John de Graff Teachers Win 2025-2026 PHE Manitoba EY Physical Educators Award

River East Transcona School Division is happy to share that two phys-ed teachers from John de Graff School have won the 2025-2026 PHE Manitoba Early Years Physical Educator Award. Tara Madec-Di Bartolo and Jeff Feir work closely in the school’s gym, introducing students to the joys of movement, fitness, health, and sport.

Jeff Feir

Jeff has been teaching phys-ed for 17 years.

“I have found so much to love about being a Physical Education teacher, but nothing compares to the joy the students bring. They have a way of brightening your day when you least expect it, from the quiet and funny insights shared in one-on-one conversations to the collective ‘woah!’ of a class walking into a gym set up. It’s an honour to create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. 

“I would like to thank my family, staff, students, and community. Without support in running this program, I wouldn’t be able to do the job I love every single day.”

Tara Madec-Di Bartolo

Tara has been teaching in RETSD since 2006.

“What I love most about teaching early years is seeing how naturally children are drawn to play, movement and social experiences. Physical education is much more than just developing physical skills; it develops essential life skills. Through play and movement, children learn to solve problems, make decisions, cooperate, communicate, and work as a team- lessons that extend far beyond the gymnasium. I also love that our gym allows children to disconnect from the digital word we live in. They get to find joy in running around and moving their bodies the way they were designed to move.

“I feel honoured to receive this award with my teaching partner, Jeff.  We have been team teaching together for about a decade. Jeff and I work very closely together and share a special partnership.  Every single day, we teach our students the value of collaboration and what it means to be part of a team, so it feels incredibly fitting that we get to receive this award as teammates.”