SNCDSB Staff Across Board Recognized For Their Dedication and Service
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO – October 22, 2021, all staff from the Superior North Catholic District School Board gathered together virtually for our annual Faith Development Day. It was an opportunity for our team to reflect on their faith and nurture hope to bring back to our classrooms to inspire our students.
The day was co-facilitated by Paul Tsekouras, Superintendent of Education and Ben Jewiss, Vice Principal of Remote Learning, as well as Catholicity and Special Projects Lead. Trustees, Senior Administration, Principals, System Support Team, Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Educational Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Custodians, Cleaners and Catholic Education Centre Staff united together to participate in liturgical celebration and professional reflection. The day was an opportunity to identify supports we need to continue to support our Catholic Education program and system.
During her opening remarks, Director of Education, Maria Vasanelli, noted how this year’s theme is so relevant and appropriate. It asks us to “Rebuild, Restore and Renew together.” She asked staff to reflect and put this in the context of the following things. First, the need for civility and kindness that is somewhat lacking from day-to-day discourse. Secondly, our responsibilities regarding climate change and third our experiences dealing with Covid.”
Ms.Vasanelli thanked all Superior North Catholic District School Board staff for their contributions and day-to-day efforts to ensure authentic Catholic education for all and make a difference in the lives of our students.
Participants took part in a virtual mass officiated by board chaplain Father Terry Sawchuk. After the mass, Father Terry provided an inspiring message around creating and enhancing our own “living libraries of faith.”
The day also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss and share in like roles what they can do to rebuild civility, restore our planet, or renew themselves over this next year and how to support the process of rebuilding, restoring and renewing the Catholic faith and Catholic culture within our school communities.
The Board’s 26th Annual Celebration of Excellence was held to honour employees for their dedication and years of service to the Superior North Catholic District School Board and to recognize significant contributions of Educators to our Catholic school community.
The following staff were recognized and received their pin for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service with Superior North Catholic District School Board:
5 Years
- Megan Wilson, Holy Saviour Catholic School
- Nicholas Nault, Holy Saviour Catholic School
- Christina Murphy, St. Edward Catholic School
- Krystalee Winters, Holy Angels Catholic School
- Susan Welbourne, Holy Angels Catholic School
- Louise Blanch, Holy Saviour Catholic School
- Erika Bryson, Catholic Education Centre
- Cheryl Speziale, Catholic Education Centre
- Colleen Sheriff, Catholic Education Centre
10 Years
- Lawrence McParland, Trustee
- Francine Batog, St. Joseph Catholic School
15 Years
- Denise Deroy, St. Joseph Catholic School
- Courtney Currie, St. Edward Catholic School
- Denise Hogue, St. Hilary Catholic School
- Cindy Binette, St. Edward Catholic School
- Holly Ellis, Holy Saviour Catholic School
- Karly Baker, Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic School
- Josephine Costa, Holy Angels Catholic School
- Kimberley Figliomeni, Holy Angels Catholic School
20 Years
- Amanda Dahl, St. Edward Catholic School
- Elaine St. Onge, Our Lady Of Fatima Catholic School
- Sue Borutski, St. Martin Catholic School
The Board acknowledged and celebrated the contributions of Retirees:
- Denise Paris-Brown, Holy Saviour Catholic School
- Johanne Bergeron, St. Martin Catholic School
- Norina Bellin-Knox, Holy Saviour Catholic School
- Mary-Pat Russell, St. Martin Catholic School
- Peter Kutok, Catholic Education Centre
Good Shepherd Award
The Superior North Catholic District School Board Good Shepherd Award honours a person or group who models the qualities of a Good Shepherd and has made an outstanding contribution to Catholic Education through their dedication and devotion to our school communities. Any person within the Superior North Catholic District School Board community may nominate a person or group.
Congratulations to teacher Cara Figliomeni and our nine Trustees – Judy Wawia, Amanda Monks, Hugh McCorry, Lawrence McParland, Lilliana McPherson, Chereyl Marino and Shirley Jean, Marline Ilijow and Kristy Lachance — our 2021 Good Shepherd Award Recipients. Through the nominations received, it was evident that each of them has gone above and beyond to contribute to Catholic education enhancement.
The day was indeed a day of learning and strengthening our commitment to Catholic education.
