Turning her classroom into a grocery store is just one example of how Charles Sturt University (CSU) teaching graduate, Ms Alison Wojkowski, strives to make learning fun and meaningful. Ms Wojkowski, who graduated from CSU Ontario’s Bachelor of Primary Education Studies (BPES) in 2008, has been recognised in the Teacher of the Year category of the Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence. She said the primary school teaching program at CSU helped prepare her for the classroom. “The program provided hands-on lessons, applicable ideas and theories, and a significant period of time in each work placement,” Ms Wojkowski said. “I was able to develop a number of effective teaching, classroom management and relationship building strategies.” It is the second year in a row that a CSU graduate has won the prestigious award, with Ms Michelle Jerzyk recognised in 2010. The Head of the Ontario School of Education at CSU Dr Will Letts, said “Alison epitomises what we hope for all BPES graduates, to take their Charles Sturt University education and extend it in creative and meaningful ways.”  Ms Wojkowski is now teaching kindergarten at W H Morden Public School in Oakville. “Every day at least one thing happens with my students to make me smile,” she said. “I will continue to strive to help all of my students see the joy in learning, something I hope they will carry with them for life.”