We Had To Share All Of The Nominations For Our Christo’s Contest!
We wish we could give all of the teachers and educators that were nominated pizza from CHRISTO’s!!
We thought though, that we would share the kind words about these hard working Teachers and Educators!!
Keep up the Great Work!!
Hayley Potvin
This person is incredible, she works full time in the French daycare La Ribambelle, is carrying a 4.0 GPA in her online studies as an ECE through the Algonquin College, and above all she always puts others first even throughout her busy schedule. This girl deffinelty deserves a night out of the kitchen for all the hard work she constantly provides to others. – Tyler
Cara Mathieson
She is a loving caring person.who gives her all to her students at LCCVI.She has been teaching for 12 years, she taught at Alexander McKenzie for eleven years. – Elaine
Danielle McAurther
She is a ECE and as well as a Direcetor of child care for the YMCA..She works very hard sometimes 10 hour days and makes sure her teams are always ok..plus she has a 5 year old daughter and husband she has to tend too as well! I think she deserves this! – Svetlana
Sacred Heart Staff
As the month of October comes to a close, I want to pass along a message of gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Sacred Hearth Catholic School. I appreciate for the all the preparation put in place by our staff in getting our school “September Ready”. You have had to implement the new practices that focus on our first priority of health and safety for students and staff. In the meantime, you have had to deal with the challenges that the pandemic has presented to all of us, at home and in the community. Things seem to be changing at a very quick pace. There are many uncertainties and unknowns and this constant state of anxiety and uncertainty has complicated our lives and our jobs.
Thanks to all of you for the enormous efforts you are making to provide certainty and security to your schools. There is no school management text on how to operate during a pandemic. We learn something new every day and are forced to adjust our plans and sometimes our expectations. Our students and staff are in very good hands – your hands. Thank you. -Mark Renaud, Principal
Avery Whelan
I am nominating Avery because she is a very hard-working, single mom who commutes to Adelaide W G MacDonald school inStrathroy every day for work. She enjoys teaching children all day and then comes home and continues to teach and guide her own two children. She is a great teacher and a great mother and she deserves a night off from cooking. – Kellie
Cristina Benacquista
Cristina is a French as a second language teacher at High Park School in Sarnia. She has to travel from classroom to classroom teaching students the French language. She is exposed to not just 20 kids but basically the entire school. She loves her job. When she comes home from work she tutors her niece Juliana. Cristina often comes over for supper at my house after a hectic day at work. When I work a late shift she takes care of Juliana for me and has her fed and bathed and school lunches ready when I’m done work at 8pm. She is a caring and loving teacher and aunt. I couldn’t imagine my life without her. – Claudia
Derek Dimuzio
Awesome teacher to special needs kids at Hanna Memorial Public School and great coach for soccer hockey. – Emily
Jesse Mason
Jesse teaches grade 5/6 at Queen Elizabeth School Petrolia and goes above and beyond to teach the children. He puts extra time in every day and listens to their cares and problems . He is the kind of teacher we wish all our children could have. – Darlene
Monica Sanderson
Monica isn’t only an awesome teacher at Queen E Public School Petrolia, she is also an amazing mom to 3 kids . She has a way of keeping her home and work life balance in tact . She strives to be the best teacher everyday but an excellent mom as well when she’s home. – Lisa
Alicia Lukings
Mrs. Lukings has been amazing in helping our daughter adjust to high school (Northern) and the new normal. She reached out right away when our daughter was struggling and has found ways to make here feel more at ease despite what is going on. Mrs. Lukings realizes that having one subject all day for an entire week can be difficult and has tried to make it is enjoyable as she can despite having to cram it all in. – Deanna
Gillian Sherwood
For all her hard work and dedication to her students at Hillcrest Public School in Kettle Point and all the help and support she gives them. – Michele
Jen Brown Nead
Jen is a kindergarten teacher Sacred Heart School, who treats each of her students as if they were her own. Her love of education and dedication to the children ensures each one of them feels inspired and important ensuring the start of the education career is positive to lead them into future years. Jen goes the extra mile and it shows in her classroom! – Cindy
