Everyday Heroes: Carolyne Desjardins Weeks, Greg Hickey, and Julie Chouinard
April 2, 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 Carolyne Desjardins Weeks, Greg Hickey, and Julie Chouinard.
Carolyne Desjardins Weeks
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Carolyne is an Educational Assistant (EA) at St. Mary CES in Campbellford.
Carolyne was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Not all heroes wear capes but if she did, it would be covered in patience, compassion, handprints, high-fives and quiet victories.
Carolyne embodies what it means to make a meaningful impact.
Whether it’s lending an ear to students or staff, offering extra support, finding creative ways to keep students engaged, or simply showing up with heart and purpose.
Carolyne is always going the extra mile (and then some) for the students she works with. Her patience, dedication, and constant support makes a real difference every single day. She helps create a safe, encouraging space where her students feel confident to learn and grow.
Her impact goes far beyond the classroom. We truly appreciate the care, effort, and positivity, Carolyne brings to St. Mary’s school and community.
From big wins to the little things that make a huge difference, Carolyne’s heart and hustle doesn’t go unnoticed. She’s not just supporting students, she’s changing lives.
Thank you for your passion, patients and unwavering support to everyone at St. Mary’s Carolyne. We are truly blessed to have you.” |
Greg Hickey
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Greg is a Teacher at Monsignor Leo Cleary CES in Courtice.
Greg was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Greg Hickey is truly an everyday hero at MLC.
Not only does he create a structured classroom that helps his students achieve success, but he is always willing to help his coworkers, other students, and any visitors that come to our school. Mr. Hickey encourages all his students to be the best version of themselves both academically and personally. He challenges everyone to pursue their strengths but also work hard at their weaknesses.
He is always willing to offer extra support to help the students thrive. Every Wednesday during lunch recess, Mr Hickey can be spotted out on the yard, chatting with the grade ones, giving the intermediates tips on how to lay down the perfect bunt, and even on occasion assisting students with building a snowman!
Mr. Hickey always offers to switch duties and/or prep to help benefit his colleagues’ schedules, as well as often assumes the role of TIC when needed. He frequently will change his class schedule to ensure his students that have alternate school days can be a part of the school wide extracurricular activities. He shares his love of the Toronto Blue Jays and baseball with our school and voluntarily spends his breaks coaching the 3-pitch team.
For these reasons- and many more- Greg Hickey is an everyday hero at our school!” |
Julie Chouinard
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Julie is a Teacher at Holy Cross CSS in Peterborough.
Julie was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Julie is a force in our school community whose dedication and kindness make a meaningful difference every day.
She gives generously of her time to help run Student Council, often giving up her prep period and lunches to plan and organize events that bring students together and build school spirit. Julie is a dedicated teacher who genuinely cares about the people around her. She has a wonderful rapport with both staff and students and creates a welcoming, supportive environment wherever she goes. Always willing to lend a hand, Julie is the first to step in when someone needs help, especially with technology.
Her generosity and positivity truly embody the spirit of an everyday hero.” |
We would like to thank Carolyne, Greg, and Julie for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.