2022 - Board Recognition Program

Board 2022 Recognition

Retirees O.E.C.T.A Elementary Sandra Agostino David Campbell Solange Côté Christine Czipf Melissa Dubinsky Aldo Grillo Maria Irwin Jerry Izydorczak Marianne Jollineau Lisa Jostiak Andrea Mulligan Julie Palmer Elizabeth Whitney Sandra Wolter

O.E.C.T.A Secondary Tony Colistro Robert Vanderwey

UNIFOR Theresa Borgo Greg Garofalo

C.O.P.E Diana Baker Sherry Demers Lois Foster

A.E.S.S Fred Fingler Suzanne Kruppa

Superintendent Sheila Chiodo Manager Joe Drcar

C.P.C.O Michael Filipetti Mary Gastmeier

O.S.S.T.F Jackie Bygate Maureen Denford-Cox Donna Gillies Kathy Niittynen Barbara Scanlan Trudy Scavarelli

“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.”

– Bill Waterson, Calvin & Hobbes

25 Year Anniversary O.E.C.T.A Elementary Anna Carangi Stephane Vallee Leigh Wood Tina Zussino O.E.C.T.A Secondary David Battistel Carlo Cappello Marisa Koski Michelle LaFroy Martino Perzan Michael Zussino

C.O.P.E Lori Dysievick C.P.C.O Flora Love-Jedruch UNIFOR Sandra Gray Robert Piccolo

O.S.S.T.F Cindy Bylund Stacey Crocker Allan Oikonen Suzanne Williamson Melanie Willis

L.R.S Albina DeRosa Rosa Lombardo Superintendent J.P Tennier

15 Year Anniversary O.E.C.T.A Elementary Melissa Bragnalo Nadine Campbell Mona Chiasson Alexandra Chivers-Wilson Marina Erdman Matthew Erdman Kristen Fragale Cheryl Guerriero Chelsea Henderson Marianne Heppler Jessica Hogard John Janiec Danielle Kozyra Meredith Meo Mary O’Rourke Caroline Papa Kylie Perrier Marlas Ponto Stephanie Przysucha Vince Pucci Marguerite Redfern-Pucci

Christie Savioli Laura Sherman Francesca Stefanile Steven Zapior O.E.C.T.A Secondary Kristen Anderson Kimberley Bevilacqua Lyndsi Drewes Leena Harnden Carolyn Koropeski Lisa Opas Kenneth Skinner Stephanie Succo Dana Toneguzzi Amy Vescio

UNIFOR Lawrence Heney Danny Nistico Ross Parkin Ronald Vanderwey L.R.S Nancy Hoard C.O.P.E Nicole Petryna

O.S.S.T.F Amy Hebert Tessa Kell Wendy Savoy C.P.C.O Khristopher Bragnalo

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? The thing I liked most about being a part of the TBCDSB and what I will miss the most is the incredible staff and students of St. Elizabeth School. It is such an amazing environment to walk into every morning and a truly happy place to be. I am very blessed to have been part of this school community and will retire with a grateful heart.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? The laughs have been endless and the good times plentiful. Thank you to the St. Elizabeth School community past and present for making the last 18 years wonderful and giving me memories that will last a lifetime.

What are your future retirement plans?

I want my days to be filled with simple adventures with friends, family, and of course my dog Bentley.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? The children, their energy, enthusiasm and sense of wonder and absolute joy.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? Memorable moments - Laughing with colleagues and listening to the children sing during masses. I loved it!.

What are your future retirement plans?

Travel, time with my granddaughter, family and friends, costume making for Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? About how everyone works so well with one another to make a healthy workplace contributing to educating kids success for a better future.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? Helping in educating kids safety and wellbeing in schools.

What are your future retirement plans?

Unsure!! Taking one day at a time!!

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I felt like I belonged and I just knew that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. I remember when I first got my job, I was so thrilled. Working as an accountant (I love numbers) and working for an organization that educates kids (I love kids). I had my dream job, that turned into a dream career. I can’t thank the Board enough for giving me this great opportunity. I have worked with so many people and it was always a great atmosphere.

It felt like my family.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? I have lots of memorable moments after almost 30 years of working for the Board, most I cannot talk about.

