The Ontario Council for Children with Behaviour Disorders held its annual AGM and social at the OCEC Fall Provincial Conference in Toronto, Ontario. The OCCBD’s prestigious Jean Cutbill Award winner for 2011 Moira Sinclair was announced. Moira was unable to attend, however she received the award at the OCCBD Executive meeting on Saturday, January 14, 2012. This award is given to a teacher or other person who has made an outstanding contribution to the education of children with Behaviour Disorders. Jean Cutbill was a Special Education Consultant with the Hamilton Wentworth District Board of Education who was a strong advocate of special education and a leader in founding the Ontario Council for Children with Behaviour Disorders. OCCBD launched officially at the Council for Exceptional Children Conference in Hamilton in 1979. Jean was an ongoing advisor and executive member of OCCBD and became a Canadian Regional Co-ordinator for the international Council for Children with Behaviour Disorders. Her Sorority, ADK Ontario, RHO Chapter established this award in her memory.

Moira’s dedication to children with behavioural challenges and all students with special needs throughout her career has been exemplary. Recently, Moira retired from her role as an Education Officer in the Toronto & Area Regional Office of the Ministry of Education. She had been with the Ministry for nine years. Her portfolios include Provincial Lead Special Education (Eng), Best Start, Parent Engagement and liaison responsibilities to school boards/school authorities in the region.

In her role as Provincial Lead in Special Education, Moira worked closely with a number of Branches inside the Ministry of Education, as well as a number of other Ministries such as Ministry of Children and Youth, Ministry of Community and Social Services and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Moira taught special education additional qualification courses and has presented on a regular basis to parent groups as stakeholders, associations and/or regional school councils. Moira has had diverse opportunities, including teaching and consulting in both panels, writing curriculum, designing and presenting good foundations for new teachers and in school administration.

Moira a long time member of OCCBD was part of the executive group that created the Jean Cutbill Award. She has been a vital link between the Ministry of Education and the OCCBD Executive throughout her 9 years at the Ministry. Moira has consistently shared information that has been vital to the work of OCCBD and continues to sit as a Member at Large.

Congratulations to Moira Sinclair the 2011 Jean Cutbill Award Winner for his outstanding work with children with emotional and behavioural disorders.