Wendy was nominated by several colleagues, who said:

“Wendy is a staple for the St. John community, starting at St. John in 1997. Having been a part of the school community for so long, she knows the history of not only school, but each of the families that have come through these doors. She is the first person you see when you come into the building, and she welcomes you with a warm smile on her face. She knows every student and their families in the school community and ensures every child feels welcomed and loved, as well as their parents. When a student comes into the office, she greets them with their name and asks them how they are?

Being dedicated to the school community for so many years is so beneficial. Knowing the history of the students that have come into this building, being able to share her vision, since she knows exactly where the school has been and is able to help move the school forward. She supports her administrator to ensure an easy smooth transition when they are new to St. John’s. She also does that for every new teacher that walks through the doors.

She connects with everyone that comes into the building, she makes sure you feel welcomed and now exactly where you need to be. As a math coach coming into the building to support some of the classes at St. John’s, she made me feel like a regular member on staff. She always reminded me about the supplies that were booked, if a teacher was away that I was supporting as well making sure that I had lunch.

Here are some testimonials from staff at St. John:

“Wendy is the shining beacon of St. Johns. She is the first person to greet us every morning and the one we go to when we need something; whether it be supplies or, if we’re being honest, a listening ear or a really good laugh.”

“Wendy is the heart of St John! She welcomes everyone with a smiling face and is always kind and engaging with her colleagues, families and visitors alike. Her knowledge of our families and their histories is amazing! She knows my students and what’s going on in their lives in greater detail than myself! Wendy’s organizational skills are impeccable! There is no school that has its OSR cabinets as organized as they are at St. John! Wendy’s ability to track attendance is amazing! She knows exactly who is in the school and who is not! Wendy is a blessing! She is definitely most deserving of an everyday hero award!”

“Wendy has been there for me as a parent and a colleague. She saw me on some of the hardest days and always greeted me with a smile. Wendy loves a good joke and has a great sense of humour. She runs the office flawlessly and is also available to do the extras for us. Wendy is truly an everyday hero.”

Jessica was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“If you need anything done at St. Mary Campbellford, Mrs. Glover is the first one to jump on board. Her genuine love for life is infectious not only to staff but students as well. Mrs. Glover makes an effort to know each and every student in the school. Even though she spends her days teaching Grade 5/6, ask any student and they will tell you who Mrs. Glover is. In the primary wing, she can be found sharing jokes and being silly with our youngest learners and before you know it she will have an older student going to her for help (which is always available from her).

Jessica is the ultimate multi-tasker, on any given day you will find her checking chromebooks, running an extra curricular activity, volunteering to help another staff and somedays even performing one of her outstanding talent show numbers. A hero is someone who gives with no expectation for thanks. Mrs. Glover never hesitates to give help, give advice, give her time and most importantly give her amazing sense of humour to make our school a better place. She finds a way to bring out the best in each and every person she meets.

Jessica finds ways to connect with students. This takes on many forms that (like a true hero) go above and beyond her job. Often you will find her attending dance recitals, performances, hockey games and even making signs to cheer on her students at football games. It seems like a simple thing but to those students and families that see her in the stands it means more than she will ever know. In true hero form she demonstrates what it means to build each other up.

Each year Jessica offers unique and cutting edge ways to impart a love of learning in her students. This may be something as simple as bringing in the sorting hat to create class houses, or creating unique learning experiences through her passion of deep learning inquiries. Her approach to life is simple… always find the good in people and share a smile. As a coworker, these smiles are what makes a tough day turn around and become a great day. We are truly blessed to have her amazing work ethic, outstanding sense of humour and giving spirit at St. Mary’s. Thank you Jessica for being you and for being one of the great foundations we have at our school.”

Shauna is a Teacher at Holy Trinity CSS in Courtice.

Shauna was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Shauna is a dedicated professional who is a strong promoter of the arts. She is an excellent teacher, dedicated to her students and to supporting her staff. She has been with the board for a while and is an excellent teacher, having taught in both panels. She is also a talented artist personally.”