Rainbow Board honours excellence at awards celebration

Rainbow District School Board paid tribute to dedicated employees, volunteers and community partners at the Board meeting held on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 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 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

Karin Augenstein – Lockerby Composite School

Karin Augenstein is Program Leader of Athletics at Lockerby Composite School where she has taught for nine years. She currently coaches alpine skiing, track and field, and badminton. She has also coached volleyball and is the teacher rep for curling. Karin co-convenes alpine skiing at City and NOSSA levels along with Athletic Administrator Dave Makela. She has also co-convened track and field meets with her colleagues at Lockerby.  In 2004, Karin was invited to represent the Rainbow District School Board at the OFSAA Women’s Sport Conference in Hamilton.  She is also the Northern Ontario representative for the OFSAA Sport Advisory Committee for Alpine Skiing.

Students have competed in OFSAA track and field every year since she began coaching. The alpine ski team has been to OFSAA an impressive six times. Karin praises staff in the athletic department at Lockerby, administration and community coaches for giving students many opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities.

Sports, she says, teaches students important life skills such as goal setting, respect, discipline, fair play and the benefits of being healthy and active. Karin played every sport she could during her secondary school days in Elliot Lake. We are fortunate that she is now giving back to students in her care. We congratulate Karin Augenstein of Lockerby Composite School, recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

Bill Gordon – Lasalle Secondary School

Since joining the Board 10 years ago, Bill Gordon has made an impressive contribution both inside and outside of the classroom. He has been a coach and/or convenor of a number of sports, including boys’ and girls’ basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, golf and slo-pitch during his time at Sudbury Secondary School and Lasalle Secondary School.

Last year, the Lasalle Secondary School Senior Girls’ Basketball Team won City and NOSSA championships under his guidance. And, they were quarter finalists at OFSAA, one of many wins Bill Gordon and his students have to their credit. He also helped to organize provincial events locally, including basketball and badminton championships.

Bill Gordon played numerous sports when he was a student at Nickel District Secondary School, inspired by teachers Pat Belanger and Ron Preston. It is not surprising, therefore, that he is now following in their footsteps, mentoring the young people in his care. “Coaching helps me to connect with students at another level,” he says. Despite his busy schedule at Lasalle, Bill Gordon also contributes to the broader community by helping to coach Laurentian’s Lady Vees basketball team. Bill’s passion for education and commitment to all students make him an ideal candidate for an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

Shawn Tilander – Sudbury Secondary School

During the Provincial Badminton Championships held in Sudbury in early May, Shawn Tilander received the OFSAA Award for Leadership in School Sport for his outstanding contribution. It is one of many accolades that he has garnered over the years as a coach, convenor and official. Shawn has shared his love of sports with students at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, Confederation Secondary School, Levack District High School and, for the past decade, Sudbury Secondary School where he teaches photography and media arts.

Shawn Tilander has coached badminton every year since joining the Board in 1988.  He has also coached boys’ and girls’ volleyball, swimming, track and field and cross-country running. The students under his leadership have won many OFSAA awards over the past 20 years, bringing pride and praise to Rainbow Schools.

Shawn Tilander’s co-curricular contributions with the Board extend beyond the court, the pool and the track. Shawn is an avid supporter of Sudbury Secondary School’s Arts Education Program. He works behind the scenes, running screens, moving sets and taking care of lighting on the school’s many productions. “If you’re invisible, you’ve done the job!” he says. Shawn Tilander is a most deserving recipient for an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

Alison Witty – Sudbury Secondary School

Alison Witty is retiring this June after 31 years of teaching, including 22 years with the Rainbow District School Board. She has been an integral part of the Arts Education program at Sudbury Secondary School since 1987, with a brief exit to teach at Nickel District and Northeastern Secondary Schools from 1992 to 1996.

A Dramatic Arts and Music educator, Alison Witty has played a number of roles at the school – from director, to producer, vocal coach, seamstress, wardrobe mistress, set designer and, when Bruno Favretto will let her, even some lighting and sound designing!  Alison has taught drama, vocal music, and musical theatre classes; served as Arts Program Leader; directed and produced countless award-winning plays, variety shows and musicals; organized many out-of-town theatre excursions; and been a co-ordinator of the Sears Drama Festival for many years.