However, the most memorable one was looking for a bomb at St. Patrick High School the first year as Superintendent of Business. No joke. It was surreal and wasn’t in my job description. I didn’t know if I should be scared or not. I don’t even know what a bomb looks like. Thank goodness we did not find one. Other special moments included watching my kids graduate and actually being able to give the last one her diploma.

What are your future retirement plans?

I have worked 35 years straight and was only ever off for two short maternity leaves. I consider myself fortunate to be employed full time all those years and healthy enough to work every day. It helps when you work for a great organization and you love what you do. However, I’m tired and it is time to take a bit of a break. I have no definite plans, but I have a lot of cleaning to do and many projects that have been on the back burner. I will hopefully travel a bit and spend many days on the lake.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? My colleagues.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? Each day was a memory I will always cherish.

What are your future retirement plans?

Living on the “Pitch” and traveling the world.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I enjoyed the various grades, especially teaching music as it allowed me to meet many other colleagues What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? There are many but I enjoyed the many extra-curricular activities the students were able to participate in such as music festivals, year end concerts, track and field events and musicals. To see the students “shine” through these activities was very rewarding.

What are your future retirement plans?

The future holds many possibilities. More yoga, more gardening, hiking and cycling. I will be welcoming my first grandchild and spending time refining my “grandmother” skills. As well, I will be teaching at a Waldorf school. This is an exciting new opportunity for me as an educator and I am looking forward to the professional and personal growth it will offer.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? The people I got to work with - staff and students. I learned so much and gained lasting friendships.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? There is way more than one moment I will remember...most occurred during “aha” moments or school wide fun events (pie throwing) (pig kissing) (talent showing).

What are your future retirement plans?

Whatever I feel like doing...that’s what I plan on doing :)

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I enjoyed watching the children grow and learn. I formed several amazing friendships with staff, students and families. Several that will hold a special spot in my memory.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? As unpleasant as it was, my most memorable event was making sure the students were safe during the bomb threats at the neighbouring school.

What are your future retirement plans?

I plan to enjoy my time with my husband and visit our family, fish, camp, fish, travel, fish, relax😜.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? What I liked most about working for the TBCDSB was the staff and students that I worked with over my 35 year career. During the last couple of years dealing with COVID-19 the Support Staff showed their dedication to supporting our students and each other during an extremely challenging time. I truly enjoyed all the in-school teams that I had the pleasure to work with.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? My most memorable moment was when Janet Ecker, Minister of Education did a press conference at St. Jude School. She was there to announce extra funding for a pilot project and I was supporting a number of special education students with multiple challenges in that classroom. The teacher and I had prepared the students as much as possible to sit quietly and listen to Minister Ecker’s presentation. One student fell asleep leaning on my legs and another needed my hand resting on his shoulder to keep from jumping up and running away. We got through it but at the end, Ms. Ecker thanked the Teacher and the Volunteer (me) in the classroom. I turned around and mouthed to Carolyn Oldale, our Director of Education, “This is going to cost you.” We Board/OSSTF were negotiating at the time. We did get a good deal that year!

What are your future retirement plans?

My future plans are to first relax, read, bird watch, play with my dogs and enjoy camp on Lake Superior. Mother of the Bride this fall and hopefully to travel to the East Coast and visit with my many friends and family along the way. Cheers to you all and thanks for the memories!

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? In my career working with the TBCDSB I have enjoyed and am very proud of working on some of the large projects. For example, the Honeywell Energy Retrofit projects and the High School turf projects. During my 20 years at the Board, there were many great projects and achievements that were completed which I am very proud and fortunate to be a part of. I thank all the custodial staff and of course Heather (who kept me in line) who would work with me to make everyday a wonderful experience. Thank you custodial staff for all your hard work and dedication. Your work always made me look good and I am proud of knowing and working with all of you!

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? There are too many to list, but working on large and small projects alongside with the Principals, Architecture firms, Contractors, and of course Tom Mustapic just to list a few.

What are your future retirement plans?