Johanna Arns
She was my sons teacher a couple years ago at Gregory Hogan. She was just what he needed at school. She is the most caring teacher I have ever met. She went above and beyond and was like a second mother. Her moto is “kids always remember how you made them feel” So so deserving ❤️- Michelle
Peter Kaija
Pete has been teaching for nearly 30 years now. He is an educator and a mentor. The amount of time the man puts in above and beyond, coaching girls basketball in the fall followed up with boys basketball in the winter. When not dealing with high school athletes he is molding the youth bball scene running grade school leagues and coaching in the former mini colt program at Great Lakes. Always there to sub in for a teacher/coach in need whether it be in the classroom or on the bench! Just an incredibly dedicated individual! -Mick
Mr. Brian Devlin
During such a trialling time with the current pandemic and the children returning to school, we were very unsure of how things would pan out. My daughter (grade 3) came home from her first day of school at St Matthews Catholic School saying it was the best day ever because of her new teacher. He made her feel very comfortable and validated her feelings of things being a little scary and uncertain. He will joke around with her and feed into her playfulness. He makes it known that he is very proud of his students. My daughter loves going to school because of him and I think he deserves this so much. -Sarah
Janine Day
Janine is an awesome teacher who gives 150% to her students at WDSS in Wallaceburg. She truly cares about these kids in school and even when they are at home and need help. She is an physical education teacher and she is also the coach for many sports team years round. Her specialty is being a basketball coach in school and also travel. We had the pleasure of her coaching my daughter travel basketball for only one year but my daughter more from her in that season than any other year. So this is why I nominate this lady who I’m proud to call my friend. -Sharon
Kate Bezaire
I am nominating Ms Bezaire because she is an incredible teacher who is currently teaching via the Virtual Learning Experience at Lambton Kent District School Board. Our son and his other virtual classmates love her! I can hear her patience and how much she cares every time she speaks with her students. I cannot imagine how difficult and trying it is trying to teach 20+ eight year old students live on a computer! She definitely deserves a night off from cooking! -Kendra
Mrs. Ross
My daughter was new to St Anne’s Catholic School and had Mrs. Ross as her teacher. She made sure that she had all the proper supports in place to help make her successful. Mrs. Ross showed compassion, patience and kindness to my daughter, which allowed her to grow not only academically but emotionally too. From the beginning of the school year, to the end, my daughter went up over 20 reading levels!! The confidence she gained is undeniable. We will forever be grateful to Mrs. Ross for taking the time to help support and care for my daughter. Thank you, Mrs. Ross! -Katie
Jesse Mason
Jesse has been a buddy of mine for a long time. He invited me out to go golfing when the courses reopened at the start of the Pandemic. I am not a golfer and was lucky enough to be taught some of the basics of golf from Jesse to improve my game. He has extreme patience, considering how bad I was (and still am). Not only does he teach his classes at Queen E in Petrolia but is an educator through and through in all walks of life. He is a great teacher and deserves a break! -Marc
Gillian Mitchell
Madame Gillian teaches a split 2/3 and teaches both my kids at St Thomas d’Aquinas. Not only is she caring and sweet, she’s constantly going the extra mile both in class and in the community. Gillian owns Jillybeans creations and makes all sorts of baby items – but she also donated hundreds of scrub caps and masks during the pandemic (all while teaching online and home schooling her 3 kids). She’s a modern day superhero and deserves recognition.My kids actually look forward to going to see her everyday for class and speak so highly of her! She even made the entire class masks too to make sure everyone would stay safe, without accepting money. -Christine
Darcy Robichaud
Darcy is my son and I’ve seen how much of his own time and money is used to prepare for lessons for his students at École Secondaire Franco-Jeunesse. He teaches all day and spends most nights and his time on weekends to make sure his lessons and interesting for all his students. He really cares about each and every one of the children in his classes and tries to make himself available anytime they need help with anything. I’m sure it’s hard for any teacher having to teach in the conditions that COVID has created and I applaud each and every one of them. -Catharine