Alison Witty can often be found in the school on evenings and almost every weekend inspiring students to reach their potential. Many students under her guidance have enrolled in postsecondary education programs in the arts and gone on to pursue their dreams. Alison is a devoted teacher and community member. As the curtain closes on her final season at Sudbury Secondary School, she is a most deserving recipient of the Rainbow District School Board Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Co-Curricular Program.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD

Ron Lessard – Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury

Ron Lessard spearheaded the creation of the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury with a core group of parents. Since its inception in 2003, the Association has flourished with the support of a dedicated Board of Directors, part-time staff, and parents of children with learning disabilities. A number of partnerships have been formed for the benefit of students, as the Association continues to meet its mission of “working together for rising stars!”

This includes the creation of a learning disabilities section at the Greater Sudbury Public Library, a first in Canada, and the launch of an assistive technology laptop program for Grade 9 students in Rainbow Schools.  The Association has also provided professional learning for teachers on differentiated instruction and classroom presentations for students on different learning styles. Hundreds of students and teachers have participated in the  “I Learn Differently, Please Teach Me Differently”, “Happy Feet” and “LD 101” presentations.

This fall, the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury will launch an expanded coaching program with the support of Laurentian University and local school boards. Third year students in the concurrent education program will serve as mentors for Grade 7 and 8 students identified with a learning disability. 

Ron Lessard, through the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury, has demonstrated the power of partnerships for student success. A tireless advocate for learning for all, he is a most deserving recipient of the Rainbow District School Board’s first Community Partnership Award.

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Shelley Carmichael-Topolinski – Chelmsford Valley District Composite School

Shelley Carmichael-Topolinski has been with the Board for 20 years. An engaging educator, she captivates and inspires students by making learning dynamic and relevant.  Whether she is teaching Core French or credit recovery, she encourages students to do their very best. She sets high standards for herself and her students, and then works hard to see that they are met.

Shelley Carmichael-Topolinski is the lead teacher for the new Specialist High Skills Major in Health & Wellness at Chelmsford Valley District Composite School. This is one of many innovative programs that have benefited from her support over the years. Shelley’s colleagues respect her professionalism, leadership and organizational skills. She is a trusted and valued member of the staff, who recognizes the importance of workplace wellness in building an inclusive, caring and nurturing environment that fosters student success.

Shelley Carmichael-Topolinski is equally as effective outside of the classroom. She has coached bowling, baseball and swimming. Her fundraising efforts helped to kick start the football program at Chelmsford Valley District Composite School last year. She fosters leadership through her work as advisor for Students Leading Students and promotes good citizenship by organizing semi-annual blood drives. Shelley Carmichael-Topolinski is a most deserving candidate of an Award of Excellence.

John Diebel – Espanola High School

John Diebel is Program Leader for Special Education at Espanola High School where he has served with distinction for 23 years. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently demonstrated exemplary teaching practices. Responsive to different learning needs and styles, he has been a positive role model and leader in the Transitions, Lifeskills, Section and Resource programs at the school.  Recognizing a need, John Diebel recently implemented the Autism Spectrum Disorder program at Espanola, in which he currently teaches.  

John Diebel’s contributions extend beyond the classroom, to the entire school and school community. A recent recipient of the OFSAA Colin Hood Award for coaching excellence, he is known as one of the best high jump coaches in the North. John loves to ski and has taken on the huge responsibility of maintaining, managing and promoting the Espanola Ski Hill.  He also finds time to officiate in the Espanola Spring Basketball League.

Long after students have graduated from Espanola High School, they return to thank Mr. Diebel for believing in them and advocating for them. This is perhaps the strongest endorsement of his effectiveness as a teacher and mentor of young people. The positive relationship and caring attitude he develops with students and colleagues is certainly commendable. John Diebel is a most deserving candidate of a Rainbow District School Board Award for Excellence.

Paul Dupont – Valley View Public School

Paul Dupont has the distinction of being the first principal of the Rainbow District School Board’s very first green school, which opened in the fall of 2007. Valley View Public School, the Board’s first new school in 40 years, is a model for sustainable development. Working with the Board’s Plant Department, Paul Dupont was the proud and patient Principal from concept to completion. He brought together Valley View Public School and Val Caron Public School to create a new school with a strong sense of family, community and tradition.

In this new school, Paul Dupont has generated enthusiasm that has resulted in a climate that nurtures academic success and environmental stewardship. Principal Dupont has high expectations for his students, built on a foundation of respect, and they rise to the challenge. His enthusiasm and optimism inspire the entire school community to strive for excellence.
 
