Everyday Heroes: Sindumathi Thevalingam, Cheryl Johnston, and Rosanne Camilleri
May 9, 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 Sindumathi Thevalingam, Cheryl Johnston, and Rosanne Camilleri.
Sindumathi Thevalingam
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Sindumathi is an Educational Assistant (EA) at St. Francis of Assisi CES in Newcastle.
Sindumathi was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“We are thrilled to nominate Sindumathi for the Everyday Hero award.
As a key member of our Kindergarten Team, she has proven herself to be absolutely invaluable. Her dedication, warmth, and tireless work ethic make a lasting impact on everyone around her. Sindu brings genuine love and positive energy to every moment she spends at our school, creating a nurturing and joyful environment for both students and staff. Deeply attuned to the needs of the children in her care, she supports them with compassion and insight—and it shows, as they flourish under her guidance. Sindu takes great pride in her work, always striving to give her very best. What’s more, she regularly expresses heartfelt gratitude for her role, viewing it as a privilege to be part of our school community. Her humble, caring spirit and commitment to excellence truly make her an Everyday Hero in every sense.” |
Cheryl Johnston
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Cheryl is a Secretary at St. Peter CSS in Peterborough.
Cheryl was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Cheryl is a dedicated and positive light in the Guidance Department at St. Peter. She is so personable and positive. She always goes out of her way to connect with students and colleagues, brightening everyone’s day around her.
Cheryl was the Girls Varsity Hockey Team’s Trainer and Manager. This year we won OFSAA Gold. Not only did Cheryl have an outstanding rapport with the players – bringing gum and snacks for the girls – but she was the administrative/managerial glue for Mike Martone and I.
It is worth mentioning that weeks before our 4-day OFSAA journey, Cheryl was backstage at the Newsies musical organizing all the costumes for the cast. All this was on her evenings and weekends – as a secretary. Personally, I have never seen a secretary give so much of their time to supporting the extra-curricular success of such a vast number of students.
Finally, Cheryl Johnston is one of the most organized and efficient people that you will meet. She is great at her job in Guidance, and her colleagues would all vouch that this is simply who Cheryl is. Cheryl has a huge heart, and is the epitome of an above-and-beyond staff member. I know the Girls Hockey Team would fully endorse this nomination, and write you in droves if I asked. She is so deserving of this award/recognition!”
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Rosanne Camilleri
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Rosanne is an Educational Assistant (EA) at St. Stephen CSS in Bowmanville.
Rosanne was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“As an Educational Assistant, Rosanne truly stands out for all the right reasons, and it’s a privilege to work alongside her.
In the classroom Rosanne works with students to help them achieve their goals. She pushes them to try the work on their own and is there to support them when they need it. She works with students not only on curriculum but also to develop positive work habits and interpersonal skills.
Rosanne contributes to the overall school community by running our school’s breakfast program. Rosanne’s efforts go far beyond simply serving food – she creates a warm and welcoming space for the students, and her positive energy is contagious. It’s clear that she cares deeply about each of the kids she works with.
Rosanne also goes out of her way to check in with staff, always asking if anyone needs help or just a moment to chat. She’s the first person to offer support, whether it’s lending a hand with a task or just being a friendly face when someone needs it. Her kindness creates a truly positive and supportive atmosphere for everyone she interacts with.
Rosanne’s dedication to both students and staff is inspiring, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. She’s an essential part of our school community, and I’m so grateful for everything she does.” |
We would like to thank Sindumathi, Cheryl, and Rosanne for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.