Awards 2010

Honouring Excellence in Rainbow Schools

Rainbow District School Board paid tribute to dedicated employees, volunteers and community partners at the Board meeting held on Monday, May 17, 2010 with the presentation of Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program, the Community Partnership Award, Awards for Excellence, the Go Green Globe Awards, the Barbara Konarek Memorial Award and the William N. Roman Teacher of the Year Award. Employees with 25 and 35 years of service were also recognized.

"With the presentation of these awards, we continue a rich tradition of honouring excellence in Rainbow Schools," said Board Chair Tyler Campbell. "We are proud of our employees, our volunteers, our community partners and our long-serving employees and their collective contributions to public education in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin. On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate all award recipients for their outstanding achievement."

"The contributions of our individual award recipients vary, but they all have one thing in common," said Director of Education Jean Hanson. "They are dedicated employees, committed volunteers and dynamic educational partners who go above and beyond the call of duty to reach minds and touch hearts in our schools and the communities that we serve." She added: "We congratulate employees with 25 and 35 years of service on achieving this milestone in their careers."

Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-curricular Program

Craig Thomson
C.R. Judd Public School

Craig Thomson enjoys seeing his students succeed, in the classroom and on the volleyball court. A Grade 8 teacher at C.R. Judd Public School, he has been coaching for the past 12 years, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, practice and teamwork. He tells his students that he is prepared to help them meet their goals if they are prepared to work hard.

Craig Thomson devotes countless hours to coaching the C.R. Judd Public School girls' volleyball team, which has earned the reputation as "the team to beat". Many students from C.R. Judd have gone on to play competitive volleyball in high school and in the organized league level as a result of his influence. In 2008, graduate Kristin Bolduc was recruited to play volleyball at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 level in the United States. In accepting the honour, Kristin thanked Craig Thomson for introducing her to volleyball and for helping her to achieve her goals.

Craig Thomson honed his craft as a coach through formal course training and hands-on practice as assistant coach of the Cambrian College Women's Collegiate Volleyball Team and as coach of the Junior/Senior Girls' Volleyball Team at Confederation Secondary School. In addition, he has coached a local travelling team for several years now, often recruiting students from C.R. Judd Public School to play volleyball at this competitive level. For his ability to inspire students to achieve their goals, Craig Thomson is an ideal candidate of an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

Earl Cote
Confederation Secondary School

As a Co-operative Education teacher at Confederation Secondary School, Earl Cote has worked with hundreds of students and local businesses to find suitable placements. He has a stellar success rate. Everyone in the community looks forward to his visits, with both students and businesses benefiting from the Co-operative Education experience. Over the years, Earl Cote has also organized fundraisers. Under his supervision, the students have built cedar canoes and raffled them off to raise funds for school programs.

Beyond the classroom, Earl Cote's contribution to the life of students is impressive. He designs sets and offers technical support for school plays, organizes the annual Remembrance Day assembly, co-coaches the school wrestling team, and leads outdoor education excursions. He has served as the convener of the local high school wrestling league for the past five years, assumed the role as NOSSA Convener of wrestling when needed, and has represented NOSSA for several OFSAA competitions.

Earl Cote was selected by his coaching peers to convene OFSAA wrestling in Sudbury in 2011, a testament of his dedication to the Co-Curricular Program and his organizational abilities. He is the second person from this community to be offered this opportunity in the past 40 years. In his spare time, Earl Cote collects and displays photographs of school teams and graduating classes from the past 43 years at Confederation Secondary School. He has also been the Technical Director for Northern Lights Festival Boréal for the past 20 years. Earl Cote is a most deserving candidate of an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

David Gallant
Espanola High School

In his 10 years at Espanola High School, David Gallant has made an immense contribution to the school and the community. In his classroom, he engages students, encouraging them to become lifelong learners and contributing members of society. As the Program Leader for Social Sciences, he is a highly respected member of the Espanola staff, admired by colleagues for his professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication.

