OLG, Cheryl K., Gary, E. & Stephanie C.
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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 the administration team
and staff at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School. The staff was nominated by a colleague who said:
“I would like to recognize the Administration Team and Staff at OLG. The leadership at this school exemplifies servant leadership and makes appreciation a priority for their staff.
The administration has successfully fostered a culture where staff members and visitors feel an immediate sense of belonging upon entering the building. From the first "good morning" in the hallway, the staff’s welcoming nature is the heartbeat of the school, ensuring no guest ever feels like an outsider.
As a visiting teacher, I leave OLG feeling inspired and renewed in my own vocation, thanks to the exceptional culture these leaders have built. You quickly realize the staff doesn't operate as a collection of individuals, but as one body that sticks together firmly, prioritizing a faith-filled student-centred culture. There is a sense of spiritual unity and purpose that makes visitors feel they are part of the school family.
Thank you for making me feel like a valued collaborator rather than just a visitor. It was a joy to enter OLG and immediately feel the "Christ-centred" warmth that defines your community.”
This week, we are also celebrating Cheryl Kettle, a special education resource teacher (SERT) at St. Ann’s Catholic School. Cheryl was nominated by a colleague who said:
“Cheryl is an incredible Special Education Resource Teacher who truly embodies excellence. She brings so much joy, dedication, and care into our school. Her classroom is always a welcoming and fun place to be — especially with her famous Taylor Swift dance parties! She builds strong, meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and is a constant source of support and encouragement for everyone. A true leader and passionate advocate for our school, she always has great ideas and makes learning exciting. With her many years of service at St. Ann’s, she continues to inspire and uplift everyone around her.”
This week, we are also celebrating Gary Edwards, a
teacher at Monsignor Clair Catholic School. Gary was nominated by a colleague who said:
“Gary Edwards builds community at Monsignor Clair School through his exemplary dedication to providing opportunities for students to feel a part of something bigger than themselves via his volleyball clubs and teams, especially, and his athletics program overall. By modeling, always lending a helping hand, from assembly set up to running school dances, “Mr. E.” also develops student leaders who are equally considerate and helpful in set up, clean up, and general assistance for school events and activities, from mass to Terry Fox warm up! Equipped with an entertaining sense of humour, Mr. Edwards has always been an appreciated member of the Monsignor Clair staff, bringing a chuckle to lighten the mood for almost any occasion! Our community would not be the same without Gary Edwards!”
This week, we are also celebrating Stephanie Chivers, a teacher at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic School. Stephanie was nominated by a parent who said:
“Mrs. Chivers has taught my son in both Grade 5 and Grade 6, and her kindness and care have had a very positive impact on his school experience.
Earlier this year, my son was feeling uncomfortable at school due to increased attention from peers around challenges that were outside of his control. Mrs. Chivers approached this with genuine thoughtfulness. She took the time to create an age-appropriate presentation for the class that helped students understand differences and encouraged empathy and kindness.
Mrs. Chivers handled this in a respectful and sensitive way, and the students responded extremely well. The change in the classroom atmosphere made a real difference for my son, helping him feel more accepted and at ease at school.
Mrs. Chivers consistently shows compassion, understanding, and a true commitment to her students. I am very grateful for the care she brings to her classroom and feel she is well-deserving of this recognition.”
We would like to thank the administration team and staff at OLG, as well as Cheryl Kettle, Gary Edwards, and Stephanie Chivers, for their commitment to Catholic education at our board.