2008 Awards: Rainbow Board honours excellence

Rainbow District School Board paid tribute to dedicated employees, volunteers and community partners at the Board meeting held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 with the presentation of Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program, Awards for Excellence, 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 Judy Hunda. “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

Betty Freelandt


Cambrian College

Over the years, Rainbow District School Board and Cambrian College have built a powerful partnership for the benefit of students in Rainbow Schools. As Vice-President of Student Services and Strategic Initiatives, Betty Freelandt has led the implementation of a number of important programs, including the School College Work Initiative and Learning to 18. She also championed the Board’s Transition Evening held at Cambrian College last fall.

Betty Freelandt works with secondary school principals and school board officials to ensure that the education that awaits students as they enter college is innovative and current.  With her positive attitude and good humour, she has facilitated important conversations between secondary and post secondary educators, building communications links critical for student achievement.

Betty continually strives to improve educational opportunities for students. She is up-to-date on current trends and has the vision to embrace initiatives that she knows, before they become universal in their appeal, will benefit students.  A prime example is her progressive work in the area of School College Work Initiatives where secondary students are being given an opportunity to earn college credits while attending secondary school. 

Betty Freelandt is an educator who goes above and beyond the call of duty.  She is knowledgeable about her craft and resourceful in her approach. Making education more accessible for all students is central to her work, which she carries out with students first and foremost.

Justice Patricia C. Hennessy


Mock Trial Competition

A Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario, Patricia C. Hennessy has been the driving force behind the Mock Trial Competition in Sudbury for the past seven years. Secondary school students have a unique opportunity to defend and prosecute a case in a courtroom setting, with members of the local legal community as mentors.

Justice Hennessy has been actively involved in recruiting volunteers from the Sudbury and Manitoulin legal communities to work alongside classroom teachers. Response to the Mock Trial Competition has been most enthusiastic. Nineteen of the 22 teams in 2008 were from Rainbow Schools. Over the years, students have achieved impressive results. A Rainbow District School Board team travelled to Toronto to compete in the provincial Mock Trial Competition for the fourth time this year.

Justice Hennessy’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for young people is evident in her willingness to share her energy and expertise to engage students in authentic learning experiences.  The Mock Trial Competition enriches students’ reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and presenting skills. Justice Hennessy says it also provides students with a real understanding of one of the cornerstones of the Canadian judicial system, which is respected throughout the world.

A dedicated professional and role model, Justice Hennessy brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, experience and enthusiasm to the Mock Trial Competition and the students of Rainbow Schools.  Her passion for education and commitment to all students make her an ideal candidate for an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

Carolyn Otto


Sudbury Secondary School

Since joining the Board 22 years ago, Carolyn Otto has assumed many responsibilities in the education and music communities both locally and beyond. A music teacher at Sudbury Secondary School, she has played a significant role in the success of the Arts Education Program in Rainbow Schools.

Over the years, Carolyn Otto has been the cornerstone of many musicals at Sudbury Secondary School, often tucked away in the fly gallery or sequestered in a closet or classroom providing music accompaniment to the singers on stage. She has led many musical ensembles, giving students a variety of opportunities to perform. Hundreds of students have benefited from Carolyn’s musical experience and teaching.  Several have gone on to college, university and professional music careers.

Carolyn Otto has been a key member of the Northern Ontario Music Festival Committee for 21 years, with Sudbury Secondary serving as the host school for the festival for many years.  A wonderful role model for students, she is a member of the Swing Fever Dance Orchestra, the Swing Fever Combo, the Sudbury Community World Drum Circle and she played in the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra for five years. She also serves as Membership Director on the Board of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association. 

Carolyn Otto’s special rapport with students is evident when they join together to produce beautiful music. Her bright smile and easy-going personality keep the instrumental music department at Sudbury Secondary School in fine tune. She epitomizes the vital role that “Learning through the Arts” plays in Rainbow Schools.

Bill Ouderkirk


A.B. Ellis Public School

Bill Ouderkirk enjoys all aspects of sports, whether as a coach, a teacher, a participant, or a spectator. As a teacher and coach in Espanola for more than 30 years, Bill Ouderkirk has coached many sports, including cross-country, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and track and field. A.B. Ellis Public School teams have captured top honours.

Bill Ouderkirk has given generously of his time and expertise to lead the A.B. Ellis girls’ basketball team to many championships over the years.  The highlight of his coaching career came in 2006 when the A.B. Ellis Lady Flames captured the gold medal in both the Greater Sudbury Board Basketball Officials Tournament and the Rainbow District School Board City Finals. Bill Ouderkirk is also an active supporter of, and supervisor of student referees for, the Espanola Youth Basketball League.

