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Every week we celebrate SMCDSB staff members who have been recognized by a parent, student or colleague.
This week we are celebrating Leslie-Ann Etmanski, Kimberley McClatchie, Elizabeth MacDonald, and Karen Rawn and Steven Kenning.
Leslie-Ann Etmanski is a teacher at St. Nicholas Catholic
Elementary School. Leslie-Ann was nominated by a parent, who said:
“Mrs. Etmanski is a special teacher who has played an important role in my son’s education the past two years. She takes the time to get to know her students, to better understand their needs and to know their strengths. She also communicates with the families to make sure the students have support from both sides. From our personal experience, we can say she pays attention to every detail, and those are the ones that make the difference. My son had her as a teacher for two years and her work with him was crucial for his success. Teachers like her are really needed and appreciated always, but especially in times like this - their efforts are vital for the well-being of the students. Mrs. Etmanski certainly loves teaching and cares about her students and their needs.”
Kimberley McClatchie is a teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School. Kimberley was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Kim is a fantastic friend and colleague who always has time to listen and offer sound advice. Although we teach in different subject areas, Kimberley has been helpful in so many ways such as sharing her knowledge of the Growing Success and AER documents, to name a few. Additionally, Kim is a great sounding board for lesson ideas, activities, and assessment options, proving her adeptness at understanding all classroom needs, regardless of the subject. Her passion for teaching and her desire for her students to succeed is very clear to anyone who knows her. Kim can adjust her teaching styles to suit the needs of her students and helps them feel confident by providing the tools they need to be successful. Staff and students benefit from having Kimberley in our Catholic teaching community.”
Elizabeth MacDonald is an Educational Assistant at Our
Lady of Grace Catholic Elementary School. Elizabeth was nominated by a colleague, who said:
“Elizabeth is a passionate and dedicated EA. This year she has been working with a student who suffers from Batten Disease. As she has gotten to know the family she has become aware that there is also a sibling diagnosed with the same disease. Elizabeth wanted to do something to help raise awareness, and show support for this family. She challenged herself to run 100km in support of a cure for Claire - https://cureforclaire.com through the month of October. She posted this goal and fundraising challenge to our SMCDSB Marketplace to garner broader support. By October 12th Elizabeth posted a follow up message indicating that she had already (!!!) met her 100km goal. Instead of settling for this accomplishment Elizabeth doubled her goal! Elizabeth's dedication to her students, their families and the broader community is inspiring!”
Karen Rawn and Steven Kenning are Educational Assistants at St. Monica’s Catholic Elementary School. Karen and Steven were nominated by a colleague, who said:
“In returning to a new school year, Karen Rawn and Steven Kenning (Educational Assistants from St. Monica’s School) are deserving of a warm recognition. Upon beginning a new school year, I was immediately greeted with a warm hug by these two caring individuals whom I had the good fortune of working hand in hand with last year. They were a beautiful reminder that together, we grew stronger through a school year that was filled with change. Reflecting back on the 2020-2021 school year, Karen and Steven continued to embark on the challenges that all were faced with through a changing year, both face-to-face and during remote learning. Together as a team, Karen and Steven continued to bring smiles and laughter, while helping nurture students to grow stronger within themselves. This team of Educational Assistants is a model for “stronger-better-together” as we venture into a new school year and our Catholic school community is so blessed to have their many gifts. Together, with a dedicated team of educators at St. Monica’s, they help make our school community stronger and better. Celebrating new beginnings in September 2021 with our Educational Assistants who make a difference for all!”
We would like to thank Leslie-Ann, Kimberley, Elizabeth, and Karen and Steven for their commitment to Catholic education at our board.