Educators from Rainbow Schools honoured by Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury

Two educators from Rainbow Schools were honoured by the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury (LDAS) this year. Colleen McDonald, the Principal of Special Education Programs and Services, received the LDAS Outstanding Leadership Award. Christina Kulyski, a Special Education Resource Teacher at Northeastern Elementary School, received the LDAS Outstanding Educator Award.

Steven Stowell said: “Great leaders find ways to connect with their people and help them fulfill their potential.” According to LDAS, Principal McDonald checks all the boxes when it comes to being a great leader. She was a member of the LDAS Board of Directors for two years and served on the Audit Committee. She was generous in sharing her time and knowledge.

“Principal McDonald has worked hard to build capacity among educational workers within Rainbow Schools,” said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “A respected educator, she has spent the last 26 years of her career advocating for students with special needs and working tirelessly to ensure their success. She easily identifies each student’s strengths and gifts.”

He added: “Principal McDonald has shared her knowledge with educators on how to teach differently for those who learn differently while maintaining high standards for all. Students with Learning Disabilities have benefited immensely from her knowledge and expertise.”

As an intermediate Special Education Resource Teacher at Northeastern Elementary School for the past seven years, Christina Kulyski creates and develops strategies to ensure students achieve the goals in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

She provides small group instruction as well as transition and family support for students going into Grade 9. She also launched the Empower™ reading program for intermediate students to help bring them up to grade level. Her passion is evident in the praise she receives from students and parents.

“Christina Kulyski works long hours preparing daily activities for students to help them be successful,” said Director Bourget. “She leads extra-curricular activities for all students to foster inclusion. She also facilitates various co-curricular math and language groups to help provide specialized and differentiated instruction for students who require additional support.”

In recognizing Christina Kulyski as an Outstanding Educator, LDAS said she continually uses her passion for education, hard work, and friendly personality to connect and support her students not only academically but as a way to help them feel valued at school. She collaborates with her colleagues to further support the academic and social emotional needs of all students. Christina Kulyski was the 2023 recipient of the Rainbow District School Board Barbara Konarek Memorial Award for her work in special education.

Rainbow District School Board thanked the LDAS for recognizing outstanding leaders and educators. “We congratulate Colleen McDonald and Christina Kulyski for their exemplary service to students,” said Director Bourget. “They are most deserving of these awards.”