News & Events
September 17, 2025
New Board of Directors elected - 2025/26
Yesterday evening we held our first ever annual general meeting (AGM). Thank you to the guests that attended!
The meeting centered mostly around the election of our board for the 2025/26 term. All main positions remain unchanged, with the slight modification that “Events” and “Fundraising” are now merged into a single position under Christen Kraychuk’s lead. We are also thankful to list Angela Schellenberg as Member at Large.
That being said, the following positions remain unfilled: Vice President, Social Media, Grants. Should you be interested in helping in one of those areas, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
For the remainder of the meeting, we discussed possible events for this school year. The ideas on the right are in different stages of planning. Please pass on any inspiration you might have. We could also use some help for those of you that feel like volunteering at events!
Our next board meeting will be on Tuesday, October 14, at 7pm.
We are aiming to send out our next newsletter in October.
We wish you all a good start to the school year!
The Board of Directors
MPGE Board of Directors Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
President: Philip Mathejczuk (continued)
Secretary: Lorlie Froese (continued)
Treasurer: Katja Wowryk (continued)
Events & Fundraising: Christen Kraychuk (continued, merged with Fundraising)
Member at Large: Angela Schellenberg (new)
Planned events 2025/26
Laternenfest
Christkindlmarkt
Community Events
45th Anniversary
September 05, 2025
Invitation to MPGE’s first annual general meeting - September 16
Dear Members of MPGE,
School has resumed and temperatures are starting to announce fall. We have taken a break over the last couple of months and are now ready to jump back into action.
With the start of the new school year, we would like to invite our members to our Annual General meeting.
When: Tuesday, September 16th at 7pm
Where: Boardroom of Royal LePage, 1883 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg
MPGE has gained traction in its first year. But as a young, education focused organization, participation tends to fluctuate with the school year. If you or someone you know would like to support MPGE in a volunteer capacity on the board or as member-at-large, the AGM is a great opportunity to get to know the organization.
Please let us know if you are hoping to attend, so we can ensure that enough seating is arranged.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the AGM,
The Board of Directors
Preliminary Agenda:
Overview of the first year of MPGE
Election of the 2025/26 board of directors
student numbers for 2025/26 and news of the last couple of months
Plans and ideas for events
Areas that require volunteers:
Social Media (Facebook, Instagram)
Accounting (focus on charity application, taxes)
Events (Christkindlmarkt, 45th anniversary)
Grants (United Way, others)
June 22, 2025
Family event canceled!
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the family event due to a severe thunderstorm watch and the radar showing significant precipitation during the entire span of the event.
We are mindful that families tend to be short on time and tightly scheduled during this time of the school year. Hence, we will not be offering a replacement date at this point.
Have a great summer!
June 19, 2025
Informal family event at Bunns Creek
CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
The school year is drawing to a close and summer temperatures have taken a hold. The MPGE board of directors met early in June and wanted to end the school year with an opportunity to get to know its members a little bit better and give kids a chance to play and have fun together before the school year ends.
We have chosen this coming Sunday, June 22nd, for an informal event at Bunns Creek Centennial Park. Adults and children of all ages are invited to join us from 1:00 - 3:00pm . We will meet close to the play structure in the center of the park and bring some games and toys to enjoy. Please feel free to bring additional items you are willing to share.
Please bring your own drinks and food, as well as chairs.
We are hoping the weather will turn out in our favor. We will be sending a follow-up email and update the website on Sunday morning should the forecast force us to cancel the event.
MPGE is very much looking forward to meeting new faces, young and old, and enjoy games, fun and conversations in German and English!
See you on Sunday!
June 17, 2025
German Canadian Congress promoting MPGE
The German Canadian Congress is promoting Manitoba Parents for German Education in their latest quarterly newsletter. The published article informs about MPGEs work and successes and is available in English and German.
The GCC aims to cultivate and promote the language, culture and customs of German-Canadians, within the scope of Canadian Multiculturalism. Many German cultural events in Winnipeg are either hosted, organized or supported by the GCC.
You can find their newsletter on this site:
Visit their website to learn about upcoming events:
May 24, 2025
MPGE Newsletter issue 02 released
Already another month has gone by and we have sent out issue 02 of our MPGE newsletter today. This time we take a closer look at:
our newly elected board
we are introducing Melanie Penner, who will help us with website design and social channels
help required with our application for charitable status
an experience report from Lorlie Froese and his visit with the German Ambassador
the German language contest hosted by MTG
As always, if you have any feedback or input for upcoming newsletters, please feel free to reach out! You can also find previous newsletters, including historical newsletters from the early years of the program here.
April 16, 2025
Germany’s ambassador to Canada visits Winnipeg, speaks to MPGE
Two days ago, German Ambassador Lüttenberg visited Winnipeg together with a European delegation to strengthen economic ties. The Ambassador took the time together with Honorary Consul Jutta Essig to meet with MPGE’s secretary Lorlie Froese. The group discussed the challenges the English-German bilingual public school program is facing, before the two officials went on to meet with Principal Mr. Locken of River East Collegiate.
