroom and find what motivates them in their roles.
Born in Winnipeg, MB, Jason Collin moved to Saskatoon at the age of 4 where, shortly after, his journey in education began at Vincent Massey Elementary School. Now, 29 years into his teaching career, Jason is still going strong, sharing his passion for learning and teaching with the students at NBCHS. Over those 29 years, Jason has taught in northern Saskatchewan, rural Saskatchewan (as Vice Principal at Hafford Central School) and in the city of North Battleford. He has also, most recently, completed his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 2018 through the University of Saskatchewan. Tune into this final season 2 episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to learn a little more about this exceptional educator, genuinely caring individual, and passionate advocate for reading and writing instruction and assessment.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
Justin Isinger has spent his entire 4 year teaching career at NBCHS. In this short time, he has established himself as an educator who builds amazing rapport with his students and strives to make learning fun and enjoyable. In addition to this, Justin has also embedded himself into our extracurricular programming by contributing his expertise to both our football and badminton programs. Born and raised in Biggar, SK, Justin graduated from Biggar Central School after first graduating from his mom’s classroom, a now retired 4th grade BCS teacher, and after accompanying his dad to assist and observe in his veterinarian practice on numerous occasions. More impressive than all of this however, is the fact that we did not make a single Biggar pun the entire episode! Yes,... I know! We refrained from saying things like, “Justin teaches at NBCHS, but his mom taught at a Biggar school”, “His dad’s veterinary practice specialized in Biggar animals”, “Is Biggar really better”, and “Justin is doing so well here, but does he dream of a Biggar life someday?” Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to get behind the scenes of this amazing young educator, hear his deep connection to both family and place, and learn how he has sown the seeds of best friendship with current NHL player Kirill Kaprizov.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
Born and raised on a farm just north of North Battleford, SK, Becky Tucker has been sharing her incredible gift for teaching and leading Arts Education with the students of her former high school, NBCHS (class of 2004), for the past 10 years! Known for her kind and positive approach to helping students explore their creativity and create amazing artwork, Becky’s value for building and sharing a sense of family with her students is never absent from class. Making homemade Norwegian waffles in her class every semester with her grandma’s waffle iron, and homemade butter tarts every Christmas for the entire staff are but two examples of this value in action! Listen to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to learn about the people, experiences and values that make Becky the wonderful person she is. We'll also dive deep to find out just how long Becky can hold her breath underwater, and, as an experienced world traveller, where her favourite location in the world is.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
Born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and moving to Chetwynd in Northern BC at a young age, Cathy Arnold grew up loving the outdoors and all the beauty Canada has to offer. Heavily inspired by both sets of loving and welcoming grandparents, Cathy is a master at helping students and staff within our library and school where she has served for the past 5 years. Her naturally welcoming, caring personality and bright smile make her instantly approachable to all! When Cathy is not busy working in the NBCHS library, she is busy using her gifts to make Kelly’s Computer Works, a business her and her (equally amazing) husband own and operate, a go-to location for tech needs in the Battlefords. Cathy’s life experiences, tech knowledge and gift for organisation and library administration make her an incredible asset to our school! Listen in to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to find out more about Cathy, her strong connection to family and home, and what restaurants you need to visit if you ever find yourself in Chetwynd, BC!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
Rob Wall was born and raised in the “City of Champions”, Edmonton, AB. As a kid, Rob grew up in the freedom of the 80s! That freedom included having the town by the tail, simply telling your parents you’ll be home for supper before leaving in the morning, and being a spectator to the Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup parades during the Oilers heyday in the late 80s.
After graduating from the University of Alberta, Rob began his career in education in 1991 and has spent the past 26 years at NBCHS educating his students in Accounting, Science, Theory of Knowledge, Communications Media and Coding among other subjects. Rob’s interest and skills in technology led him to complete his Masters degree in Educational Technology from the University of Saskatchewan in the 2000s, a time when tech in education…well… still used floppy disks. Rob even began an amazing EdTech Podcast in 2006 before any of the platforms that you are using to access this podcast existed! Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee and get to know an individual whose knowledge and natural teaching ability, combined with his personable, approachable demeanour and quick witted sense of humour, make him an outstanding colleague and educator (and, you may also like to know if you can still get a copy of the first album Rob ever recorded on guitar!).
