2023 Board Recognition
O.E.C.T.A Elementary
Ada Costanzo
Adriana Filice
Sherri-Lynn Garieri
Donna Rudnicka-Spiess
Cynthia Villeneuve
Helene Young
Merrill Young
Retirees
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
A.E.S.S
Glen Harwood
Louise Wright
O.S.S.T.F
Suzanne Williamson
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
IT Technician
Started with the Board: February 28, 2006
16 Years with the Board
Retired: June 30, 2022
Sharon Malcolm
Secondary Teacher - St. Ignatius
Started with the Board: September 1, 1991
32 Years with the Board
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
Retired:
26 Years with the Board June 30, 2023
“Retirement: That’s when you return from work one day and say, ‘Hi honey, I’m home forever.
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.