Principal Dupont’s dynamic administrative style has helped cultivate a sense of energy and confidence among staff.  Leading by example, he has nurtured a team committed to the personal and academic success of their students, a team who is also inspiring young people to be ambassadors for a greener, healthier planet. Congratulations on your Award for Excellence Paul.

Daria Dziuba – Churchill Public School

Daria Dziuba has been with the Board for nine years. Nothing happens in Daria’s Grade 3 classroom at Churchill that is unintentional.  She consistently demonstrates her commitment to students through high expectations and focused instructional strategies. Last year was Daria’s first year teaching the Grade 3 curriculum at Churchill Public School and her impact was felt immediately. Results on the Primary EQAO assessment improved significantly.

Daria’s understanding of the curriculum is exceptional.  She plans and engages students in meaningful activities. She has developed particular expertise in the area of mathematics and serves as a lighthouse teacher, willingly welcoming staff from across the system into her classroom.  She is currently participating in the second year of the Math Study Group where she has gained experience “co-teaching” with other math teachers in order to develop stronger mathematical instructional strategies across the Board. 

Daria will work with program staff next year to pilot a model classroom.  Teachers from other schools who are looking to improve their mathematical instructional strategies will visit her classroom for professional learning. By recognizing Daria Dziuba with an Award for Excellence, Rainbow District School Board is affirming its commitment to outstanding student instruction. We thank Daria Dziuba for modeling best practices and for being a positive influence system-wide.

Mary Fitzpatrick – Board Office


Jody Levesque – Board Office


Kim Miron – Board Office

Jody Levesque is a Payroll Administrator. She has seven years of service with the Board. Kim Miron is a Human Resources Administrator with 22 years of service. Mary FitzPatrick is a Payroll Clerk. She has 34 years of service with the Board.

Thanks to their combined efforts, Rainbow District School Board recently received an Employer Service Excellence Award from the Teachers’ Pension Plan. Rainbow District School Board was the first employer to be honoured for excellent reporting practices eight years ago. This recent award is a tribute to the ongoing commitment of our employees to this important work.

In announcing the award, the Teachers’ Pension Plan stated: “Only the best employers in the province are the recipients of the Employer Service Excellence Award. Commitment to pension reporting integrity and the highest service standards allows us to provide outstanding service to the employees of Rainbow District School Board.”

To be a leader in pension reporting, Jody Levesque, Kim Miron and Mary FitzPatrick diligently maintain clean and accurate employee records so service requests can be processed immediately, with minimal validation work required. Employees waiting for pension service receive, on average, a one-day response to priority enquiries. We congratulate Jody, Kim and Mary for their efforts on behalf of our teachers. They are most deserving recipients of the Rainbow District School Board Award for Excellence.

Kelly McCann – Valley View Public School

Kelly McCann has 27 years of service with the Board. As custodian at Valley View Public School, he is a much-valued partner in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe school for the students and staff in his care.  He demonstrates outstanding leadership in school cleanliness, taking great pride in his work. Kelly McCann understands that a clean school fosters a healthy learning and teaching environment, which in turn is rewarded with higher rates of student attendance and achievement. 

His contributions go above and beyond regular custodial duties. In fact, he has been described as “the heartbeat of the school”. He has a sunny disposition and is always willing to help, regardless of the task at hand.  Kelly has been a strong supporter throughout the construction of the new green school.   Doing his part to help the environment, he often has a waiting list of eager students wanting to help him with the school’s recycling program.

Kelly McCann has a natural ability to reach out to others.  If a student is feeling unwell, his first concern is always for his or her wellbeing.  If a staff member needs something looked at or fixed, Kelly is there on a moment’s notice. We congratulate Kelly McCann for his contribution to Rainbow Schools. He is an ideal candidate for an Award for Excellence because he consistently shows how much he cares.

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. 

Algonquin Public School

Accepting the award were Go Green teacher Kathy Wallingford, Principal Lona Dabous, and Vice-Principal Kim Boulanger.

Algonquin Public School achieved a 19.46 per cent reduction in their electrical consumption last year. Staff and students are active participants in green activities at the school. Their efforts are having an impressive impact, generating energy savings and, more importantly, building a culture of conservation.

