2023 - Board Recognition Program

Board 2023 Recognition

Retirees O.E.C.T.A Elementary Ada Costanzo Adriana Filice Sherri-Lynn Garieri Donna Rudnicka-Spiess Cynthia Villeneuve Helene Young Merrill Young

O.E.C.T.A Secondary Catherine Corbett Susanna DiGiuseppe Sylvie Gaudette Sharon Malcolm C.O.P.E Patricia Brooks Paula Olinyk

UNIFOR Angie Dennhardt Byron Eisworth

O.S.S.T.F Suzanne Williamson

A.E.S.S Glen Harwood Louise Wright

C.P.C.O Dorothy Basaraba Alma Provenzano

“

Take it all in… it’s as big as it seems.

Count all your blessings. Remember your dreams.

– Jimmy Buffett

”

25 Year Anniversary O.E.C.T.A Elementary Jennifer Hannula Helen Livingstone Kimberlea Mason Laurence Allard Romina Wenzell Janice Coccimiglio Michelle Pero Paul Mackett Kathryn Roneki Robert Hole Cheryl Cameron Tony Russo

O.E.C.T.A Secondary Sylvie Gaudette Joanne Hallarn Leanne Joseph Clare Caza C.P.C.O Frank Lacaria Les Arnone

O.S.S.T.F Michelle McConnell A.E.S.S Melhem Daher

Superintendent Allison Sargent

15 Year Anniversary O.E.C.T.A Elementary Amanda Mauro Jennifer Wiseman Grant Lilley Kelli Milloy Adam Dubeau Christine Traer Wesley Ramage Heather Bragnalo Maria Quaresima Lisa Biggs Maria Ianni Jill DeGagne Ky Nott Erin Jurcic Joseph Mirabelli Daniela Barrett Shaun Berst Vanessa Laatu Bryanna Fritshaw Ashley Budowski Ashley Griffin Lindsay Jarvela Craig Priestley Lorrinda Legacy

O.E.C.T.A Secondary Angela Mirabelli John Zussino Aaron Gunn Dale Lane Chanel Martin Shannon Corbett Julie Ann Mathieu Michael Ianni Amy Coccimiglio Jennifer Gaudreau Douglas Diebel

UNIFOR Robert Kepes L.R.S Monica Saraka C.O.P.E Rina Daniar Michelle Pizzi A.E.S.S Oliver Rusnak Janet Carroll

O.S.S.T.F Eva Sacchetti Nicole Freitas Melissa Langlois Erin Doerpinghaus Susana Castellan Krista Gradner

Dorothy Basaraba Elementary Principal - St. Jude Started with the Board: September 4, 1985 38 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

My future plans are simple: turn off the alarm and enjoy mornings. Beyond that, anything is possible.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? What I liked most about working for the TBCDSB were the opportunities to learn from others; colleagues, students, parents. Every level of school employee had something to share and contribute to my growth as an educator. We were a family who worked together as a team to support the greatest outcomes of our students. The greatest thrill was in sharing those opportunities with others and seeing how they could relate to our students’ growth.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? I have many, varied memorable moments as each day creates a memory. I would say the most memorable would be in becoming principal; initially to the school I attended as a child and then being placed at the school where I began my career. I was able to go back full circle.

Other memories would be the time spent in the classroom and those “Ah Ha” moments when I saw the pure joy in the eyes of a student who was struggling and finally got it and moved ahead with a growth mindset and greater self esteem. The deeper relationships I was able to form with students who were struggling in one way or another created the best memories.

Patricia (Patti) Brooks Elementary Secretary - St. Paul Started with the Board: September 12, 1990 33 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

Spending time with our grandchildren and time for myself of course!

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? A school is a great place to work, I feel blessed that I was able to be a part of it.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? I can’t think of any one in particular, but I’m sure I laughed everyday :) Working with a great staff helps!

“It’s not the days in life we remember, rather the moments.”

