Everyday Heroes: Joanne Jackson, Brianna Mackey, Rose Pearse, Laurette Woods, and Judith Rioux-Wilson
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 Joanne Jackson, Brianna Mackey, Rose Pearse, Laurette Woods, and Judith Rioux-Wilson.
Joanne is an ASD Worker at St. Thomas Aquinas CSS. Joanne was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Joanne Jackson is an Autism Spectrum Disorder Worker in the CASA Classroom at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Lindsay. She has worked at the high school for 17 years.
Joanne is a very kind, caring and patient person. She greets her colleagues each morning, checking in on how they are doing, and greets the students on the bus each morning with a friendly smile. She goes out of her way to provide a caring and supportive environment for students in her class, and the greater school community, by doing things like baking muffins with students for the Breakfast Club Program or making sure students in CASA have the materials they need to be successful. Joanne always goes above and beyond, helping students as well as her colleagues whenever they need it. She is a quiet leader and dedicated team member who is always willing to step up, never seeking recognition. Her colleagues look to her as an example of what it means to be an effective educator. She is truly an Everyday Hero, and we are so lucky to have her!”
Brianna is a Teacher at St. Dominic CES. Brianna was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Brianna is a graduate of PVNC’s French Immersion program, and she has chosen to share her gifts and talents with her own students today. Brianna is always able to see the best in her students and in her colleagues, and this, in turn, helps her learners and colleagues to be their best each day. Her activities help her learners to become more confident in their own French skills and to feel good about knowing what they can do. Recently, a learner came home enthusiastically asking if they could continue practising their French Impromptu Speeches at home because the activity was so exciting and fun in class. Brianna’s love and compassion for her students quietly makes a difference each day in her own classroom and in the whole school.”
Rose is a Financial Analyst at the CEC. Rose was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Rose is dedicated to the betterment of education in PVNC and this has a direct impact on both learners and staff. In her role as Financial Analyst, Rose tracks and organizes all of the different funding envelopes and their attached programs throughout the year. Rose is not only a master of the numbers, she also takes a keen interest in all of the ways that money can be applied to making work and learning better in all of our schools. She advocates for the responsible use of funds to truly meet learner needs in the best way possible and she guides us through the reporting process seamlessly. On top of her professionalism, Rose is also a kind, welcoming colleague who is always happy to discuss and problem solve with an open mind! Working with budgets is always easier knowing Rose is there to help!”
Laurette is the Secretary at St. Mother Teresa. Laurette was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Laurette is much more than a secretary. She is a mother, caregiver, nurse, cook, friend, mentor, and provider.
She goes above and beyond to make sure all staff and students are safe and happy.
On many occasions, she has made meals or provided gift cards for families in need.
We are truly grateful for all of her contributions over the years.
The St. Mother Teresa community will miss Mrs. Woods deeply.”
Judith is a Teacher at St. Catherine. Judith was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Judith is a dedicated teacher and an inspiring mentor for many of her colleagues. Judith takes time to get to know all of her learners and designs learning opportunities that meet their needs. Judith also shares her wisdom, experience and resources with colleagues in order to help them become the best teachers they can be. The French Immersion program at PVNC is near and dear to her heart and she dedicates herself to ensuring all students – her own and those in other classes – have the best experience possible. Judith will often take time to help colleagues in many ways: designing activities with them, organising school-wide activities such as the Math Fair, and helping to build confidence with French are amongst the many ways Judith creates a positive environment. So many of us would not be where we are today without Judith’s leadership, friendship and accompaniment.”
We would like to thank Joanne, Brianna, Rose, Laurette, and Judith for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.