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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 Sam Greco, a teacher at
Foley Catholic School. Sam was nominated by a colleague who said:
“Sam has been a prep teacher, librarian, and a supply teacher with our board. He works hard to ensure that all of his students from JK to Grade 8 are actively engaged using such things as songs, movement, and a variety of stories in his lessons. The students" light up" when he comes into a room. Sam's experience at the Orillia library has enabled him to work with people of different backgrounds, which has transformed him into an incredible educator. Any school that has worked with Sam has been truly blessed.”
This week, we are also celebrating Joanna Spatola, a designated early childhood educator (DECE) at St. André Bessette Catholic School. Joanna was nominated by a student who said:
“I would like to nominate Mrs. Spatola. She is kind, friendly, hard-working, and always has a smile on her face. She was my sister’s DECE, and she loved being in her class. She made learning fun for her. She would take the time to work with my sister and others in the class. My sister is in grade one now, and she still talks about Mrs. Spatola all the time. Mrs. Spatola would always smile and say hello to all the students she passed in the hallways. When walking by her classroom, people would always look in because it seemed like so much fun. She left our school and now works at St. André Bessette. We miss her, but we know her students are so lucky to have her.”
This week, we are also celebrating the football coaches at St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School. The coaches were nominated by a colleague who said:
“We would like to recognize and sincerely thank our JOA football coaches for their unwavering commitment to our Junior and Senior teams. Coaching extends far beyond the game itself - it means countless hours of planning, mentoring, strategizing, and supporting our student athletes both on and off the field. Our coaches model dedication, resilience, and leadership and their passion for the game and genuine care for our students is admirable. Their commitment leaves a lasting impact, shaping not only stronger athletes but also young people who carry lessons of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance far beyond the field. Whether on the field or off, our coaches and athletes represent our school with pride and integrity. We thank our coaches for the time and energy they have invested into building something bigger than themselves and we are deeply grateful for their love of the game and the heart they pour into JOA’s football program.
Junior Football Coaches: Paul Milne, James Smith, Stacey Levely, John McAdam, Sean Kearney (volunteer)
Senior Football Coaches: Chris Forde, Justin Winn, Christian Maciag, Gavin Wallin (volunteer), Craig Hepditch (volunteer), Matt Salo (volunteer).”
We would like to thank Sam, Joanna, Paul, James, Stacey, John, Sean, Chris, Justin, Christian, Gavin, Craig, and Matt for their commitment to Catholic education at our board.