Beyond the classroom, David Gallant is a highly effective cross-country running and track coach. Under his leadership, both teams have achieved success at NOSSA and OFSAA. In recognition of his many achievements, he received the OFSAA Colin Hood Award for coaching excellence. David Gallants coaching skills shine brightest in the accomplishments of national champion and Olympic hopeful Caroline Ehrhardt. With Mr. Gallant by her side, Caroline has established 37 track and field records from the school level to the national level in the past four years.

When he is not teaching or coaching, David Gallant makes the community in which he lives a better place. He organizes the schools annual Terry Fox Run, emcees the Remembrance Day assembly, volunteers with the North Shore Search and Rescue, and convenes the Espanola mixed curling league. His exemplary character, proven leadership, hard work, dedication to the profession, and commitment to community make him an ideal candidate for an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

Kent Rendell
Sudbury Secondary School

Kent Rendell has been a Physical Education and Science Teacher at Sudbury Secondary School for the past 12 years. He is also a long-time coach who devotes a great deal of his time to student athletes in a number of sports. Over the years, he has coached many teams at Sudbury Secondary School, including basketball, softball, football and track and field. His efforts have brought city championships to Sudbury Secondary School. The North Stars basketball team captured the city title in 2005-2006.

Coach Rendell was instrumental in the creation of the boys' softball team at Sudbury Secondary School, which he has coached since its inception. He has convened the SDSSAA golf tournament for the past seven years. He has also kept the basketball program at Sudbury Secondary School viable for students, coaching the boys and girls teams for the past four years.

Through it all, Kent Rendell's concern for the overall development and well being of students and athletes is front and centre. He continues to be a teacher who goes the extra mile to assist students. A key member of the Sudbury Secondary School Athletic Council, he provides leadership and guidance to students and displays a positive attitude and sense of humour. He is a most deserving candidate of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

Laura Stanyon
Lockerby Composite School

With 15 years of experience in the teaching profession, Laura Stanyon has made an immense contribution to promoting active, healthy living. She not only teaches the subject, she also coaches cross-country running, track and field, swimming, badminton, Nordic skiing, golf and volleyball. She convenes track and field and swimming. Under her leadership, teams have won numerous City and NOSSA Championships. Many have qualified and competed at the OFSAA level.

Laura Stanyon pushes the boundaries of how physical education is taught. As a result, Lockerby Composite School offers unique courses, including a Yoga class for senior students starting this fall. She also has an exuberant school spirit and a wonderful sense of community. Over the years, she has played a significant role in the Laura Cotesta Cancer Drive, generating excitement and enthusiasm for this important campaign.

Laura Stanyon is described as a person who loves life and embeds this positive attitude in everything that she does. Her philosophy is captured in the following lessons for learning and life - never take yourself too seriously, find time and opportunity in every situation to smile and laugh, embrace everyday for the promise it holds, there is nothing that can't be achieved without a little imagination and ingenuity, and work hard and play hard. Rainbow District School Board is pleased to honour Laura Stanyon with an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

Community Partnership Award

Guy Campeau

When Guy Campeau approached Rainbow District School Board to partner with the Mission of T.E.A.R.S. to present the benefit concert for Haiti in Sudbury, we were quick to say yes. With the generous spirit of staff, students and parents, Guy Campeau helped Rainbow District School Board raise more than $28,000 in donations in two short weeks. With a matching grant from the Government of Canada, local efforts doubled in impact.

Guy Campeau was the catalyst who got the ball rolling. He contacted Philip May to be the musical director for the Concert for Haiti. They pulled together an amazing band of local musicians, including many teachers from Rainbow Schools. The line-up also featured Robert Paquette, Jeff Wiseman and Stéphane Paquette, who performed to a capacity crowd and a standing ovation in the Fraser Auditorium at the end of January.