Under his guidance, students strive to be their best while developing social skills and focusing on their studies. His unique sense of humour is a cornerstone of his coaching.  Appreciation for his interest and dedication to sport is evident when his students return, year after year, to share their success stories and assist with the next new team.

Bill Ouderkirk is a dedicated teacher and committed coach. He devotes many hours to preparing teams, bringing students to competitions, refereeing games, and celebrating success. Students respect his knowledge and skills, and appreciate the time and effort he commits to their community.

Rock Taylor


A.B. Ellis Public School

Rock Taylor retired from A.B. Ellis Public School in 2003, but continues to be as committed as ever to the school where he taught his entire career. Under his leadership, A. B. Ellis Public School and the Terry Fox Foundation have forged a strong partnership with impressive results.

Rock Taylor has been the driving force behind the A. B. Ellis Terry Fox Walk for the past 11 years.  With his phenomenal energy and enthusiasm, he inspires students to canvas for contributions for the Terry Fox Foundation. To date, A. B. Ellis Public School has raised $183,836 for cancer research.

To recognize this success, Rock Taylor organizes annual assemblies that feature a variety of unique events. Mr. Taylor has kissed a pig, been hoisted to the gym rafters by the Domtar Rescue Team, shaved his head and mustache, dressed as a woman, and taken many a cream pie in the face. He encourages students and staff to follow his lead, making these assemblies much-anticipated celebrations.

The staff and students of A.B. Ellis Public School and the community of Espanola have been touched by cancer in many ways. Rock Taylor’s leadership in coordinating the walk for the past 26 years, first for the Town of Espanola and now for A.B. Ellis Public School, is second to none.  His ability to motivate staff and students into raising enormous amounts of money for such a worthy cause is nothing short of amazing. In turn, he takes every opportunity to commend the community of Espanola and surrounding areas for their generous support of this important fundraising drive.

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Sandi Ackroyd


Board Office

As Assistant Manager of Plant, Special Projects, Sandi Ackroyd is the Rainbow District School Board’s Go Green go-to person, an important role in this day and age of increased awareness of the effects of climate change. Since joining the Board in 2001, she has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to sustainability in Rainbow Schools. She is the Board’s champion in education for sustainable development, working tirelessly to engage staff and students in creating a healthier, greener planet.

Sandi Ackroyd’s enthusiasm has been infectious. All areas have benefited from her expertise, from the boardroom where policies and projects are approved, to the classroom when programs and practices are adopted.  A wealth of knowledge, Sandi Ackroyd is up-to-date on all aspects of sustainability – energy savings, recycling initiatives, the making of green buildings. Thermal heating, waterless urinals, occupancy sensors, smart meters are all part of her everyday language.

Staff and students in Rainbow Schools are now using this language, inspired to adopt a culture of conservation at school, at home and in the community. Our youngest citizens, those who will lead us into the future, are grasping the concepts of sustainability and incorporating positive behavioural changes into their lives. This is most evident at Valley View Public School, where Sandi Ackroyd was the Project Manager for the first green school in Northern Ontario.

A strong voice on the Board’s “Go Green Committee”, Sandi Ackroyd has promoted sustainability with tremendous results. She commends teachers, custodians, administrators, students and school communities for working together to lead the way. In the process, the Board has achieved significant energy savings and received recognition as a leader in education for sustainable development.

Donna Cacciotti


C.R. Judd Public School

At C.R. Judd Public School, Donna Cacciotti fosters a culture of respect, creativity and hard work. As secretary, Donna supports students and their parents, demonstrating real concern.  Most recently, her conversation with a distraught teen at the school helped to persuade the young woman that she was “valued” and would be “seriously missed” if she were to “drop out” of school.  She gives students opportunities to shine.

Donna Cacciotti has shown a strong belief in student potential through C.R. Judd’s Student Employment Training program. Students apply to posted employment opportunities throughout the school – student secretary, delivering milk to classes, lunchroom monitor positions. She also maintains meticulous records for the Provincial House Team System. Students earn points for activities – getting agendas signed by parents, reading library books, participating in school activities. For the past five months, she has been working on A Lip Sync Contest taking place June 5th, giving students extra-curricular opportunities in art and drama. All proceeds will go to the food bank.

Donna’s most visible accomplishment at C.R. Judd is the mural of a reproduction of a painting of the Canadian delegates arriving for the Charlottetown Conference in 1867. Donna and Grade 8 students spent many hours after school on this mural. Students gained knowledge of painting techniques and design. Donna has lent her artistic abilities to enhance the Grade 8 graduation. She also creates a monthly school newsletter, which is held as an exemplar throughout the Board.