Continue working with the Shuniah Fire and Emergency Services as the Deputy Fire Chief. Spending time at camp, not going to work, and of course enjoying the retirement life. (Best job I have ever had)

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I am blessed with a fulfilling career at TBCDSB. I will always be grateful for the sense of belonging to a family of people who believe in children as strongly as I do, the beautiful, life-long friendships and the special connections to my students that I have nurtured over the years. TBCDSB offered countless opportunities for professional growth. I feel my greatest accomplishments have been my students. It has been as much my pleasure to learn from them, as it has been to teach them.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? As a Grade One educator, most would agree that everyday is memorable. If I had to choose, my most memorable years were at the start of my career. I was very fortunate to begin my career with an unparalleled team of mentors who shared my values, respect and love of learning and passion for teaching. They taught me valuable lessons in education and life that I still carry with me today.

What are your future retirement plans?

It is now time to begin a new phase in my life. I plan to celebrate my health and happiness beginning with spending all the time I want with Sam and Emma and our pups, my family and friends, taking more time for morning coffee, traveling, reading, cooking, gardening, walking with the girls, becoming a better golfer and learning to speak Spanish. Let the good times roll!

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Being a teacher and administrator in the TBCDSB was so rewarding and enjoyable. I met so many wonderful people during these past years.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? My best memories will be the many great staff, students, and families that I met and worked with over the years.

What are your future retirement plans?

I am looking forward to continuing working with new challenges along the way!

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? That’s an easy one, the people that I work with are second to none. Whether it be my co-workers in the office that I see every day or the secretaries / principals that I have had the honour to work with over the years.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? That’s a tough one to answer. There have been a lot of memorable moments while working for TBCDSB so I can’t really pinpoint a particular one, but again, it all comes back to the people I have worked with. They are the ones, for me, that have helped to create all my memorable moments.

What are your future retirement plans?

Well, I have this “honey do” list that apparently I have to work on. Aside from that, there’s camp in the summer and perhaps a trip here and there in the winter.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful colleagues, administrators, and families over the years. I am grateful for the friendships I have established and their constant support throughout my career.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly one specific moment. Each day brought a memorable moment. The daily interactions with my young students allowed me to leave my adult world behind and embrace the fun, carefree aspects of childhood. I will miss the children, their enthusiasm to learn, their kindness, and the laughter we shared each day.

What are your future retirement plans?

I am looking forward to spending more time with my grandchildren, yoga, gardening, hiking, reading, and traveling with my family.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Being around wonderful staff and students to create a place to learn and develop friendships along the way.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? Every year. 3X as many years of laughs and memories in 30 plus years with board. Such added accomplishments along the way. Lastly, St. Ann’s School. Which gave me great memories with staff, and the students gave me a retirement send off that I’ll never forget.

What are your future retirement plans?

Travel and so on…

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I enjoyed working with the students - supporting them to learn and watching them grow.

Meeting and working alongside great people that have become great friends.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? A students’ success, whether big or small, was always memorable and rewarding.

What are your future retirement plans?

I plan to relax, spend time at camp, travel, craft and create, and enjoy time with family and friends.

Cheers!

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Working with students and enjoying their sense of wonder and pride when discovering something new or mastering a new skill was by far the best part of teaching. To be able to go to work each day and laugh with students and staff made for a wonderful career in the classroom. The lifelong friendships with colleagues are the icing on the cake.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? Too many to list but the Toronto Excursion with Grade 8 students, overnight tenting at Old Fort William with Grade 5 students, and the 2017 Strike are likely the top three.

What are your future retirement plans?

In the short term I plan to enjoy “Il Dolce Far Niente” - the sweetness of doing nothing. That will be quickly followed by some golf, renovations, and some travel. Construction projects for myself and others will likely be a steady part of future plans.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? As a Teacher-Librarian, I enjoyed traveling between two schools for many years. I had the honour of developing relationships with students from K-6 (and learning all their names). Having this unique lens in my schools always reminded me that in good times and in bad, children speak from the heart. Over the years, I have met so many wonderful staff, parents and visitors at both St. Pius and St. Jude schools. I will have fond memories and smiles for those I will forever consider friends.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? My most memorable time with the Board were the years I spent being part of the Forest of Reading Celebrations.

It was a very exciting event that connected students from around the city through their love of reading. It helped me grow as a Teacher-Librarian and allowed me to establish a deeper respect for children’s literature.