Over the past seven years, Guy Campeau has also spearheaded the Books for Reading World Literacy Concerts. With Philip May as the musical director, these concerts have showcased talented artists of local and national acclaim. The concerts have raised funds to ship containers of used books and school supplies to developing countries, including the Congo, Burundi, Mali, Haiti and Jamaica. These initiatives, under Guy Campeau's leadership, are examples of community collaboration and global citizenship at their finest. Rainbow District School Board is pleased to recognize Guy Campeau with a Community Partnership Award.

Janet Gasparini

Janet Gasparini has been the Executive Director of the Social Planning Council of Sudbury for the past 12 years. Under her leadership, the Social Planning Council has focused its efforts on building collaborative communities for the benefit of children and families. Committed to a healthy community model of development, Janet Gasparini understands the importance of economic, social and environmental sustainability.

In her role as Executive Director, Greater Sudbury municipal councillor, Chair of the Board of Health and Chair of the Mayor and Councils Roundtable on children, Janet Gasparini has been influential in moving many important social issues forward. She is currently engaged in planning for better outcomes for children and families and implementing a poverty reduction strategy to give all an opportunity to achieve their full potential. She recently shared her vision with School Councils at a Parent Involvement Committee meeting.

The Social Planning Council has also had powerful and positive impact on character development in Rainbow Schools. Students are being empowered to take a stand against bullying using a social inclusion approach. Students are learning to have an open mind by examining prejudices and how often they assume or judge others, and have an open heart by spending time getting to know different people and developing tolerance and patience. For her commitment to making our community a better place to be, Janet Gasparini is a most deserving candidate for a Community Partnership Award.

Pastor Steve Gudrie

Pastor Steve Gudrie has been a guiding light for Confederation Secondary School for the past five years. He is a valued coach, provides support in times of need, serves as a mentor to youth, and supports staff in their efforts to support students. Along with his son, he runs basketball clinics at area feeder schools. He also coaches junior and senior football and boys' basketball. On Friday nights, he offers intramural sports in the Confederation Secondary School gym.

His involvement in school life enhances the learning environment. Pastor Steve Gudrie provides food for Confederation Secondary School's breakfast club and other socials, diapers and clothing for students and families with young children, and, most importantly, encouragement to all Confederation staff as they work together to nurture and inspire the students in their care. He also offers a free family day with games and entertainment once a year. Extra prizes and gift donations are given to the school for carnivals and fun days.

Pastor Steve Gudrie's generosity to Confederation Secondary School knows no bounds. When he heard that a student in a wheelchair who had become a timer at track meets wanted to assume an active role in the Athletic Association, he set out to find a desk for the Athletic Office that, at the push of a button, adjusts to the height of the user. For making the dreams of young people a reality, Pastor Steve Gudrie is a most deserving candidate of a Community Partnership Award.

Awards for Excellence

Leslie Chisholm-Paul
Churchill Public School

Leslie Chisholm-Paul has been an Educational Assistant for 22 years, most recently at Churchill Public School where she has had an important impact on student achievement and school culture. At Churchill, she not only coaches, she also helps to organize many events, including graduation ceremonies, awards, concerts, bake sales, staff dinners, pancake breakfasts, fun fairs, dress-up days, carnival days, classroom competitions, the Fall Harvest Feast and Remembrance Day. She also oversees the Churchill Public School Student Parliament that co-ordinates most of the student activities. Their effectiveness is a tribute to her leadership skills.

Leslie Chisholm-Paul's impact extends beyond the school into the local and global communities. She initiated a fundraising campaign to purchase supplies for a school in Mexico, organized a Purple Day in support of individuals with epilepsy, delivered Christmas cheer on behalf of the school to community seniors, invited Student Parliament to donate to the Pediatric Cancer Teddy Bear Picnic, assembled turkey dinners for Churchill families, engaged the entire school in a Vow of Silence, spearheaded canned food drives, served as Captain of the C.I.B.C. Run for the Cure Team, and helped to organize the Churchill Relay for Life, the first event of its kind in a Northern Ontario elementary school.

