Less than a year old, the local anglophone school district's twice-a-year publication has already garnered attention

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by Hanne Armstrong
This Week Staff

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School District 2's "Achieve" magazine has only been around for two issues, but it has already won recognition from the National School Public Relations Association. In a field of entries from across North America, "Achieve" garnered a Merit Award, which is no small accomplishment for a publication this early in its existence.

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Achieve magazine, a twice-yearly magazine produced by School District 2 and Urban Publications, recently won an award.

"I'm very pleased that it was singled out for attention," comments editor Aubrey Kirkpatrick.

Aubrey is the Director of Finance, Administration and Communications for School District 2, and has just won the Vision Award for his excellent work as a school business official. Achieve Magazine is one of his creations, part of his innovative approach to his Communications mandate.

"The magazine is one more tool for communication between staff, students, and the public," explains Superintendent Karen Branscombe. "It includes writing by staff and students as well as by professional writers."

Achieve Magazine is published twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. It is handed out free of charge to each student of District 2, and mailed free of charge to some four hundred companies and community leaders.

The next issue is expected in October. If you missed the first two issues, they are viewable on line at district2.nbed.nb.ca/achieve.asp. The layout and graphic design alone make it worth a look.

"The stylish graphic layout and production of Achieve is a result of School District 2 and Urban Publications of Moncton working together to create a quality publication," says Aubrey.

The aim of the magazine is to promote achievement at all levels for students, staff, parents and communities, and to do so in an attractive, appealing format. So far there have been articles geared towards students about nutrition, and one on preschool for young parents.

"It's geared to families," says Karen. "It's another way to tell more about what we do. And people are reading it. Several students, after they read the first issue, asked if they could be contributors of upcoming issues."

Aubrey and his colleagues at District 2 find the positive local response to Achieve Magazine just as, if not more, satisfying than the professional recognition from the Public Relations Association. It is not easy to appeal to readers of many different ages, interests, and lifestyles, but Achieve manages to do so.

The NSPRA's Publications and Electronic Media Awards is open to all public and private schools or districts, including special schools such as vocational-technical institutes, regional or county education service agencies, education agencies, and private businesses serving as partners with those organizations. Achieve Magazine was one of hundreds of entries, and District 2 is justifiably proud of their accomplishment. Another big bonus of Achieve Magazine, from Karen's perspective, is that the magazine is not a new expense for District 2 to take on.

"It pays for itself through advertising," she says. "We have great community partners, and that allows us to produce a high quality magazine and include some professional writing in each issue. People say it's very professional-looking."

No doubt the publication of each issue of Achieve Magazine will soon become a much anticipated event, as readership and participation continue to grow.