Everyday Heroes: Jennifer Clark, Erin O’Neill, Melissa Spence, Michele Harrison

Every week we celebrate PVNC staff members who have been recognized by a parent, student or colleague as an Everyday Hero. Every school and every department in our Board has an Everyday Hero who expresses their kindness, courage and love through simple, ordinary actions that uplift the lives of the people around them and the students we serve. An Everyday Hero is a caring adult, an empathetic colleague, somebody who simply makes going to work each day worthwhile.

This week we are celebrating Jennifer Clark, Erin O’Neill, Melissa Spence, and Michele Harrison.

Jennifer is the Math Curriculum Chair at St. Stephen CSS. Jennifer was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Jen has spearheaded our new destreamed MTH1W course. She is now actively working to ensure that we develop a strong destreamed program for our Grade 9s next year. Jen works to include hands-on activities for her students. She is kind, caring and an excellent leader.

Jen’s commitment to the St. Stephen community is exemplary.  She is a devoted leader to our student LINK crews and an active member of our Graduation and Awards Committees. Jen, year after year goes above and beyond to spearhead our EQAO mathematics assessment initiative at St. Stephen, devoting countless hours to ensure our students are prepared.”

Erin is an LTO Teacher at St. Stephen CSS. Erin was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Erin has been an outstanding member of our staff since I began working with her in September, 2020. Not only does she take the time to get to know each and every one of her students, she puts an incredible amount of effort in making them feel important and loved. Erin does this in many ways: through her interactive lessons, the positive messages displayed around her class, her consistency in welcoming each and every student into her class every day, being available for her students outside of class time, taking the time to listen to her students, and doing everything in her ability to meet their needs. Most importantly, her generous and caring personality is what has made her a most gracious leader in several school-wide events such as the Terry Fox Run and Student Council. Erin is also an extremely supportive colleague who is always willing to lend a hand, give encouragement, and provide kudos to anyone she sees.”

Melissa is the secretary at Immaculate Conception CES. Melissa was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Melissa is the type of person that goes above and beyond for the students of her school community. She runs ‘craft club’ for students in Gr. 2 to 8 at lunch recess, helps oversee the school yearbook, is our First Aid lead, finds ways to give students a leadership opportunity and most of all, offers a sympathetic and active ear to students and staff when they need to be heard the most. She truly is a hero everyday!”

Michele is an Early Childhood Educator at St. Mary Lindsay CES. Michele was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“My own words are inadequate in expressing the gratitude I hold in my heart for my friend and colleague, Michele Harrison. Instead, I will share the words of a former student she taught in FDK (who is now in Grade 5), who holds Mrs. Harrison in the very centre of his heart. He told Michele that she will never have to worry about anything in her lifetime, because he is going to take care of her always; she won’t ever have to worry about food or a place to live and when she’s old, he’ll look after her. “She’s like a grandma to me!” is one of the lines he shares often.  Michele Harrison is a gift to the students and staff of St. Mary school. The light of Christ shines brightly through her, and she encourages me to be a better version of myself!”

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