Everyday Heroes: Jennifer Crigger, Matthew Paul, and Anna Mazziotti-Barrett
May 29, 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 Jennifer Crigger, Matthew Paul, and Anna Mazziotti-Barrett.
Jennifer Crigger
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Jennifer is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) at Monsignor O’Donoghue CES in Peterborough.
Jennifer was nominated by a colleague, who said: “Jen is an amazing educator who always finds time for each and every one of her students. She truly cares for her kids and has an amazingly creative approach to her everyday tasks. She is a leader and always is proactive in making our school a better place. Jen is the greatest!“ |
Matthew Paul
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Matthew is a Teacher at Holy Trinity CSS in Courtice.
Matthew was nominated by a colleague, who said: “Matt shows a commitment every day to making learning real for his students. He plans, executes and reflects on field trips, school events such as the French Bistro and Cultural Food Fair and DELF activities. He is crucial to the fluid day-to-day operations of the school, leading teams such as the tech crew for Masses and the school play, both fostering a sense of community and engagement for our school community. He goes above and beyond to help staff at the last minute and to ensure the success of events in HT. “ |
Anna Mazziotti-Barrett
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Anna is a Teacher at Immaculate Conception CES in Peterborough. Anna was nominated by a colleague, who said: “Anna is the kind of educator who leaves a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She is patient beyond measure, endlessly kind, and has a remarkable ability to instill confidence and independence in her students. Anna truly listens — she makes every student feel heard, valued, and understood, and she is often a voice for students who may not yet have a polished one of their own. Even in the most challenging situations, when it feels like every possible solution has already been attempted, Anna never gives up. She manages to dig deep, finding new ways to connect, support, and advocate for her students with unwavering dedication. Beyond the classroom, Anna is deeply caring toward her colleagues, always offering support, encouragement, and genuine compassion. She brings authenticity to everything she does and is a true gift to the profession. Those who have the honour of working alongside Anna are among the lucky ones, because she makes not only her students better, but everyone around her better too.“ |
We would like to thank Jennifer, Matthew and Anna for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.