What are your future retirement plans?

I’m looking forward to having a long summer break... right into October!

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? In the Student Achievement Office - collaborating with dynamic leads and supporting educators in their professional learning. In the classroom - the joy of teaching science, interactions with students and great experiences with some really cool colleagues.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? Before I started with TBCDSB, I taught at Metropolitan Catholic (now Toronto Catholic DSB) from 1988-1991. I worked primarily downtown at Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Patrick High School. The majority of my students were new Canadians from all over the world. Their enthusiasm was infectious and I will always cherish my time there. It awakened me to the importance of getting to know your students. I started the second phase of my career at TBCDSB in 1992. I recall a time when I was utterly bored with a segment of my grade seven science curriculum, dealing with filtering mixtures. I took a chance and instead, challenged my students to design their own original ‘method’ of separating a mixture to create pure water. The learning and collaboration that ensued, shook me to my core. It was a ‘wake-up’ moment and a turning point for me in terms of how I approached my practice.

What are your future retirement plans?

I like to build things and landscape. I see myself being really busy at the lake and at home in the city. I see traveling with Micha and exploring a whole new way of living and approaching life. It will be interesting to live life where time is no longer ‘segmented’ and pressing and I don’t have to pay attention to a calendar (or a computer screen).

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I loved collaborating in French and in English, working towards a common goal with colleagues and students on special projects and liturgical celebrations. It was an honour to have the freedom to share Jesus and His Word with one another. I treasure witnessing breakthrough moments with students: “Hey, those things (letters) mean something, huh?” I will sincerely miss the daily doses of joy, the spontaneous expressions of affection -- to hear, “I love you, Madame!” My heart is full and “I love you, too!” My most challenging, yet most cherished years of teaching were at St. Vincent School working with the beautiful students, families and lovingly-dedicated Support Staff in the Communication Classroom. I will never forget you. God bless you wherever you are.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? One of the most memorable experiences was preparing and participating in the Lakehead Music Festival and unexpectedly winning a first-place ribbon with the students of St. Vincent School. I still think you are A-one, grade-A, beloved and beautiful…! XO What are your future retirement plans?

“Make plans and God giggles.” So, God-willing, I will have more time to spend with family, to read and write, bike and hike, to reconnect with my choral group and discover new hobbies and volunteer opportunities. Through the OECTA Human Rights Committee, volunteering at the Dew Drop Inn has been a healing blessing. You really meet Jesus there so I plan to spend more time there. Finally, I am deeply grateful to everyone who challenged me and to those who showed me grace and mercy over the past 30 years. Mille mercis. Peace be with each of you. Isaiah 41:10

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful colleagues, administrators, and families over the years. I am grateful for the friendships I have established and their constant support throughout my career.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly one specific moment. Each day brought a memorable moment. The daily interactions with my young students allowed me to leave my adult world behind and embrace the fun, carefree aspects of childhood. I will miss the children, their enthusiasm to learn, their kindness, and the laughter we shared each day.

What are your future retirement plans?

I am looking forward to spending more time with my grandchildren, yoga, gardening, hiking, reading, and traveling with my family.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I started my career as a Guidance Secretary at St. Ignatius High School where I had the privilege of interacting daily with many students. It was gratifying to see students who had struggled walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Later I moved to the Catholic Education Centre and joined the exceptional TEAM in Special Education. That team tackled each student’s needs with compassion and determination. It was during that time I felt most rewarded.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? I have fond memories of visiting the special education classrooms and having the opportunity to see the students using the devices and equipment I helped to secure for them. Happy memories of staff gatherings (i.e. Bob’s camp) will always make me smile. I have been very fortunate to work with many brilliant co-workers.

Many laughs and tears were shared.

What are your future retirement plans?

