Congratulations to Joanne
Taylor, a teacher at Holy Family Catholic Elementary School in
London, who was honoured this week as the newest member of the
Teachers' Wall of Fame. An induction ceremony was held at the
Althouse Building, sponsored by the Faculty of Education at the
University of Western Ontario.
Joanne Taylor is a primary teacher in her
30th year of teaching. She has taught Kindergarten through Grade Two
with the London District Catholic School Board at St. Roberts and
Holy Family Schools. She is also an active and proud member of
the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association now a member of
the Teachers’ Wall of Fame.
Mrs. Taylor is the recipient of the
Outstanding Elementary Catholic Teacher Award. The award was
presented with these words: “Joanne Taylor is an exemplary and
conscientious teacher always striving to do her best for her class,
her school and her community; a kind and supportive person who cares
for, encourages and motivates others.”
The Teachers' Wall of Fame was
initiated in 2005 to coincide with World Teacher's Day.
The nomination for the Teachers’ Wall of
Fame honour came from a group of parents who believe Mrs. Taylor has
“provided our children with a solid spiritual and educational
foundation for the many years ahead.” These parents happily
placed their trust in Mrs. Taylor’s hands. “These are critical
years in a child’s development and Joanne has played a key role in
solidifying the type of citizens they will one day grow up to be.
This award may be a form of legacy but the true legacy will carry on
in the lives of those she taught.”
Joanne Taylor sums up her life’s work in
her own words: “It is a privilege to be called to serve and teach
the children in our community. They need to be nurtured, cared for,
encouraged, supported and loved.”
"Joanne is patient, gentle and kind
and respects the dignity of our youngest students and encourages
them to explore new ideas and to love learning," said her
Principal, Peter Cocurullo. "Her wisdom, calming manner and
support have all been imparted to her colleagues and students.
Joanne is a model of true professionalism. She embraces the
opportunity to teach, influence and bring out the best in all
children and Joanne has made a difference in the lives of those
around her. When asked about this recognition, Joanne replied,
"I accept this award on behalf of all the outstanding teachers
and support staff at Holy Family Catholic School." Her smiling
face at the kindergarten room door each morning and afternoon says
it all; Joanne loves children."
This week marked World
Teachers Day - an opportunity to draw public attention to the
important role of teachers within society and the pivotal role they
play in Catholic education. Wilma de Rond, Director of Education
used the opportunity to offer sincere thanks to each and every one
of our teachers. The Director said that truly great things are
happening every day in classrooms across our system, thanks in large
part to our teachers.
The United Nations' (UN) World Teachers'
Day celebrates the role teachers play in providing quality education
at all levels. This enables children and adults of all ages to learn
to take part in and contribute to their local community and global
society.
A Thanksgiving Day
Message
from the Director of Education
At Thanksgiving and always,
let us celebrate all the bounties and blessings we have received
this year. We have much for which we are thankful: for the gifts of
our families and friends and the love we share with them.
We are thankful that God has chosen us for
one of the most fulfilling and important roles there is in life -
that of educating children and assisting them to become contributing
members of the Church and society.
We are thankful that we live in a peaceful
and democratic society. We are thankful that we are in a position to
share our gifts with those in need in our communities.
And we are forever thankful for the
greatest gift of all - Jesus Christ, God's Son and the gift of Life
everlasting.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wilma de Rond,
Director of Education
St. Rita Catholic School
Roadrunners are thankful for a wonderful school community!
Students and staff gathered in the gym to celebrate Thanksgiving.
The gym was transformed into a dining room setting and everyone
enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner with all the fixings. A big thank
you to the Catholic School Council who not only organized the
dinner, but also paid for the complete dinner.
"We are truly blessed with a terrific community," said
Principal Suzanne Terpstra. "God bless & Happy Thanksgiving
from the Roadrunners!"
Our
Mission
To serve the
student in a community that nurtures a living faith and provides a
quality Catholic education that enables the individual to
become a contributing member of the Church and
Society.
For feedback,
submissions, suggestions and input, please contact:
or contact:
John Boles, Manager of Communications, 519-663-2088, ext
40015
Spotlight
is produced weekly by the Communications Department of
the LDCSB.
Spotlight is a BRAVO
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winner of the Glorya Nanne Award from the Ontario
Association of Parents in Catholic Education for making a
substantial contribution to fostering better understanding of
Catholic Education.