Algonquin Public School is diligent about turning off lights and computer monitors.  Energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs are being used and the school’s electrical panel has been updated.  The school is also in the process of changing to energy efficient monitors.

On Earth Day, Algonquin Public School hosted an Invention Convention and invited family and community members to attend.  Students created inventions from recycled materials, letting their imaginations guide them to interesting results. We commend Algonquin Public School for its commitment to building a healthier, greener planet for today and for tomorrow. Congratulations.

Lively District Secondary School

Accepting the Award were custodian Bill Desjardins, Go Green teacher Melissa Little, Principal Judy Noble, teacher Heather Hall  and Vice-Principal David Wiwchar.

Lively District Secondary School achieved a 12.7 per cent reduction in their electrical consumption last year. They are also leaders in social change through the Light Up Costa Rica project, under the leadership of Vice-Principal David Wiwchar.

A total of 17 students from Rainbow Schools traveled to rural indigenous communities in Central America during the March Break, bringing 100 more LED lighting systems to some of the poorest and most remote areas of the world. To date, some 350 homes have been lit serving approximately 2,000 people, a remarkable achievement for the enthusiastic students who have participated in this project over the past six years.

Lively District Secondary School also has an active Roots and Shoots Club. They ran a successful battery drive this year with a total of 1,588 batteries collected for the Hazardous Waste Depot. The Roots and Shoots team sold candy kabobs in October. One hundred dollars was donated to the Wild At Heart Refuge Centre in Lively. Vermicomposters were also set up in two science classrooms to promote composting. The staff and students at Lively District Secondary School are doing their part to reduce our carbon footprint. Congratulations!

BARBARA KONAREK MEMORIAL AWARD

Anne Randa – Gatchell School

Anne Randa is a teacher at Gatchell School. For the past 17 years, she has worked with students who have a variety of developmental needs. Anne demonstrates exemplary teaching practices, serving as a model and mentor for her colleagues.  Even after 29 years in the profession, she is willing to improve her wealth of knowledge to better serve her students.

Anne evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of her students and tailors the educational program to meet their needs. On a daily basis, she engages them through the use of music, literature and art, providing rich learning experiences. She is not afraid to challenge them to improve their skills in every area of the curriculum. Most recently, Anne has embraced the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills, a new assessment tool. She has shared her knowledge with parents at School Council led workshops.

In Anne Randa’s classroom, there is no such thing as “I can’t”. Students are motivated to do their best to achieve their full potential in school and in life.  Anne has been part of a Lighthouse Literacy group with other comprehensive classroom teachers in the Board and effectively implements new strategies in her classroom. Anne cooperates with a multitude of outside agencies to help to improve the quality of life for her students. She often acts as an advocate for her students and assists parents in accessing the services they need. Rainbow District School Board is pleased to honour Anne Randa, this year’s recipient of the Barbara Konarek Memorial Award.

WILLIAM N. ROMAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Ronda Lenti – Lockerby Composite School

Ronda Lenti has more than 30 years of experience teaching English, teaching physical and health education, and coaching with the Board.  The result is that she is highly regarded by students, staff, parents, and the community.  One of her students expressed it this way: “In her class, not only do you build many effective skills and abilities in English, but also in life… She finds your strengths and improves them. She finds your weaknesses and strengthens them.”

Ronda Lenti is well read and knowledgeable in many areas, including brain development, differentiated instruction, laptop leaning and learning disabilities. She shapes her instructional practices to enable each student to maximize his or her potential.  Ronda Lenti is known as an education innovator. Initiating (with other team members) the laptop program at Lockerby, piloting a learning strategies laptop program for students with learning disabilities giving these students access to assistive technology to support their studies, implementing the use of Smartboards, MP3 players, cameras, and software such as Excel, Flash, and Smart Ideas, are all approaches she has used to facilitate student success.  The sum of this has been effective teaching and learning.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury recently honoured Ronda Lenti as Outstanding Educator of the Year, stating that “Her innovation and creativity in the classroom with software and with the one-on-one support for individual students after the bell rings are indicators of her making a difference beyond the education of students, but in their lives.”   Another parent said: “Ronda Lenti is the teacher that we all wished that we had, the one who sees something in all her students and the one who finds that little spark of genius in all of us.”

The Rainbow District School Board congratulates Ronda Lenti of Lockerby Composite School, the 2009 recipient of the William N. Roman Teacher of the Year Award.

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Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.