Michelle, Cassandra and Christine

Michelle, Cassandra and Christine
Posted on 02/25/2022
Celebrating Staff LogoEvery week we celebrate SMCDSB staff members who have been recognized by a parent, student or colleague.

This week we are celebrating Michelle Barron, a teacher Michelle Barron at St. John Vianney School Catholic School. Michelle was nominated by a parent, who said:

“I was first introduced to Michelle Barron when she was my daughter's Grade 3 teacher. We had been fortunate to have some great teachers leading up to Grade 3 but when I first met Mrs. Barron I knew my daughter was in exceptional hands.

Mrs. Barron is the kind of teacher I wish all students would have. She is kind, patient, she listens and she meets students where they are at. She doesn't push them to learn in a specific way and tailors learning to their needs and learning style.

Mrs. Barron moved into a SERT position shortly after she taught my daughter in Grade 3 and we have been fortunate to have her support ever since. My daughter is on an IEP and has some learning challenges that Mrs. Barron continues to support her with. I have continued to be grateful for her strengths as an educator. My daughter’s confidence in learning alongside her skills have grown in large part because of Mrs. Barron's caring nature and desire to support her through thinking outside of the box and always going the extra mile.

She is the definition of excellence in teaching and as parents she has eased our worries, always provided open communication and has been a phenomenal support. We are so grateful for her!”

Cassandra DowningThis week we are also celebrating Cassandra Downing, a Teacher at Notre Dame Catholic School. Cassandra was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“”I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
—Maya Angelou

All too often, we focus on the people who demand attention and forget to acknowledge the people who are quietly making our school an excellent place to be and work. Cassi Downing is this person for Notre Dame. She takes the time to make each person she comes into contact with feel special and worthy. Being a French prep teacher is a difficult job. Trying to make sure you have everything you need as you move class to class on a cart is a challenge all on its own. Cassi makes sure every one of her students is taken care of when she is in their class, no matter what the needs. She also does that for staff. Quiet acts of kindness are spread throughout the school. She also brings beauty to the school through her music. Notre Dame is so blessed to have this beautiful soul. Thank you on behalf of all the staff and students for making our school a better place.”

Finally, we are celebrating Christine Haslam, an Christine Haslam Educational Assistant at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Barrie. Christine was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Christine is such an amazing Educational Assistant. She is kind and patient with all her students no matter the circumstance. Christine is always welcoming to any new staff and is always there for any coworker who needs a shoulder or help with any project. Her dedication to our students and our school as a whole is an inspiration.”

We would like to thank Michelle, Cassandra, and Christine for their commitment to Catholic education at our board.