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
It is with great excitement that we release this next episode a few days earlier than usual. We are both saddened and excited at the reality of Carla’s transition to her new role with the Ministry of Education. Our school community’s loss will be our province’s gain. Since 2014, Carla has been sharing her gift of connecting and building relationships with students as Vice Principal of NBCHS. A passionate advocate for Indigenous student success and Indigenization within Education, Carla has helped to lead our school to significant improvements in the credit attainment and graduation rates of our FNMI students. Listen in to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to get behind the scenes of this passionate educator and gifted leader. Everybody has a story and you won’t want to miss Carla’s! We wish her all the best in this next chapter of her leadership journey.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
Born and raised in Battleford, SK, Nevin Gloe is a graduate of NBCHS, class of 2006! And, fun fact, 2006 just happens to be the score I shot on my last round of Golf, a sport that happens to be near and dear to Nevin. So near and dear in fact that he shot a 65 at the North Battleford Golf and Country Club (that’s 7 under par folks) and attended Mount Royal in Calgary, AB on a golf scholarship. Presently, Nevin is a student favourite at NBCHS, utilising his authentic personality, calm demeanour, and excellent sense of humour to build connection with students and help them stay engaged. Listen in to this latest episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to learn how many students Nevin has given black eyes too in his career, which familiar golf names Nevin has played with and against, and what the breakfast of champions is for this exceptional golfer and educator.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
I used to think the only people up working at 4:30 in the morning were dairy farmers, Santa’s elves and Mr. Nichol. Well we can all add Krista Walker to that list. Once upon a time, she was up at 4:30am every morning to pick asparagus on a farm in New Zealand! A graduate of JPII Collegiate, Krista has worn many hats in her working life, and worn them with excellence. Most obvious to us is the time she has spent sharing her gift of working with students as an Educational Assistant and making sure they are greeted every day by someone who honestly and truly cares for them. Listen in to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee and learn what the ingredients to being an exceptional EA are, and who really is responsible for placing that lovely blue band on all our asparagus bundles!
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Gladstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
A former graduate of A.E. Peacock Collegiate in Moose Jaw (Go Toilers!) and Minot State University, Jennifer Larocque began her teaching career in Black Lake, in Saskatchewan's far north (yes, I had to Google Maps it too!). Now in her 24th year in education, she entered administration 4 years into her career and hasn’t looked back! Tune into this first episode of season 2 of NBCHS Over Coffee to get to know our newest member of the NBCHS administrative team and to find out the preferred method of transportation for teachers travelling to school in Black Lake!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (The Galdstone)
Host - Jeremey Verity
With over 1,000 total listens, season 1 of NBCHS Over Coffee surpassed expectation in every category, especially in fun and how interesting and amazing our NBCHS staff is! We are so excited to be back for Season 2 and the experiences we had preparing for its launch have only continued to affirm why we set out to do it in the first place - to get to know our exceptional staff a little more behind the scenes and build connection around both common and uncommon ground (and to have some fun along the way)! Everyone has a story and a set of gifts, talents and abilities that may remain unknown until you sit down with them...over coffee.
Season 2 launches MONDAY, DEC 5th, and WOULD NOT be possible without an amazing and talented group selflessly helping out!
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling (catch him on Apple Music as The Gladstone)
Born in Vancouver, BC and having graduated from Kyle Composite School in Kyle, SK, Jeff Gibson began his work life at the Robin Hood Mill in Saskatoon. Thanks to Jeff’s uncle and mentor, a teacher and basketball coach at Evan Hardy Collegiate, Jeff made the transition to education that countless numbers of students are grateful he made. And, thanks to Jeff’s girlfriend Christine, he was quickly wooed to the Battlefords from Saskatoon!
Fast forward to today and Jeff has spent the last 8 years at NBCHS living in his sweet spot, connecting and pouring into the lives of middle years students and athletes through his work as a middle years phys. ed. teacher, basketball coach and volleyball coach.
However, even with all the amazing work he has done with students and athletes, those who have spent any time around Jeff know it pales in comparison to who he is as a family man.