Under Leslie Chisholm-Paul's leadership, Churchill Public School adopted Lieutenant Chris Hartwick, a former Churchill Public School student who recently returned home from Afghanistan, as their soldier. She has done tremendous work with Mission of Tears and Free the Children, raising funds to adopt classrooms in Ethiopia and build a school in Kenya. When she heard about the Haiti Earthquake, she was quickly moved into action to raise funds. Leslie Chisholm-Paul is a dynamic individual, who is dedicated to her profession and committed to making her world a better place to be. Her efforts epitomize excellence.

Erminia Cocchiola
Wembley Public School

Praise flowed for Erminia Cocchiola from Plant Department personnel and the Principals who have had the privilege of working with her. Erminia Cocchiola has 30 years of service with the Board, including more than 20 years as a cleaner at Wembley Public School. She is regarded as personable, helpful and conscientious, an individual who takes tremendous pride in her work and strives for perfection for her school. Principals appreciate her positive attitude, smiling face, work ethic and amazing understanding of the demands in an elementary school.

Preparing classrooms, offices, floors and a host of other jobs is always completed with a focus - when her work is done, the tone of the school is set for the next day. Expectations for student behaviour are based on an orderly school. She often said: "I feel it is important to make sure that our students have a clean, bright and safe learning environment." While carrying out her duties, she always makes time to greet visitors to the school, offering assistance when needed.

Erminia Cocchiola is a valued member of the Wembley team beyond her contribution to a school environment that fosters learning and teaching. She often takes part in school activities, cooking turkeys, supporting fun fairs and baking for various events. "Erminia has a huge heart for our students and always treats them with such dignity and caring," says Principal Colleen McDonald. "She also extends her wisdom and charm to our staff and parent community." Erminia Cocchiola is a most deserving candidate for an Award for Excellence.

Staff
Gatchell School

Every year, Gatchell School presents a Blacklight Theatre production showcasing students with special needs. When the lights are off, the students and their exceptional talents radiate a multitude of colours as they captivate the audience through music and dance. When the production is over and the lights go on, the sold-out crowd cheers in delight. The 90-minute production leaves everyone in awe.

What happens leading up to the production and behind the scenes is a story of exceptional collaboration and commitment on the part of the Gatchell staff who work together to bring out the best in every student regardless of special needs. Principal, teachers, educational assistants, secretary and custodian devote countless hours of their own time to designing props, making costumes, preparing music and choreographing routines. As the excitement mounts and the curtain is drawn, disabilities disappear and the Gatchell Gator Stars shine their brightest.

This is one example of how the Gatchell staff work their magic. The graduation ceremony, a heartwarming celebration of each student, is another. As champions for their students, the Gatchell staff consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. Their collective ability to problem solve is exemplary. Whether faced with a mobility issue, a cognitive challenge or just a student having a particularly bad day, staff members remain creative in their efforts to move students forward with dignity and respect. Parents applaud their empathetic support. For having touched the lives of so many, the Gatchell staff is most deserving of an Award for Excellence.

Ardeth Gordon
MacLeod Public School

Many voices endorsed Ardeth Gordon for an Award for Excellence, including parents, students and staff. In her 32 years of service with the Board, she has played a significant role on local and provincial levels as a classroom teacher, consultant, curriculum leader, member of system-wide committees, Vice-Principal, Principal, local President of the elementary teachers' federation, Chair of the Rainbow District Principals' Council and member of the Ontario Principals" Council provincial executive. She is a mentor and role model, a person of character and integrity whose dedication to the profession has been exemplary.

Ardeth Gordon is not afraid to ask the hard questions. Her skills in dealing with difficult situations are exceptional. Time and time again, she has demonstrated her commitment to doing the right thing, always with students first and foremost. She has superior leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and a strong work ethic. Her engaging sense of humour ensures that her schools are filled with laughter. Teachers say she ensures students are supported academically, socially and emotionally and creates a culture that stimulates learning and supports continuous improvement.

