Nicholas Donaldson
Two staff members and a student received the “Recognition of Excellence” at the Northwest District Catholic School Board’s regular monthly meeting last Tuesday (Feb. 21).
From St. Francis School, educational assistant Shelley Douglas and Grade 7 student Mackenzie Thomson were thanked for their work with the “grab-and-go” breakfast program there.
The school has received funding from the Northwestern Health Unit’s snack program for the past two years.
Every day, Douglas and Thomson prepare the healthy snacks for students.
Principal Darlene Rousseau praised the quality and care these two have brought to the program when preparing the food.
She said she especially loved their “famous” homemade apple sauce.
Board chair David Sharp thanked them both, and was especially glad that a student was getting the recognition.
“Without students we wouldn’t be here, thank you,” he remarked.
Andy McCormick was the third person to be recognized at last week’s meeting for his work at St. Michael’s and St. Francis.
He was hired as the child and youth worker for both schools back in September.
“Andy brought with him a vast wealth of knowledge and experience,” Rousseau noted.
“He quickly fit in with the staff, and went to work supporting the staff, students, and parents of both schools,” she said.
McCormick was described as knowledgeable, professional, approachable, and empathetic, along with having a great sense of humour.
Rousseau joked that his only fault was that he is “not at St. Francis full-time.”
Also at last week’s meeting, the board:
•received an IT update;
•heard information on the after-school Technology Club;
•voted to accept the new school calender for submission to the ministry of education;
•received the kindergarten/early-learning registration numbers;
•established a search committee for a new director of education; and,
•got an update on the new school building project.
At the request of the board, the school build updates will take place at every monthly meeting.
This is to ensure the project is on schedule and no more delays occur.