Listen in to this final episode of season one of NBCHS Over Coffee to get behind the scenes of an amazing man, a model teacher and an inspiring husband and father.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
At Battlefords Union Hospital in North Battleford, SK, Shawn Poitras was given 24 hours to live after being born with severe asthma. After surviving those first crucial hours and beginning his young life in North Battleford, Shawn’s parents moved the family to the higher elevation climate of Calgary, Alberta to help with his Asthma. He stayed until the age of 12, at which point his family moved back to North Battleford. A graduate of NBCHS, Shawn quickly made his mark on the workforce, excelling in his roles and receiving a number of promotions, often at a quick pace.
It doesn’t take long after getting to know Shawn to believe that his life is marked by a core value of hard work. This is a quality that he has lived out on a daily basis over the course of his entire work career, often working multiple jobs tirelessly. Presently, Shawn works at installing flooring in the “off hours” from his custodial role at NBCHS, just to give a sample of how Shawn has operated over the course of his life.
Listen to this episode ofNBCHS Over Coffee to get behind the scenes of a fantastic individual who carries out one of the toughest and most essential roles on our staff.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Lindy Bell Gatzke was born and raised on a farm near Baildon, SK, 13km south of Moose Jaw, SK. Her upbringing was a steady diet of horses, horses, and horses along with the occasional free fighter jet/helicopter show courtesy of CFB Moose Jaw, a little west of her farm. Most notable of all, she had the privilege of graduating from the best high school in the city of Moose Jaw (...maybe the world, NO!...except for NBCHS), A.E.Peacock Collegiate!
An avid potter and an experienced world traveler, Lindy possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience to compliment her optimistic personality and her bright sense of humor that we all know and love. As Vice Principal, Lindy uses her firm but genuinely loving approach to student relationships to live out her educational core value of providing a student first environment.
After announcing her retirement earlier this year, Lindy plans to squeal the tires on her Vespa scooter as she rides into that glorious June 30th sunset! Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee as Lindy reflects on a full career, highlighting her time at Alexander Junior High, and her transition in 2001 to NBCHS where, prior to becoming Vice Principal in 2017, she served as a grade 9 teacher, Academic Advisor and …Mud Wrestling instructor!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Following his graduation from Asquith High School, Bryan Cottini found himself right where he wanted to be: in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan with his sights set on becoming an early elementary teacher. Bryan interned in grade 1 and then took on the adventure of heading north to La Loche, SK. where, for the first three years of his teaching career, he tackled a challenging grade 1 teaching assignment.
Today, the Bryan Cottini we know and love has over 30 years teaching experience, including the past 15 years where he has taught at NBCHS. A successful coach and immensely respected Phys. Ed. teacher by both staff and students, Bryan is a model educator with a very natural relational style.
Tune into this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to find out Bryan’s weapon of choice for playing “war” in the yard with your buddies, the secret to building and sustaining an incredible basketball program, and how experiencing a tragic loss in his early years of teaching eventually brought forward something wonderful and unexpected.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Hailing from Langham, SK, Andrew Sneddon knew he wanted to be an educator from his early high school days where a couple of his teachers left an unshakable positive influence on his life. Like all of us, Andrew is no stranger to setbacks. Having been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy after experiencing an incident during his delivery, navigating through several surgeries as a child, and choosing to withdraw early from his first internship placement, Andrew is a testament to perseverance and a “no quit” attitude. It is this attitude and his caring demeanor that have led him to be the exemplary professional, gifted Tri-West Teacher’s Association Representative, and model educator that we know today. Listen into this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to learn more about Andrew, how many pieces comprise the Lego Star Wars Death Star and how to break up a poker game in the washroom of the SK Science Centre…at 3:00am.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Born in Moose Jaw, SK, Rochelle Bullerwell moved to eight different locations in Saskatchewan until she settled in North Battleford during the eighth grade. A former graduate of NBCHS and NorthWest Regional College, Rochelle began her journey as an EA in 1996 and has been investing into the students of NBCHS for the past 17 years. Not only does she bring a wealth of educational knowledge and experience to our building, but also a gentleness, laughter and approachability that is second to none. Listen in to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to get to know more about Rochelle and the invaluable work of an Educational Assistant.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Ask Lynne Thompson, as a young child, what she wanted to be when she grew up and she wouldn’t have said doctor, lawyer or astronaut. She would have said teacher. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Lynne went from rounding up her neighborhood friends to play “school” as a child to officially starting her teaching career in Humboldt, SK . She quickly transitioned to NBCHS where she has taught the remainder of her 30 year teaching career, specializing in Law, Business Ed, Accounting and as a later addition, Psychology. With unquestionable professionalism, intelligence, and competence, Lynne has blessed countless numbers of students throughout her teaching career. Listen in to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee and learn from Lynne how to build and grow a teaching legacy year after year after year.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Born and raised in Brampton/Mississauga, ON, Kyle Palmer was brought up with strong values in a family that embraced their Jamaican heritage. Taught to see people simply (and profoundly) as human beings, he enjoyed growing up in a deeply multicultural part of our country, and sports quickly became a go-to pastime for him. Fast forward a few years and you will see Kyle taking the mound for the Bacone College Warriors (Muskogee, OK, USA) , the Graceland University Yellowjackets (Lamoni, IA, USA) and best of all (for NB fans!) the North Battleford Beavers. Listen in to this episode of NBCHS Over Coffee as we dig into the life of an outstanding school counselor, fantastic coach and an all around great individual!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
It doesn’t take long around Ryley Woiden to get the vibe that good things are happening in his class and that students really enjoy being there. Who would have thought that 15 seconds into his teaching career a male student would stand up in class, take his shirt off and start whipping it over his head like towel night at an NHL playoff game. And, did I mention he started his teaching career in Shenzhen, China, just a few…thousand km’s east of his hometown of Watrous, SK. It takes a young teacher with solid character and a solid foundation to keep right on rolling after that first 15 seconds teaching in a foreign country, and that’s what Ryley has done. Listen to this episode of NBCHS: Over Coffee to find out the people and places that have influenced this outstanding young man. You won’t want to miss it!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Born in St. Lazar, MB and raised in a single parent home, fifth among nine children, Norma brings a depth of personal experience to her role as an Educational Assistant at NBCHS. Her heart, passion and understanding for the students she works with are clearly seen when you witness Norma in action. Listen in to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee and find out what experiences have shaped who Norma is today, what motivates her work, and what, ironically, makes her such an effective EA in a classroom of Grade 7 students. We are blessed to have her!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Growing up in the small community of Meota, Mike Humenny experienced some of the childhood we all wish for kids. Riding bikes throughout town, playing freely in the yard and community and having free rein of his dad’s scrap woodshed to make whatever came to his young imagination, were all part of Mike's childhood reality. Fast forward a few years and you will find hockey and great deal of football success, both as a player and as the coach of the NBCHS Vikings and the Battlefords Minor Football Bucks. Even more impressively, you will find success as a husband, father and a leader of young men when they needed him the most. Listen in to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to find out what experiences have helped shape Mike into a great coach, a great dad, and just a great guy to be around.
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
What kind of a person do you put in charge of the foundational administrative tasks of the NBCHS daily reality? Easy. Jenny Nolin. Once you meet Jenny, it doesn't take long to see that she is the woman for the job. Day in and day out, she remains positive, optimistic and energized by the daily challenge of putting the pieces of the NBCHS scheduling puzzle together (just to name 1 aspect of her role). Listen in on this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to see how growing up with 9 other siblings on a farm by Wilkie, SK, working for the University of Manitoba in Thompson and working as a speech coordinator for the Ministry of Health in Regina have all led Jenny to becoming the go-to person we know today!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
We all know Janice Staff for her incredible work ethic, and incredibly dynamic skill set as a classroom teacher, businesswoman, department leader, and last but certainly not least, as an outstanding chef. Pair all of this with a positive and energetic personality and you really have someone who you want to sit and learn from. Listen in to this next episode of NBCHS Over Coffee to find out what makes Janice the awesome person we all know. You'll also find out what the best thing to serve at a true Staff party really is!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity
Welcome to the first episode of NBCHS Over Coffee! From Manitoba to Warman to North Battleford, Sheldon Revet has been on a steady journey to becoming the excellent teacher and just plain awesome individual we know today! Listen in as we get behind the scenes a little and talk family, teaching, progressive metal and skating with an octopus (maybe?) at the Civic Centre!
Episode Credits:
Producing, Recording, Tech - Ryan Kobelsky
Podcast Cover Art - Elizabeth Millard
Staff Photography - Mark Kotchorek
Music - Madison Hemmerling
Host - Jeremey Verity