– Walt Disney

Catherine Corbett Chair, Religious Education - St. Ignatius Started with the Board: May 22, 1985 38 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

I am looking forward to spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, walking, reading, crafting, volunteering and traveling. A lifelong learner, I have made commitments to continue connecting with the educational community through a variety of consulting and teaching opportunities. I am excited to welcome this new chapter in my life.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? My vocation as an educator for the TBCDSB has allowed me to share my passion to proclaim, provide and promote a Catholic Christian centered education to numerous students throughout my career. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to both work with, and mentor many wonderful colleagues over the course of my teaching career. I am eternally grateful to the TBCDSB, as well as the many individuals I worked with for their guidance, collegiality, friendship and support over the years.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? I will cherish the many memories I have experienced over the years. The growth and development of my students will remain a great source of satisfaction and joy for me. The opportunities for Community building, Faith celebrations, Service, Recognition Nights, and Graduations are among the moments I will forever treasure. Sharing in the joy, peace, hope and love they brought to everyone involved is something that I will always hold dearly in my heart. I feel privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally in my role as Religion Lead Learner/Chairperson at St. Ignatius H.S.

Ada Costanzo Coordinator of Elementary Programs Started with the Board: September 7, 1987 36 Years with the Board Retired: June 30th, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

Looking forward to all possibilities! More time with family, friends, travel, and learning opportunities.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Getting to know and work with all of our school communities and the CEC community. Each has its own pulse and heart. TBC has been an amazing place to have spent my career. I have loved each experience from Core French, to French Immersion, to Literacy Resource, to Elementary Coordinator.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? Thirty four years have gifted me countless memorable moments! Most memorable would be all the people within our board that I have crossed paths with and who have made my life much richer and of course all the amazing students I have taught.

“Age [along with retirement] appears to be best in four things — old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.”

- Francis Bacon

Angie Dennhardt Head Custodian - Bishop Gallagher Started with the Board: October 11, 2002 20 Years with the Board Retired: December 31, 2022

Susanna DiGiuseppe Secondary Teacher - St. Patrick Started with the Board: September 1, 1995 28 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

Byron Eisworth Custodian - St. Bernard Started with the Board: July 9, 1997 26 Years with the Board Retired: May 31, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

Travel.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? The people.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? Meeting some life-long friends.

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”

- Fred Rogers

Adriana Filice Elementary Teacher - St. Martin Started with the Board: September 1, 1999 24 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I started working with the TBCDSB in September 1999. Prior to that I worked for the North of Superior School Board in Nakina and Nipigon. Working for the TBCDSB provided me with the opportunity to live and work near my family and friends.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? I really enjoyed teaching the Learning Disabilities Program at St. Vincent School.

“You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.”

- C.S. Lewis

Sherri-Lynn Garieri Elementary Teacher - St. Francis Started with the Board: September 12, 1991 31 Years with the Board Retired: November 30, 2022

What are your future retirement plans?

I plan to recover from my recent ankle break and then I’m looking forward to doing activities without any schedule.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? What I liked most about working for the TBCDSB is the many friendships formed with families and staff.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? My most memorable moments are encountering former students and learning how successful they’ve become.

“What greater joy can a teacher feel than to witness a child’s success?.”

- Michelle L. Graham

Sylvie Gaudette Secondary Teacher - St. Patrick Started with the Board: September 1, 1998 25 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

I look forward to spending more time with family, enjoying the Florida sunshine when it’s cold and snowy here and hopefully a lot of fishing.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I love mathematics and have enjoyed teaching the subject. I also appreciate the great people (students and staff) I have met.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? I’ve been teaching for 30 years and my most memorable moments have been when students who are struggling with math spend time with me at lunch or after school to get extra help. Seeing the joy and pride on the face of those students when they find success has been the most rewarding part of my career.

“Teaching kids to count is fine,

but teaching them what counts is best.”

- Bob Talbert

Glen Harwood

Sharon Malcolm

IT Technician

Secondary Teacher - St. Ignatius

Started with the Board: February 28, 2006

Started with the Board: September 1, 1991

16 Years with the Board

32 Years with the Board

Retired: June 30, 2022

Retired: May 31, 2023

Paula Olinyk Secretary - St. Jude Started with the Board: November 6, 2003 20 Years with the Board Retired: April 28, 2023

Alma Provenzano Elementary Principal - St. Martin Started with the Board: September 25, 1991 32 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

For now it will be to take care of my family. Later, hoping to travel and become a grandmother.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Over the past 33 years the best part of working at TBCDSB was the friendships I made with my colleagues!

