Everyday Heroes: Ellen Storey, Jacqueline Barker, and Amanda Willett
Feb. 28, 2025
We are honoured to present this week’s Everyday Heroes for the 2024-2025 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 Ellen Storey, Jacqueline Barker, and Amanda Willett.
Ellen Storey
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Ellen is a teacher at St. John Paul II CES in Lindsay.
Ellen was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Ellen Storey is the backbone of our school. She organizes and runs countless initiatives, and spends all of her time trying to make our community a happy and exciting place to learn. She puts her entire heart and soul into our children, and because of this she is the one that many students view as their “safe space”, and even though she may have taught them in Grade 1, students continue to come to her for the next 7 years of their time in elementary school. Ellen works tirelessly to provide her students with authentic learning opportunities, and loves to celebrate each success in ways that make everyone feel special and loved. Ellen is a beloved and treasured member of our school community, and truly epitomizes the virtues of an Everyday Hero that “uplifts the lives of the people around them and the students we serve”. We are all truly blessed and grateful to get to spend our days with Ellen.” |
Jacqueline Barker
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Jacqueline is a Educational Assistant (EA) at St. Elizabeth CES in Bowmanville.
Jacqueline was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“When it comes to supporting students and staff, Barker embodies dedication, kindness, and leadership. She is the heart of our team in many ways, always stepping up when needed and offering her guidance to those new to the EA role. A natural mentor, she ensures that every colleague feels supported and every student feels valued.
Barker’s impact is felt in every interaction. She has an incredible ability to see the best in every child, regardless of their abilities, and encourages both students and staff to reach their full potential. Her infectious energy and unwavering positivity create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, motivated, and inspired.
No matter how busy she is, Barker always takes the time to connect with others, offering words of encouragement and a helping hand. She leads with compassion, lifts those around her, and makes our workplace a truly special place. She is a shining example of what it means to be an Everyday Hero.” |
Amanda Willett
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Amanda is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) at St. Anne CES in Peterborough.
Amanda was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Amanda is more that an everyday hero, she doesn’t wear a cape everyday but her wonderfulness in our kindergarten classrooms and community of RECE’s is present everyday! Each day she creates an engaging, welcoming, and nurturing environment for her students and most days makes it look effortless. She is beyond patient and kind, offering gentle guidance to help students grow academically and socially. Every day, she somehow balances multiple roles: educator, caregiver, mediator, and cheerleader to both her students and co-workers. She takes every opportunity to celebrate small victories, and this goes hand in hand with her authentic ability to teach important life skills like kindness, sharing, problem-solving and the amazing power of a good laugh. She is such a gift and is attuned to each child’s unique needs, providing extra support when needed, making sure every child feels valued and loved. With endless energy and a heart full of compassion, she inspires curiosity and foster a love for learning, creating a foundation that students carry with them throughout their lives. Truly, this everyday hero is shaping the future, one child at a time. I am blessed to be in her presence each day, call her a co-worker but even luckier to call her a friend! Thank you for being awesome!!
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We would like to thank Ellen, Jacqueline and Amanda for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.