In the evening, Lorlie Froese as well as MPGE member Angela Schellenberg, were invited by Consul Essig to join select advocates of the German culture in Manitoba to a reception event at the Fort Garry Hotel. In attendance were the delegation of the European Union, joined by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, City of Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, and others. The MPGE delegates had a chance to introduce themselves and create awareness for the English-German bilingual program.
Left to right: Julia Derheim (Director South Winnipeg Kinderschule), Svetlana Koos (Principal MGLE), Angela Schellenberg (MPGE), Lorlie Froese (MPGE), German Ambassador to Canada Matthias Lüttenberg, Siegfried Hackbart (German entrepreneur), Lydia Schöppner (President GCC), Björn Meinhardt (GCC), Honorary Consul Jutta Essig.
April 08, 2025
New Board of Directors elected
During today’s board meeting, MPGE elected a new board of directors. Svetlana Koos had to pass on her role as President as her newly assumed role as principal of the MGLE German Saturday School doesn’t allow her to focus on MPGE any longer. Ryan Wiebe also decided that his current situation does not afford him with enough time to dedicate to MPGE. We thank Svetlana and Ryan for the critical role they played in founding MPGE and wish them all the best.
The new board will serve until September 2025, with elections planned for our first annual general meeting.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the board, please contact us directly.
MPGE Board of Directors Apr 2025 - Sept 2024
President: Philip Mathejczuk (new)
Secretary: Lorlie Froese (continued)
Treasurer: Katja Wowryk (continued)
Events: Christen Kraychuk (new)
April 5, 2025
First MPGE Newsletter released
We are excited to announce that the first issue of our MPGE newsletter is now available. It was mailed out to all members earlier today.
We are planning on releasing additional issues on a regular basis to cover events and information that deserve a more detailed look and stay on top of mind for those members that don’t frequent the website as often.
If you have any feedback or ideas for what you’d like to see included in the next newsletter, please send us an email.
Click on the picture on the right to view and download the newsletter:
March 24, 2025
MPGE Community Breakfast exceeds expectations
On Saturday, March 22, we held our first MPGE Community Breakfast event. Shortly after the doors opened, the room was buzzing with anticipation from the 90 participants. Next to a delicious meal served by the team of Jeffrey’s Restaurant on Henderson Hwy, interesting discussions were had. Speeches by MLA for Rossmere and Education Minister Tracy Schmidt, followed by Honorary Consul Jutta Essig, kicked off the event. The event was headlined by our five panelists who shared their experiences related to the English-German bilingual school program as teachers, students and parents.
In closing, a creative Q&A session was held. Many participants shared their opinions and ideas on how MPGE and the community can support the German educational programs in Manitoba. It was a very successful discussion, with a number of take-aways for the MPGE leadership.
We will be sharing a more detailed article on the community breakfast in our soon-to-be-released, first newsletter. Stay tuned!
Special mention:
MLA for Rossmere, Minister of Education, Tracy Schmidt
MLA for Concordia, Minister of Justice, Matt Wiebe
MLA for Kildonan-River East, Rachelle Schott
MLA for Fort Richmond, Jennifer Chen
Honorary German Consul in Winnipeg, Jutta Essig
President of the German Canadian Congress, Dr. Lydia Schöppner
School Trustee Winnipeg School Division, Kathy Hoeppner
School Trustee Lord Selkirk School Division, VP MPUE, Karen Johnston
School Trustee & Board Chair Lord Selkirk School Division, Lena Kublick
U of M Prof. Karin James
U of M Prof. Dr. Alexandra Heberger
U of W Prof. and President Canadian Association of Teachers of German, Dr. Kristin Lovrien-Meuwese
U of W Prof. Dr. Linda Dietrick
Former teachers of the program: Charlotte Kroeker, Mary Bradshaw, Walter Kampen, Irene Penner, Elsie Tessmann
March 15, 2025
New promotional video
MPGE is proud to share a project that was in progress for quite a while. We knew the promotional video from 1980 we shared in February made quite an impact in the early years of the program. It was near and dear to us that we created an updated version that reflects todays times. Enjoy!
The new video will also be part of our MPGE Community Breakfast on March 22. If you have not reserved you tickets yet, please take a moment to do so.
March 8, 2025
MPGE meets with ministers
On March 6, three members of MPGE, accompanied by Hon. Edward Schreyer, met with Education Minister Tracy Schmidt and Deputy Minister of Education Brian O’Leary at the legislative building. Subject were the petition “Protect heritage languages under the Public Schools Act of Manitoba” as part of a broader discussion about the importance of heritage languages for Manitoba’s education system. MPGE presented over 500 signatures as a sizable sign of community support. Former premier Ed Schreyer, who supported Angela Schellenberg’s father Harry Schellenberg in establishing the English-German program in 1981, joined the three MPGE representatives to support the cause further.
The petition was a cornerstone of MPGE’s efforts to spread awareness around the importance of heritage languages.