Robyn Vanderberg
My sisters passion has always been to teach! She spends so much extra time thinking and preparing for her classes. She spent her last year at Cathcart as the prep teacher, which meant she taught in every class except for kindergarten. She was moved to Aberarder Elementary School this year which was an added stress to what is already a stressful year. She works so hard and goes home and is an excellent mother her two boys. She deserves a night off with some delicious pizza !! -Sarah
Randy Thingstad
Randy has worked very hard to become a Public School teacher. He loves what he does and the kids he teaches at Queen Elizabeth. Last year he travelled to Chatham to teach and then taught online when this pandemic hit. He is a great hubby to his wife Natasha and a fantastic daddy to 10 month old Kennedy. Thanks so much, his proud Auntie!! -Bev
Brittany
Brittany works as an EA at Hillcrest in Petrolia, deals with all sorts of happy, crisis, and the challenge of the pandemic as an educator., but always has a smile, thanks, she is a beautiful woman… proud to call her my daughter -Patricia
Sheila Richardson
Sheila is a very hardworking, dedicated and very loyal employee at the Lambton Kent District School Board office in Sarnia.Her position of being a Special Education Program Co ordinater has her pulled in many directions as she seeks the very best for others as she is working within the schools she overlooks. She is married and also is a mom to two children whom keep her on her toes when at home. She loves to enjoy the outdoors when she has time which is very limited. -Deborah
Amanda Brown
Amanda is an amazing resource teacher who cares about each and every one of her students at St. Matthews. She is passionate about her job and always goes above and beyond her duty as a teacher. She is the perfect person to be a resource teacher. -Christina
Sarah Scott
Sarah works extremely hard at her job YLCC child care . She loves what she does. She also loves Christos pizza. -Tiffany
Nathalie Morais
She is a very hard working teacher at Ecole St Thomas d’Aquin. Not only does she dedicate extra time to her students, but her co workers as well. She is kind and welcoming to all. Every year she tries to engage her students in the community by creating fundraisers (proceeds going to the community). The list goes on and on. -Chelsie
Yvonne Wigboldus
For being an amazing teacher at Saint Elizabeth Career College by putting in countless hours to supporting her PSW student to be the best they can be. Especially in a time where PSWs are in such high demand! -Jill
Melissa Mundy
She works with handicapped children at Brigden Public School and always has a smile and a wave at the end of the day when she is letting the kids go for the day! No matter how good or bad her day is. -Marilyn
Nadia Edey
We are nominating Mrs .Nadia Edey (our mom) because during covid, when we were given the choice to stay home or go to school, our mom decided to homeschool us on her own. Our mom used to be a teacher but has stayed home with us since my sister was born. I am in grade four and my sister is in grade one. We named our school Beachside Academy because we live close to the beach and we try to incorporate school activities into the beach. For example, we did painting on the beach while learning how to paint a skyline. Our Mom does lots of fun things with us while doing schoolwork such as, she had me write a Beachside Academy brochure using the computer and my sister do a Beachside Academy poster using the computer too. Our mom is like a supermom because in addition to helping us through our schoolwork, she does all the regular mom stuff too. That’s why we nominate Mrs.Edey. -Malina and Larisa
Christina Mandeville
Christina is very hard working. Spends lots of extra time at home preparing classes and doing research. The kids love her wherever she teaches. Right now wh is at St. Ann’s Catholic School She is versatile, can teach several age groups. -Lorna
Katelyn Newman
My daughter is an EA for LKDSB in Sarnia and spends her days helping out the schools with some children with all different life challenges. Katelyn answers her phone early each morning when the calls to sub come in and begins her day on a last minute call. She is dedicated to her career , the schools and the children in need of her special guidance. -Vicki
Samantha Jones
My hard working daughter is a teacher who has recently returned from teaching in England at The Learning Pod. -Susan
Gillian Sherwood
Because she is hard working and cares so much for the students she teaches at Kettle Point First Nations School. She is teaching Gr 6 this year and makes sure they are still have fun while learning even with all the new covid rules in place. -Ashley