Donna’s creativity is surpassed only by her organizational skills, genuine enthusiasm, cheerful attitude and caring nature. She hosts book fairs, organizes potluck lunches, assists with fundraisers for student excursions, and co-ordinates school regreening projects. Donna Cacciotti is more than a school secretary.  She is an integral part of the C.R. Judd Public School community.

Pat Camilucci


Gord Ewin Centre for Education

Pat Camilucci is a tireless advocate for students with special needs. As Special Education Lead Teacher, she not only has a vast knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), she also has excellent interpersonal skills, which enable her to effectively support and mentor others. She is passionate about her work and dedicated to student success.

Pat Camilucci goes the extra mile to ensure the smooth implementation of the IEP process across the system. She is a skilled, knowledgeable and approachable individual who is sought after for her expertise in all matters related to individual education plans. These plans outline the special education programs and services required to meet the needs of exceptional students.

Pat Camilucci is highly regarded in the broader community as well. She is currently a member of the Provincial Advisory Committee on Formal Dispute Resolution regarding Special Education Programs and Services. She is also an inaugural committee member of the very successful Learning Disabilities of Sudbury Coaching Program heading into its fourth year. Her leadership, initiative and behind the scenes work have made Rainbow District School Board a leader in the implementation of individual education plans and a model for other Boards.

In Rainbow Schools, the value and dignity of each learner is respected, as team players like Pat Camilucci demonstrate compassion and understanding for students with special needs. Her warm personality, professional manner and genuine concern have earned her the respect of colleagues, parents/guardians and, most importantly, the students in her care. She willingly gives of her personal time and boundless energy to ensure that the needs of all students are met.

Nicole Charette


Board Office

Nicole Charette puts the human face on the Board, building public understanding for Rainbow Schools. As Senior Advisor for Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning, she oversees media relations, public relations, publications, internal communications, website information, advertising, marketing, issues management as well as the Board’s visual identity and awards program. She also co-ordinates the development of the Board’s annual Strategic Board Improvement Plan and serves as Freedom of Information and Privacy Co-ordinator.

Nicole launched the very first communications program for the former Sudbury Board of Education in 1987 and was responsible for communications during the creation of Rainbow District School Board and the Conseil scolaire du district du Grand Nord de l’Ontario. 

In 1998, she left the Board to oversee communications for the Regional Municipality of Sudbury. She was responsible for all aspects of communications during the transition to the City of Greater Sudbury and served as Manager of Corporate Communications and French-language Services for the City, until her return to the Board in 2004.

Before entering the field of education, Nicole co-ordinated promotions for Science North. She is a former radio broadcaster and newspaper reporter. Nicole studied journalism at Cambrian College. She has a BA in English from Laurentian University.

Terry Fallat


Espanola High School

In his 24 years of service with the Board, Terry Fallat has consistently demonstrated that he is an effective communicator, respected mentor and gifted teacher who inspires students and colleagues to strive for excellence. He provides an environment that encourages students to become lifelong learners and contributing members of society.

A dedicated professional who has made a significant contribution to the Espanola High School community, Terry Fallat is currently Program Leader for Student Services. Prior to this, he served as a science teacher and innovative Department Head of Co-operative Education.   While in Co-op, Terry helped organize provincial conferences and presented at these events.  Espanola High School’s “Jump Day” for Grade 8 students has flourished under his guidance. Students enter Grade 9 with confidence and enthusiasm, critical to a successful transition to secondary school.

Terry Fallat is also actively involved in athletics. He has been the head coach of Espanola High School’s track team for 22 years. He also coaches the Espanola Major Midget Hockey team, which was recently crowned Northern Ontario B Champions. In recognition of his efforts, he received the OFSAA Colin Hood Award for coaching excellence.

Terry Fallat has a genuine passion for education and has devoted his entire career to helping students reach their full potential, inside and outside of the classroom. Humble and approachable, he loves to share his wealth of knowledge with others.  He is a natural leader, admired by students and staff.

Roger Finlay


Lasalle Secondary School

A Program Leader of the Arts, Roger Finlay teaches instrumental music, orchestra, guitar, strings and drama at Lasalle Secondary School. Over his 29-year teaching career, his dedication to music and drama has had a lasting impact on students, parents/guardians and staff.

In his classroom, Roger Finlay engages students in a wide variety of activities, addressing various learning styles. His students say, ”he doesn’t settle for good enough.” In his school, he models exemplary teaching practices, which have made him a highly respected mentor.

