Everyday Heroes: Jennifer Fisher, Ashley Cantwell, and Barbara D’Souza

Everyday Hero Banner

Feb. 14, 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 Jennifer Fisher, Ashley Cantwell, and Barbara D’Souza.

Jennifer Fisher

Jennifer Fisher Jennifer is the Principal at St. Martin CES in Ennismore.

Jennifer was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Our Principal is an everyday hero who leads with unwavering dedication and care. Always present and approachable, Jenn places students at the center of every decision, ensuring their success and well-being are top priorities. As a visionary leader, she inspires both staff and students with her commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive school environment. Her support for learning initiatives related to Deep Learning and Inclusive classrooms motivates us to grow as educators and empowers students to achieve their fullest potential. Through compassion, collaboration, and a tireless work ethic, our principal exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and purpose. We are truly fortunate to have such a remarkable leader shaping the future of our school community.”

Ashley Cantwell

Ashley Cantwell Ashley is a teacher at St. Mary CES in Lindsay.

Ashley was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“St Mary CES in Lindsay recognizes Ashley Cantwell as an Everyday Hero. She is dedicated, passionate, and consistently goes above and beyond to inspire students, embrace new initiatives, and promote Indigenous education. When you walk into her classroom you see students engaged in all different learning opportunities and she does many hands-on activities with her students. Each child is celebrated for their unique abilities and Ashley is passionate about helping all students be successful to the best of their abilities. Ashley is committed to Indigenous Education and integrates this knowledge into the many activities she does in class. She finds opportunities for her students to share this learning with the school community. Ashley is a leader in the school community through coaching sports, supporting her fellow colleagues, and she can always be counted on to jump in wherever needed. Her sense of humour brings joy to our school community and we at St. Mary CES Lindsay are truly blessed to have her here.”

Barbara D’Souza

Barbara D'Souza Barbara is the Head Secretary at St. Thomas Aquinas CSS in Lindsay.

Barbara was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Barb brings an incredibly kind, positive, and uplifting energy to STA every day. She works tirelessly to help anyone who enters her office, and does it all with a smile. Barb genuinely cares about the staff and students, and her kind heart and warmth are an integral part of our school community. She truly embodies our school motto “We Are Family” as she welcomes and supports every person who steps foot in our building. She tackles every problem with a great attitude and will drop everything to help someone in need. Barb has an incredible way of making you feel heard, valued, and never like a bother — no matter the situation. Her warmth and upbeat personality are contagious, brightening even the toughest days with a genuine smile and a light-hearted comment. She is always ready and willing to share her time, energy, and expertise with anyone who might need it. We are so lucky to have Barb and we’d be truly lost without her!”

We would like to thank Jennifer, Ashley and Barbara for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.