March 5, 2025
Winnipeg Free Press: “German bilingual program ‘not going anywhere’ ”
The Winnipeg Free Press has published an article about the recent announcement by the RETSD Board of Trustees. The article also mentions the work that was done over the last year by members of MPGE and others.
The article by staff reporter Sheldon Birnie can be found on the website of the Winnipeg Free Press:
“A singular public German language education program isn’t going anywhere, according to officials.”
“On Feb. 26, the division held a virtual meeting to address those concerns and try to clear the air. While parents of students in the program are pleased with the assurances of the school division, they also say that there is “still work to be done.”
“That’s very good news, our family doesn’t need to move now,” Froese said. “The school division is saying the program is not going anywhere.”
March 2, 2025
Invitation to first MPGE Community Breakfast
We are excited to host a free breakfast event to bring our members together to discuss German language education in Manitoba. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, be heard, ask questions and meet our amazing community.
Registration is required. Don't wait! Space is limited. Please keep attendance to no more than 2 people per household to allow for as many families as possible to attend.
March 1, 2025
RETSD Board of Trustees announces audit results, enhanced registration
The River East Transcona School Division Trustee Board held a virtual meeting on February 26 with regards to the German language program. We sent out a quick invite to our members, but for those of you who were not able to attend, we would like to summarize what was said.
The RETSD administration has conducted a planned review of the English-German bilingual program on all school levels. The outcome of the review is that the program is robust and stable from Kindergarten to grade 8.
All in-division students will have access to the German program from grades K-8.
From grade 9-12, students that do not live within the catchment area of River East Collegiate but still within the RETSD will need to go through an enhanced registration process.
In a letter of intent, the students will have to state the reason for registering as being the opportunity to take school-based courses taught in German across all four years. This means all 7 courses offered over all four years are mandatory and a condition for continuation at the school for students that live outside the catchment area.
Due to continued divisional growth and lack of available space at all school levels, admission for out-of-division students will be halted until further notice.
A pdf version of the presentation can be found here, as well as on the website of the RETSD Board of Trustees:
February 20, 2025
Historical video about the English-German Bilingual Program from 1980
We are currently working on a new promotional video highlighting the benefits of bilingual education with focus on the English-German bilingual program in Manitoba. While we were looking for material and old documents, we came across this historical video from 1980.
While times have changed, a lot of the same sentiments still apply today. Please reach out if you would like to join us in supporting German educational programs in Manitoba. Stay tuned for a new video, which will be published in the coming weeks.
December 3, 2024
MPGE has presence at Christkindlmarkt
We had the spontaneous opportunity to field a stand at the German Christkindlmarkt at Fort Garry Place Mall. This three day event is the longest running German Christmas market in Canada and attracts thousands of Winnipegers who are looking for that special Christmas present at about 60 stands. On stage, various cultural groups were performing all weekend, including orchestras, choirs and dance acts.
MPGE hosted a stand featuring information flyers, a QR code to our petition for the “protection of heritage languages under the public school act”, and some free candy to attract some of the younger faces.
It was a great success! We received a lot of questions and had many new members sign up. Great conversations were had with many alumni or active contributors of the German programs available in Manitoba.
November 29, 2024
Petition online: protect heritage languages under the public schools act
In recent months, the English-German bilingual public school program in the River East Transcona school division got under more and more pressure. Access had become harder, and financial constraints have been cited along with denials for out-of-division applicants.
MPGE believes that it is important to allow access not just to German, but all heritage languages as part of our public school system. Our cultures are the fabric that builds the province we live in. This is why MPGE has started a public petition to anchor heritage languages beyond English and French in the public schools act.
Please join us in this initiative and add your signature to the list! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance.
October 25, 2024
CityNews reports on access challenges
MPGE continues to advocate for access to the English-German bilingual public school program. Angela Schellenberg and Svetlana Koos were invited to CityNews this week to inform viewers about the on-going issues that families in the River East Transcona School Division are facing.
Contact us if you have additional information about developments or have questions about information that was mentioned in the video.
October 8, 2024
Parents speak to education reporter Maggie Macintosh
Winnipeg Free Press reporter Maggie Macintosh wrote about Manitoba Parents for German Education in her recent article. The spoke to parents that explained the current situation and uncertainties. Take a read to find out more about recent developments and experience reports.
September 13, 2024
Parent speaks on CBC Radio
A parent of a student applying to the English-German bilingual program is declined entry into Kindergarten. She spoke on CBC Information Radio with Marcy Markusa regarding her experience.
Listen to the interview on CBC:
September 4, 2024
MPGE incorporated as non-profit
Manitoba Parents for German Education Inc. is incorporated as non-profit organization led by founding directors Svetlana Koos, Ryan Wiebe and Lorlie Froese. The mission:
We are parents who are deeply invested in our children's access to German language education here in Manitoba. Our mission is to support and enrich the educational journey by celebrating and preserving German language, culture and heritage within our school system.
