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Every week we celebrate SMCDSB staff members who have been recognized by a parent, student, or colleague.
This week we are celebrating Joe Almeida, Jonathan Lacaria, and Melinda Yarish.
Joe is a principal at St. Angela Merici Catholic School. He
was nominated by a community member who said:
“Mr. Almeida and the staff at St. Angela Merici in Bradford, have done an amazing job helping families navigate through the pandemic. Every Sunday Mr. Almeida sends parents the "Week Ahead" email update. His words are always uplifting and reassuring, with a sprinkle of humour and whimsy. He has led our school with heart and hope, especially through such uncertain times. I wanted Mr. Almeida to know that his weekly updates make the week ahead feel a little less heavy and is a true reminder that we are all in this together. Thank you.”
This week we are also celebrating Jonathan Lacaria. Jonathan is a teacher at St. Angela Merici Catholic School. He was nominated by a community member who said:
“Mr. Lacaria has been a fantastic teacher towards my son. My son has had a hard time with the new norm in the classroom and Mr. Lacaria has taken the time to talk to him and to adapt his teaching style to accommodate his needs. Thank you Mr. Lacaria, for all your help and patience, my son truly appreciates it and speaks very highly of you.”
Jonathan received a second nomination from another community member who said:
“Mr. Lacaria is a fantastic teacher, truly one of the best! He has made remote learning for our son (and his class) very fun and engaging! Our son enjoys remote learning and is engaged every day. He makes the lessons interesting and engages the students in his lessons. He is very patient and caring. He takes time to address each student's question and helps them understand the work. He makes each student feel special and important. We are so grateful to have had a teacher like him especially during remote learning. Thank you Mr. Lacaria for all that you do!”
This week we are also celebrating Melinda Yarish.
Melinda is a teacher at St. Angela Merici Catholic School. She was nominated by a community member who said:
“I wanted to recognize Mrs. Yarish for doing an amazing job both in the classroom and during the online learning period. She is responsive and always available to help. She is flexible and understanding. Most importantly she is patient and kind. Mrs. Yarish has supported her students through the pandemic with care and concern. It is teachers like Mrs. Yarish that gently guide the students to have courage and to keep striving for their goals, in spite of these difficult times. Thank you Mrs. Yarish!”
We would like to thank Joe, Jonathan, and Melinda for their commitment to Catholic education at our board.