Roger Finlay’s dedication extends beyond his day-to-day duties as a teacher. He plans school trips, concerts, and year-end banquets; co-ordinates fundraising activities; coaches the golf team; and organizes the Winter MADness Celebration at Lasalle, a showcase of music, art and drama. He also oversees Music With a Slice, giving elementary students an opportunity to attend music workshops presented by Lasalle’s talented musicians. Roger Finlay brought the Canadian Improv Games to Sudbury 13 years ago and coached six Lasalle teams to victory, including one team that placed eighth in the country.

Over the years, Lasalle Secondary School’s Senior Concert Band and Orchestra have thrived under his leadership. Students have earned top honors at music festivals. In addition to his work with Rainbow Schools, Roger Finlay teaches drama part-time at Laurentian University, plays double bass for the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and conducts the Northern Brass Ensemble. He has also performed with the North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and Kingston Symphony Orchestras.

Mark Olacke


Little Current Public School

Mark Olacke retires in June, following 30 years of dedicated service as a comprehensive class teacher, social skills teacher, counsellor, in-school-support room teacher, resource teacher and administrator. Over the years, he has helped countless students reach their full potential and become socially just citizens. He has consistently demonstrated his genuine interest in the wellbeing, progress and success of the students in his care, earning the admiration of colleagues.

Mark Olacke will often stop whatever he is doing to sit with a child in crisis, work through the problem, communicate with teachers and parents, and, most importantly, have the child feeling good about himself or herself, ready to meet the educational challenges of the day. Not surprisingly, students come back to Little Current Public School 10 years after graduating to thank Mr. Olacke for making a difference in their lives. In 2003, his students nominated him for an appreciation award from the Council for Exceptional Children.

Mark Olacke ensures his students with special needs have every opportunity to thrive – canvassing businesses for support for hockey equipment, exposing students to woodworking and arts and crafts, taking them swimming. Over the past four years, he has played a key role in developing student support programs at Little Current Public School with tremendous success.

Mark Olacke has also earned the praise of the First Nations community as being significant in the lives of a number of their children. His ability to listen effectively and assist students in need, often connecting them with services and support, speaks volumes about his conviction of ensuring success for all.

BARBARA KONAREK MEMORIAL AWARD

Judy Olacke


Manitoulin Secondary School

Judy Olacke’s commitment to students with special needs is exemplary. As Program Leader for Special Education and a Lifeskills teacher at Manitoulin Secondary School, she brings a wealth of experience, passion and professionalism to her role. She spends endless hours working with students, parents, teachers and educational assistants to create programming for exceptional students.

Judy Olacke instills a strong sense of teamwork, confidence and pride in her students, qualities that will make them successful in learning and life. Under her guidance, students participate in a variety of activities – the annual shoreline clean up, recycling, work placements in the community, growing vegetables in the greenhouse, and the Tim Hortons Camp.  Active, healthy living is also fostered through floor hockey tournaments, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, curling, hiking, running, walking, and weight training.

Her dedication is evident in her ability to nurture staff at Manitoulin Secondary School and beyond. At the system level, she shares best practices at professional learning sessions. She is always willing to mentor new colleagues and share lesson plans, resource materials, and creative ideas gleaned from 26 years of experience in education.

Judy Olacke approaches every day with boundless energy, optimism and joy. Her students and colleagues have been touched by her caring approach and selfless manner. Her work with Lifeskills and Transitions students has given them the confidence to lead happy and healthy lives.

WILLIAM N. ROMAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Janice Yeomans


Adamsdale Public School

Janice Yeomans teaches children with autism at Adamsdale Public School. She assesses students in order to deliver the best possible instruction, spending countless hours programming to meet individual needs. She is a talented teacher who displays a consistent standard of excellence.

In her work with students, parents and staff, Janice Yeomans demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of current issues in special education. She keeps abreast of research and trends in autism and willingly shares her knowledge and resources with all educational partners. Educators from other Boards and other countries have visited her classroom to witness first-hand how an ideal program for children with autism operates. 

Janice Yeomans works effectively with various agencies such as the Child and Family Centre, Children’s Aid Society, Community Care Network and Community Care Access Centre. She also works diligently with consultants, itinerant teachers, Board special education staff and caregivers to ensure the success of “her children”, the students in her care.

Janice Yeomans’ strong work ethic, determination to succeed, and keen interest in taking an active role in her community and school life have won her the praise of students and staff.  Her focus and vision are always with the students’ best interests at heart. Janice Yeomans is a child’s best advocate, giving the very best of herself. She epitomizes the meaning of reaching minds and touching hearts.

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Media Contact:


Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,


Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,


Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.