Brian Devlin
He loves interacting with his students at St Mathews school Sarnia and keeping them interested in what he is teaching. -Aileen
Erika Johnson
She travels every week to London to teach. She loves her job and her class. She looks forward to the class everyday and missed them all when covid hit. She deserves pizza and burgers when she is home so she can relax and get ready for the next week. -Sheri
Karen Machan
Karen has been at the Huron House Boys Home for over 20 years. Such dedication to the Boys and the love of her Job shows in her commitment. She has gone through this Covid Pandemic working this whole time and is well deserving of a Prize. -Robin
Heather Robson
Heather is an educational assistant at Landsdowne Public School and deals mostly with special needs children. Throughout COVID she has dedicated herself to working through the summer and now while back in the classroom working many hours after school, without getting paid. She does this because of her dedication to her students. She deserves recognition for her hard work and dedication. She is the kind of person that doesn’t expect anything in return and would be happy with a small gesture like a free pizza. -Jean
Valerie Volland
I am nominating Valerie because she goes to school at Tecumseh Public School in Chatham under these conditions & still motivates her students & tries very hard to make this situation easier for all of them. All teachers need to be nominated but I can only choose one . Thank You 😊 -Bonnie
Stephanie Hinz
She has taken on mobile and in-person teaching since the pandemic at Brooke Alvinston Public School. On top of this, she tutors students after school. As well as being an Optimist member. And even though she is that busy, she still volunteers to get supplies for her school. And after all is said and done, she still makes time for friends and family. -Pat
Kim Kaldeway
She works tirelessly in the medically fragile room at St.Patrick’s High School where there are many different challenges. She rarely talks about those though, it’s always about how they laugh and giggle when she talks about her day-to-day activities. -Cheryl
April Greer
She is just a wonderful person and mother. Her students at Great Lakes Secondary love her to death and she cares so much about each and every one of them. I couldn’t count the number, of her own hours, she has put into after school and extra curricular activities to let the students know how much they are valued. She definitely deserves some recognition. -Terrianne
Susan Dibona
I have not had the opportunity to meet with Mrs Dibona due to covid. She keeps all of us in the loop though with excellent communication skills (even on weekends and after hours).She teaches jk/sk at Brights Grove school. She has the kids constantly thinking outside the box by taking something they show interest in and turning it into learning experience. The kids were collecting rocks so she showed them how to shine them with sandpaper and made a jewellery store. Then they voted on a name for the store and made a graph with those vote results. Every Wednesday they go outside to learn. They hike, journal, picnic. The kids come home tired, dirty but so happy. -Jenn
Mme. Erika Lange
Mme. Lange, while it has been only about 8 weeks of school Mme. Lange at Gregory Hogan has proven to be an amazing teacher full of heart, & true dedication to her students. She has listened to all of my concerns and is working with me to find solutions and help my child grow and reach her full potential. She is going above and beyond to help my little girl!. -Wendy
Ms. D’Andrea
My son Zayden thinks she’s the coolest teacher! She is teaching herself video games as she feels if she is expecting the kids to learn new things she will learn something new too!! She teaches at Cathcart 😆 -Kerry
Mrs. Barnes
Mrs. Barnes is the SK/Grade One teacher at London Road. She has gone above and beyond with these little ones and the return to school. She has kept everything so positive and fun for the kids even though it all looks so different. She has young ones at home too, but comes to work everyday with fun new activities and a smile. She has stepped up and organized 3 awareness days for the students at the school and brought back the Terry Fox run, which the school has not had in awhile. She is always giving her heart to these children and deserves a treat. -Laurie
Mrs. Abate
She has made my daughters transition into JK at St. Joseph’s Corunna flawless for us. We were very nervous sending her with everything going on in the world but she made us feel safe and reassured. My daughter is LOVING school and it makes us so happy to see her smile everyday when she gets home. Mrs. Abate is always posting updates and pictures to keep us in the loop and I know my daughter is getting the best education possible. -Kaitlin
