Everyday Heroes: Jenny Barre, Kathy Twohey, Miguel Preciado, and Jodie Fallis
We are honoured to present this week’s Everyday Heroes for the 2023/24 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 Jenny Barre, Kathy Twohey, Miguel Preciado, and Jodie Fallis.
Jenny Barre
Jenny is an ASD Worker at Holy Trinity CSS. Jenny was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Jenny has dedicated her heart and soul to serving the students in her CASA class for the past 15 years! Jenny gives her all to every student in her care, her compassion, positivity, empathy and love shines through year after year. So many people see our autistic adults with negativity and fear, yet Jenny always sees their potential, their strengths and their hearts. Approaching many situations with a calm spirit and a wonderful sense of humour Jenny is a hidden gem in our school. Always one to shy away from a compliment, Jenny works tirelessly for the best interests of the students. Jenny is always ready to accept a new challenge, to jump in and help anyone at any time and embodies the spirit of HT’s motto, “Create, Love, Act”. Jenny truly has the heart of an HT Titan and our CASA students have benefited from her experience and expertise for many years. Jenny is most definitely an Everyday Hero!” |
Kathy Twohey
Kathy is a teacher at St. Peter CSS. Kathy was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Extra help? Everyday at lunch and after school. Not in her class? No problem. New teacher that needs resources? Gives you all her binders, organized, divided, with sticky notes. Not good enough? She will photocopy in triplicate and leave them on your desk. Kathy is an amazing role model to new and veteran teachers alike. She is able to plan for her course and help countless others in the math department stay sane and help plan their courses as well. She works tirelessly around the clock and on weekends to make sure her lessons are the best possible lessons she can make. She wants her students to find as much success as possible and goes out of her way to make positive connections whenever she can with whomever she can. She is passionate about the success of her students and will be loud in advocating to them what they need to do to succeed, ensuring they hear how best to navigate those tricky math courses. She is an amazing teacher and does it all with three kids she takes care of and helps her husband run a business. Kathy Twohey keeps her life balanced and gives her all to whatever she is doing. An everyday hero to the students she teaches and the staff she helps constantly.” |
Miguel Preciado
Miguel is a chaplain at Holy Trinity CSS. Miguel was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“The students and staff at Holy Trinity are lucky to work with an incredible educator who never stops. New to his role in Chaplaincy at HT, Miguel has worked there for many years prior as an Educational Assistant. He runs the astronomy club, is a senior football coach, a wrestling coach, runs the sound tech crew for masses and gatherings, and much more. The students love him and speak highly of him. “You know how Mr. P makes everything better?” one student recently asked me when she was struggling with school. Recently, a student and her mom got stranded on the side of the road in Oshawa somewhere and Miguel stopped by to help them. As the faith leader in our school, Miguel is an example of someone completely devoted to serving his community. He is a solid incredible educator who deserves to be recognized and celebrated for his efforts.” |
Jodie Fallis
Jodie is a teacher at St. Stephen CSS. Jodie was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Jodie Fallis has been an invaluable member of our Royals community, and her dedication, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of her students are truly exemplary. Jodie possesses a unique and remarkable ability to connect with students on a personal level. It is not uncommon for students, even those who are not under her direct instruction, to seek her out when they are facing challenges or simply need someone to talk to. Her genuine concern for the well-being of each student has created a supportive and trusting environment within our school community. Jodie goes above and beyond by initiating conversations with students, actively listening to their concerns, and taking appropriate steps to involve parents when necessary. Jodie understands the importance of fostering a safe and nurturing environment, and her dedication to supporting students through mental health challenges is truly commendable. Furthermore, Jodie has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating inclusive spaces for students. She willingly sacrifices her lunchtime and classroom to run clubs and activities that give students a quiet space. One day she and other staff run a knitting/crochet club and the other day she leads yoga, gratitude practice and conversation with students and staff. Jodie is also active in Link Crew and knows the value of a good transition to high school. These initiatives not only provide students with valuable coping mechanisms but also contribute to a positive and supportive school culture. Additionally, I would like to highlight Jodie’s unwavering commitment to upholding Catholic values. Her actions and interactions consistently reflect the principles of social justice, compassion, and empathy. Jodie serves as a wonderful role model for both students and colleagues, exemplifying the values that are integral to our educational and spiritual community.” |
We would like to thank Jenny, Kathy, Miguel, and Jodie for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.