Everyday Heroes: Jane Emmett-Dykman, Shannon Nisbett, and Teresa Hirschfeld
May 8, 2026
We are honoured to present this week’s Everyday Heroes for the 2025-2026 school year.
Our everyday heroes are the epitome of compassion, devotion and care, transforming everyday tasks into extraordinary impacts.
Their subtle yet powerful actions not only elevate the experiences of colleagues but also enrich the lives of the students we proudly serve. They are more than just supportive adults or empathetic peers; they are the vibrant pulse of our educational community, profoundly touching the lives of all they encounter.
Our everyday heroes come in all forms, quietly making a difference in our schools and board offices, yet very often they overlook or downplay their own actions.
This week we are celebrating Jane Emmett-Dykman, Shannon Nisbett, and Teresa Hirschfeld.
Jane Emmett-Dykman
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Jane is an Educational Assistant (EA) at Holy Cross CSS in Peterborough.
Jane was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Jane consistently goes above and beyond each day to support students academically, socially and emotionally.
When I think of an Everyday Hero, Jane immediately comes to mind.
Her kindness, empathetic and compassionate presence makes a lasting impact on everyone around her.
She has the remarkable ability to create a safe, inclusive and encouraging learning environment where students feel safe, valued and cared for.
Her exceptional commitment and dedication towards the Breakfast Club Program ensures no students are left feeling hungry throughout the day.
Jane is a valuable asset to our school and an inspiration to me. She is a truly deserving Everyday Hero!” |
Shannon Nisbett
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Shannon is a Teacher at St. Teresa CES in Peterborough.
Shannon was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“I would like to nominate this teacher because she consistently goes above and beyond for her students, colleagues, and the wider school community.
She is the kind of educator who always puts others before herself, no matter the circumstances. Her dedication to ensuring every child feels included and supported is truly remarkable. By organizing and running a wide variety of clubs, she creates opportunities for all students to find something they enjoy and can thrive in. Whether a student’s passion is academic, creative, or athletic, she works tirelessly to make sure they feel valued and inspired. What truly sets her apart is her genuine kindness and compassion. Her love, care, and concern for others are evident in everything she does, and she makes a lasting difference in the lives of everyone around her.
She is an inspiration for all of those around her and demonstrates all the qualities of an amazing PVNCCDSB Catholic educator. “ |
Teresa Hirschfeld
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Teresa is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) at Holy Family CES in Bowmanville.
Teresa was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“We have had the honour of working with Teresa for the past 12 years. She is a passionate and dedicated educator who truly puts her heart into everything she does. Teresa’s deep care for her students is evident in the joy on their faces each day. She takes the time to get to know each child—their personalities, their needs—and ensures they feel respected, valued, and understood.
As a colleague, Teresa is incredible. She is the first to welcome new staff to our school with a warm smile and makes sure they have everything they need. She is always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s in the classroom or on a personal level. Teresa constantly advocates for our Kinder team, always thinking of her colleagues. Her support means so much to all of us.
Teresa has taken on the monumental task of planning and overseeing the construction of our kindergarten playground, always with the well-being of the children and the school community in mind. She is an active member and volunteer with our CSC and is constantly thinking of ways to enhance our kindergarten program, whether it’s through new outdoor equipment or engaging indoor activities.
Teresa is an advocate for our school community. She organizes Parent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheons, purchases nutritious snacks for our Snack Bin program, and assists with school fundraisers.
We have learned so much from Teresa over the years. Her passion, commitment, and deep understanding of early childhood development inspire us every single day!“ |
We would like to thank Jane, Shannon, and Teresa for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.