These friendships will last long after I leave and continue into my retirement.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? Every day was a memorable moment for me! I cherished every day with the students and staff. The smiles and hugs I received every day fulfilled my life. I will never forget how special this time was for me!

“I’ve been attending lots of seminars in my retirement. They’re called naps.”

- Merri Brownworth

Donna Rudnicka-Spiess Special Education Autism Consultant Started with the Board: January 9, 1984 39 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

Looking forward to more family time, travel and a long morning coffee or two.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I have enjoyed the “community” that is built within the TBCDSB. Every moment working with students brings me joy.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? I can happily say that I have had too many memorable experiences to list. Overall, it is when a student achieves skills in communicating, self regulating and enjoying the school experience.

“I see retirement as just another of these reinventions, another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself.”

- Walt Mossberg

Suzanne Williamson Student Support Person - Corpus Christi Started with the Board: October 6, 1997 26 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

“

”

Retirement: That’s when you return from work one day and say, ‘Hi honey, I’m home forever.

– Gene Perret

Louise Wright Executive Assistant - CEC Started with the Board: September 1, 1990 33 Years with the Board Retired: April 30, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

Travel, relaxing, spending more time at camp and quality moments with family and friends.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? Being part of the education of children was most fulfilling. The team spirit and belonging to an amazing work family throughout my career was the best.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? There are a number of moments including student accomplishments, staff and colleague milestones and the growth of the TBCDSB.

Helene Young Elementary Teacher - St. Thomas Aquinas Started with the Board: September 5, 2000 23 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

“Teachers, I believe, are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the earth.”

- Helen Caldicott

Merrill Young Elementary Teacher – Holy Family Started with the Board: September 28, 1995 27 Years with the Board Retired: December 31, 2022

What are your future retirement plans?

I plan on more traveling, relaxing at camp and enjoying my family.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? My littles were always the best part of my job. Teaching Kindergarten was joyful and rewarding throughout my career. I was fortunate to work with 10 principals over the years who all respected my expertise. They allowed me to manage my classroom freely and to try new ideas and adventures with my students. For this, I am forever grateful.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? I am most proud of the KINDersCARE initiatives I established in 2020. At the beginning of the pandemic, students created and educators distributed over 350 KINDersCARE candy packages to emergency first responders and healthcare heroes in our community. In the spring of 2021, students, while learning remotely from home, assembled “Lanterns of Hope” which were distributed to Seniors in our community. Last February (2022), we used our challenge to encourage kindness and caring at Holy Family School for the amazing people who work there. Our class assembled a “goodies cart” for the staff room and gave a special and unique token of our appreciation to each staff member. Our final initiative was KINDersCARE Kiddo-toKiddo. Visiting Our Lady of Charity School to participate in a celebration of Baby Jesus’ Birthday was true Chirstmas cheer! We created a Christmas craft, shared a story and sang our Christmas songs with the Gr. 2/3 class. I was happy to end my career during my favourite seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Cynthia Villeneuve Elementary Teacher - Our Lady of Charity Started with the Board: February 21, 1994 29 Years with the Board Retired: June 30, 2023

What are your future retirement plans?

I am hopeful for good health and happiness in the future, and the opportunity to travel and spend more time with my two daughters who live out of town.

What did you like most about working for the TBCDSB? I am so proud to have been a Thunder Bay Catholic School teacher, and there will be many days when I will miss the wonderful children and amazing staff I had the pleasure of working with throughout my 31 years with the board. As a Special Education teacher, I had the opportunity to work with some of the most fragile students - little gains by these children were such incredible accomplishments that were celebrated.

The most rewarding part of working with these students was witnessing the smiles of pride on their faces - their reactions were priceless and what kept me inspired, filling me with positive energy everyday. Every milestone, big or small, whether it be making eye contact or improving reading levels by four grades in a year, were all celebrated equally. The pride I felt over the years working with all “my kids” made my vocation so rewarding, and I feel very blessed to be retiring from a profession that I looked forward to each and every day.

What was your most memorable moment working for the TBCDSB? I still vividly remember the day I received a call when I was a TBCDSB supply teacher offering me a full-time position - it was one of the most exciting and memorable days of my life. I hope that with my retirement, a new teacher will get the same opportunity I was blessed to receive. I feel it is time to make room for a younger teacher and give them the chance to make a difference in the lives of the children they teach.