Parents also appreciate her positive impact on their children and the safe and caring learning environment that she nurtures. They say she has charisma, that her positive energy is infectious, that she creates a trusting atmosphere where everyone is valued, she is always available, she takes time to learn every student's name, she encourages parents to become involved, she establishes community partnerships to benefit students, and she provides public and private pats on the back. A leader among leaders, she is most deserving of an Award for Excellence.

Nancy Shelsted
Wembley Public School

In her eight years at Wembley Public School, most recently in Grade 1, Nancy Shelsted has made a huge impact. Her Principal says she exemplifies what great teaching is all about. Her focus is always on student achievement and equal opportunity for all. In her classroom, there are no problems, only solutions as she moves mountains every day in order to ensure that every student in her care reaches their full potential.

Nancy Shelsted's Grade 1 classroom is a magical world of authentic learning. From Monarch butterflies to hermit crabs and the celebration of Chinese New Year, she creates a joyful, safe, rich environment modeled on character traits that exemplify citizenship. She takes the children on an educational journey throughout the world focused on global is-sues while developing higher order thinking skills that challenge and engage. Students are immersed in a literacy rich environment that provides them with opportunities to be problem solvers, decision makers and contributing members of an ever-changing world.

Nancy Shelsted's impact extends beyond the Grade 1 classroom as she provides instructional leadership in the Primary Division. She also contributes to school-wide events, including Family Literacy Nights, Welcome to Kindergarten, and the Wembley Learning Olympics. She goes above and beyond to involve parents in their child's education, recognizing that parental involvement improves student achievement. The academic, social skills and life skills that she teaches children, through dynamic learning experiences, give them a solid foundation on which to build future success. For her exemplary classroom practices, Nancy Shelsted is an ideal candidate for an Award for Excellence.

Go Green Globe Awards

This Award is designed to raise awareness about energy consumption and educate students and staff about the environmental and economic impact of their actions.

Markstay Public School

Accepting the award on behalf of Markstay Public School were Principal Stephen Winckel, School Council Chair Alex Linnen, parent Natalie Lippert with daughter Hali Goatley, teacher Suzanne Montgomery and secretary Marileen Monette.

Markstay Public School achieved 21,644 kilowatt hours in energy savings in the 2008-2009 school year. Focusing on sustainability, the school continued to implement sound environmental practices to support global thinking at the local level. Staff and students are diligent about turning off lights and computers. The school was also recently renovated using green technology wherever possible. Bathrooms have been modernized with high efficiency hand-dryers, hands-free sinks and waterless urinals. Windows were replaced and insulation was added, allowing for improved efficiency and energy conservation.

The staff and students at Markstay Public School have also become active participants in green activities by establishing a Go Green Club at the school. They are currently beautifying the schoolyard by planting trees and flowers. Students recently celebrated Earth Day by participating in a community clean up, wearing green and packing litterless lunches. Students are always encouraged to use reusable containers in order to reduce waste. Students will continue their good efforts on May 21st when they join together with the Municipality of Markstay-Warren to take part in a second community clean up.

In recognition of their efforts to "Go Green", each class has received seeds and containers to grow flowers in their classroom. The flowers will be transplanted into the school flower garden. Each class will be responsible for caring for their flowers. Markstay Public School has also benefited from a donation of maple trees that have been planted in their school-yard, making the playground greener and the community cleaner. Markstay Public School is most deserving of the Go Green Globe Award.

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School

Accepting the award on behalf of Chelmsford Valley District Composite School is Principal Leslie Mantle, Go Green teacher Katie Bannister and Go Green member Elizabeth Beers.

