Everyday Heroes: James Acs, Ashleigh Wood, and Debbie Walsh
May 1, 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 James Acs, Ashleigh Wood, and Debbie Walsh.
James Acs
 |
James is a Teacher at Monsignor O’Donoghue CES in Peterborough.
James was nominated by a colleague, who said: “Teaching kindergarten isn’t for everyone but for James Acs, it’s exactly where he belongs! James uses his humour, musicality and years of experience to connect with his students and keeps them engaged by making every day feel like Christmas! When James isn’t teaching the leaders of tomorrow, he can be found offering his time each week to play guitar for our school choir. He has also volunteered many of his lunch hours over the years to teach students how to play the guitar at various schools across our PVNC Catholic community. He is a true representation of school spirit and is often the reason laughter is heard in the hallways of MOD. James is not only a great educator, but he is also an advocate for positive workplace relationships, especially with his RECE partners. Thanks for making everyday a little bit brighter friendo!” |
Ashleigh Wood
 |
Ashleigh is an Educational Assistant (EA) at St. Joseph CES in Bowmanville.
Ashleigh was nominated by a colleague, who said: “Ashleigh was new to our school this year and joined our Kinder team. She jumped in all hands on deck and fit in seamlessly with our team! She is dedicated and passionate about what she does and always strives to ensure our students have the most successful day. She brings laughter and humour to our classroom. We are beyond blessed to have this educator working and serving the community of St Joseph CES.“ |
Debbie Walsh
 |
Debbie is an Educational Assistant (EA) at St. Martin CES in Ennismore. Debbie was nominated by a colleague, who said: “For many years, Deb has been a steady and compassionate presence for students, staff, and the school community at St. Martin. Known for her calm, level-headed approach, she consistently creates a safe and supportive environment where students feel valued, understood, and capable of success. Her kindness and genuine care shine through in every interaction. She takes the time to truly connect with students, recognizing their individual needs and encouraging them to reach their potential. Through patience, empathy, and dedication, she helps open doors to new opportunities for the students she supports, empowering them to grow both academically and personally. Beyond her work with students, she is a trusted and supportive team member who is always willing to lend a helping hand, share her knowledge, and uplift those around her. Her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment make a lasting difference every day. She exemplifies what it means to be an everyday hero—quietly transforming lives through care, dedication, and heart.“ |
We would like to thank James, Ashleigh, and Debbie for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.