I will continue to challenge myself to achieve my athletic goals. Enjoying the outdoors like hiking, cycling or just sitting and appreciating nature’s beauty are on the list. Retirement isn’t the end of the road, but just a turn in the road.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Teaching at the TBCDSB allowed me to fulfill a lifelong dream to become a teacher. I hope in a little way I was able to help my students go into the future and become successful adults. With my co-workers, I developed life long friendships which I cherish. This by far was the best working experience I have ever had and forever grateful to the TBCDSB. ♥️ What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? There are several memorable moments but one that I cherish is when I taught at Holy Cross School. It was Christmas, a student wrote me a Thank You note for being her teacher and how she appreciated me. Included in the envelope was a butterfly with the caption “with these wings of knowledge, I can fly and accomplish anything, this is what you instilled in me”. I still have that note and read it occasionally when I need a positive affirmation. ♥️ What are your future retirement plans?

I now live in BC and will be spending my retirement traveling, exploring, enjoying my grandchildren and appreciating my life and everyone in it. ♥️

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Being part of promoting inclusion for all the special needs students I have worked with.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? Being able to give a voice to students who need to be heard.

What are your future retirement plans?

Enjoying and being thankful for this one life we are given.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Working with so many talented people (students/staff), many of whom I still remain friends with.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? Too many to mention, but what stands out the most is crossing paths with former students and seeing how they are doing.

What are your future retirement plans?

To stay active, healthy and to do what I want when I want.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? For over 31 years I enjoyed many friendships with colleagues, parents as well as the relationships I shared with my students. These relationships provided me with laughter, support, as well as new ways to look at the world.

Hearing “you were my favourite teacher” when seeing my students later on in life was, and always will be very rewarding to me. I will always remember the teacher who made a difference for me and I hope that I might have been that teacher for one (or more) of my students.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? I remember being a young supply teacher and getting a phone call which offered a full time teaching job with the Catholic School Board. I proceeded to skip down the hallway at Holy Family School feeling on top of the world! What a great feeling that was for me. Over 30 years later I remember walking down that same hallway as I embarked on retirement. I left that day surrounded by my family, as well as my colleagues and friends. I left that day with a sense of gratitude in my heart.

What are your future retirement plans?

My future retirement plans will be to take the time to enjoy my morning coffee. Further plans include enjoying more time with my family and close friends, building a home on the lake, helping plan my daughter’s upcoming wedding and hopefully spending some time traveling. I hope to have some time to enjoy each sunrise, sunset and the moments in between.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? There are so many things that I liked about working for TBCDSB and especially my time at St. Martin School.

I enjoyed collaborating with colleagues and specialized staff who shared their expertise in various initiatives and fun activities. Also, the sense of community, support and safety that our school offered everyone every day. The amazing presentations and accomplishments of students and staff that were recognized and celebrated. Lastly, the rewarding feeling of knowing that I helped to make a difference in the lives of many students in the community.

What was your most memorable moment/event while working for the TBCDSB? If I had to choose the most memorable event of my teaching career it would have to be collaborating with a CAHEP educator and my students to create, rehearse and perform yearly dramatic dance performances to song lyrics based on a social justice theme. The students demonstrated amazing perseverance and courage even though it was a new and challenging experience. Seeing the pride on their guardians’ faces watching their children perform was priceless. Even to this day when I encounter former students they happily recall their dance performance.

What are your future retirement plans?

My future retirement plans include traveling to warm destinations once again and exploring more of Canada.

I hope to visit renowned art galleries and museums. I look forward to enjoying more yoga, walking, gardening, reading, baking and spending time with my family and friends. I also hope to be able to share my teaching experience with others in new settings. I plan to follow the motto of Live, Laugh, Love and Learn into my new chapter.

Diana Baker

Theresa Borgo

Secretary COPE Union President

Custodian Bishop Gallagher

Started with the Board: September 18, 1987

Started with the Board: August 9, 1988

34 Years in Education

33 Years in Education

Retired: December 31, 2021

Retired: November 15, 2021

Andrea Mulligan

Kathy Niittynen

Elementary Teacher Corpus Christi

Student Support Person St. Ignatius

Started with the Board: September 4, 2001

Started with the Board: September 1, 1998

20 Years in Education

23 Years in Education

Retired: December 20, 2021

Retired: June 30, 2021

Barbara Scanlan Early Childhood Educator St. Margaret Started with the Board: September 24, 1997 24 Years in Education Retired: November 30, 2021

In loving memory of our TBCDSB family members:

Laura Pellegrino 1978 - 2021

Phil Pelletier 1960 - 2021