Everyday Heroes: Grace Wildeboer, Dave Chambers, and Linda Hrncir
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 Grace Wildeboer, Dave Chambers, and Linda Hrncir.
Grace Wildeboer
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Grace is a Social Worker at St. Stephen CSS. Grace was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Grace embodies the epitome of an everyday hero as the school social worker, consistently demonstrating unparalleled dedication and compassion towards both students and staff alike. Her invaluable contributions go beyond the call of duty, leaving a positive mark on the entire school community. At the heart of Grace’s role is her unwavering commitment to supporting students in navigating the complexities of their lives. Whether they are facing academic challenges, personal struggles, or mental health issues, Grace is a steadfast ally, offering a listening ear, practical guidance, and unwavering support. Her genuine empathy and understanding create a safe and nurturing environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to overcome obstacles. Moreover, Grace extends her kindness and support to the staff, recognizing that their well-being is integral to the overall health of the school community. Her presence not only strengthens the morale of the staff but also fosters a culture of collaboration and empathy. What sets Grace apart is her willingness to go above and beyond her duties to meet the needs of those she serves. Her selflessness and dedication serve as a beacon of hope for the entire school community, inspiring others to embody the values of kindness, compassion, and service. This nomination cannot be complete without mentioning Grace’s excellent sense of humor. In essence, Grace is a true blessing for our school community, enriching the lives of students and staff alike with her boundless kindness, unwavering support, and compassionate spirit.” |
Dave Chambers
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Dave is an EA at St. Paul CES Lakefield. Dave was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Dave Chambers, Educational Assistant at St. Paul’s Lakefield, is renowned for his gentle and compassionate demeanor. From warmly welcoming students in the morning to bidding them farewell with a smile in the afternoon, he leaves a lasting impact on all. |
Linda Hrncir
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Linda is an EA at St. Joseph CES Cobourg. Linda was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Linda is one of the most caring individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She cares deeply about all of the students and is always available to help, assist and be a good listener when students need her. She makes sure to connect with all the intermediate students in the division at the start of the year and gets to know all of their likes and interests, so they all know she cares and they can talk to her whenever they are in need. I’ve nicknamed her “octopus” because she is often meeting the needs of 8 different students all at the same time with very different issues. Not only is she a hero in the intermediate division where she works with a number of students, she is also a true hero around the school and on the yard. Linda makes sure when she is on recess and lunch duty to connect with all of the younger students and they all feel so comfortable with her. As a staff member, Linda shows up with a smile and a positive attitude every day and is an amazing listener for everyone on staff. She is supportive and helpful and we all know we can count on Linda if we need advice, assistance or just a good listener. The entire St. Joseph community is lucky to have such a caring individual working here every day!“ |
We would like to thank Grace, Dave, and Linda for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.