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School achieved 106,936 kilowatt hours in energy savings in 2008-2009. Staff and students continue to be diligent about turning off lights and computers. The school has also been upgraded using green technology. Washrooms have been renovated with hands-free basins, waterless urinals and high efficiency hand-dryers. Some windows have also been replaced and new lighting fixtures installed.

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School is very active in its role of making students more aware of sustainability by building global citizens. On Earth Day, students participated in a schoolyard cleanup. This year, the Students for Change Club adopted two World Wildlife Federation Endangered Species in Canada - the polar bear and the arctic fox. They raised funds to protect these and other arctic wildlife and the environment in which they live, providing a healthier natural world for all. Plans are underway to adopt a panda bear and launch a recycling and composting program at the school.

The Students for Change Club has also raised money to support a family through World Vision and they are active participants in Spread the Net to protect children in Africa from mosquitoes and malaria. The school's Go Green efforts are depicted in a colourful "Take Action - Change the World" mural that celebrates sustainability and serves as a daily re-minder of the difference that students can make when they think globally and act locally. Rainbow District School Board is pleased to honour Chelmsford Valley District Composite School with the Go Green Globe Award.

Barbara Konarek Memorial Award

Laura Schmitt
Lively District Secondary School

As Program Leader of Special Education at Lively District Secondary School, Laura Schmitt is a strong advocate for students with special needs. She has 27 years of experience in the teaching profession, including seven years at Lively District Secondary School where she works diligently to nurture student success. Laura brings all of the attributes and energy of a kind, firm, judicious parent to work she sincerely enjoys. Her open door policy has provided a safe haven for students who are struggling on an assignment, are having a bad day, or just need a quiet place to work.

Beyond the classroom, Lara Schmitt is involved in several committees dedicated to the success and well being of all students at the school. She Chairs the Student Needs Committee, works with staff to find the best learning solutions, helps out with the Breakfast Club and graduations, and seeks out community donations. She also promotes employee wellness by offering yoga and fitness programs and contributes to the broader community as a participant in the CIBC Run for the Cure, the Relay for Life and Sudbury Rocks for Diabetes.

"Laura has instilled a strong sense of teamwork on staff for the benefit of our exceptional students, indeed for all students who struggle," said Principal Judy Noble. "She listens, supports, provides advice when needed, empathizes, and, above all, cares about everyone at Lively." For her humanitarian contribution to the lives of students, Laura Schmitt is an ideal candidate for the Barbara Konarek Memorial Award.

William N. Roman Teacher of the Year Award

Victoria Wingate
Algonquin Road Public School

Victoria Wingate is retiring from Rainbow District School Board with 30 years of service, including 18 years as a Grade 3 teacher at Algonquin Road Public School. According to one of her former students, "she's nice, helpful, kind, caring, intelligent, funny, thoughtful and THE BEST TEACHER IN THE WORLD!" Peers were equally as eloquent in their support. They praised her contagious love of learning and teaching, her ability to inspire children and mentor colleagues, her positive attitude and sunny personality, and her high level of energy and enthusiasm.

Vicky Wingate understands the importance of establishing a rapport with parents in order to enhance student achievement. One parent said: "I know from experience and hearing other parents, that the kids love coming to school and that she makes learning fun." Another parent said: "Even after a lengthy career, Mrs. Wingate approaches teaching like it's her first day. She brings music and laughter into her students' daily lives and makes school a great place to be."

In addition to her exemplary instructional practices, Vicky Wingate enriches the school experience for students and staff by organizing Remembrance Day, Christmas concerts, and the spring luncheon for school volunteers; and sharing her musical talents at school events. She also represents the staff on School Council. A former student who is now a student teacher at Algonquin says Vicky Wingate creates an engaging environment. "When asked about a teacher who has had a profound impact on me, I immediately think of Ms. Wingate. I wish every student could have her as a teacher at least once!" Rainbow District School Board is pleased to honour Victoria Wingate with the William N. Roman Teacher of the Year Award.