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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 Christa Matthews, Karen Stainton, Jean Cerilli, and Wendy Paz.
Christa Matthews is a teacher at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. Christa was nominated by a parent, who said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Ms.
Matthews for her hard work and dedication to not only my child but her whole class. My daughter struggled with online learning and in person learning last year due to bullying, low self esteem and no confidence. We had to put her in therapy and that seemed to help for the rest of the school year however she still did not want to attend school. At the beginning of this school year she did not want to go to school and felt uncomfortable and nervous. On the first day of school, Ms. Matthews had a discussion with everyone about bullying and about feeling comfortable to come to her if they have questions or concerns. She even put personal journals in place for the children to be able to communicate with her in private. She, in her own way, has made my child want to come to school and learn. She wants to do the best she can. I thank her for bringing my child back to me. She never wants to miss a day. She always brings her assignments home wanting to do the best she can. Ms. Matthews has brought our daughter back to us and for this I can never repay her. She is the reason why she is doing so well this year and the reason she wants to challenge herself. She even signed up for volleyball this year and got over her fear of it being co-ed. My daughter is looking towards the future and it looks bright! From the bottom of my heart, thank you Ms. Matthews.”
This week we are also celebrating Karen Stainton, an Educational Assistant at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic School. Karen was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Karen is a remarkable educational assistant, who is always loving and very patient with her students. Karen is always trying her best to assist her students to achieve their goals and move them along to the next level. As a co-worker Karen is a very welcoming person and goes above and beyond to help her fellow co-workers. Personally, Karen is a very warm and overall fantastic person.”
This week we are also celebrating Jean Cerilli, Teacher,
and Wendy Paz, Designated Early Childhood Educator, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. Jean and Wendy were nominated by a parent, who said:
“After four straight years and 5 in total our final child has graduated from kindergarten. Jean and Wendy are the best kindergarten team around. They are always there for their students. Even long after they have left their room. My grade five child knows if she needs anything or needs someone to talk to she can always head down the hall and these two will welcome her with open arms. The love Jean and Wendy show their students go beyond the classroom walls and beyond the school year(s) they are with them.”
We would like to thank Christa, Karen, Jean and Wendy for their commitment to Catholic education at our board.