TORONTO STAR TEACHER AWARD
Voices of admiration for nominated teachers
October 1, 2009
"You know the universe is about to collapse when math equals fun. But Andre Simoneau – Sim to his students – is a man of many talents. Have you ever met anyone who teaches computer science and mathematics, yet also enjoys rocking out to his guitar every year?"
Angela Vuong, student nominating Andre Simoneau
"On Ms. Di Giovine's door was a huge Santa. On one side was the Good list, with all her students' names. On the other was the Bad list and on it, by itself, was Ms. Di Giovine. The students love her sense of humour."
Maria Himelson, colleague nominating Tania Di Giovine
"Mrs. Calvieri taught me spelling tricks like "baby eats candy apples until she explodes" for "because." Sometimes I even call her Mommy because she is so nice."
Ariel Brookes, student nominating Maryann Calvieri
"Mrs. Shepherd is an amazing cosmetology teacher. If a student has been doing really well, she'll give them a new haircut or a new colour. One time, she actually took the time to drive me to St. Catharines for a trade dinner for women. She's an amazing singer and a health nut and she is constantly reminding girls to `use protection.'"
Kara McArthur, student nominating Kate Shepherd
"In her class, Mrs. von B's students create travel brochures that encompass science and geography – imagine having a great time while doing your history and science reports! At the talent show, her students sang two verses of a song and then silently "signed" the last verse. There wasn't a dry eye in the house."
Tania Kennific, colleague nominating Marie von Boetticher
"It's marvellous to watch how Ms Maroosis defies the laws of time in giving each of her students her undivided attention whenever they need it. She is a teacher, a mother, a truant officer, a life coach/mentor and, most importantly, a friend, when you need one."
Alex Stringer, student nominating Francie Maroosis
"My teacher is awesome at teaching chemistry and he knows how to keep our attention by his brilliant jokes. He even made us do interesting assignments such as making a CSI video."
Fabiha Ahmed, student nominating Clyde Chamberlain
"Marjorie Kirkpatrick teaches learning disabled children with such empathy and compassion, every student in her class has increased their level of reading. Her students now love to read, where it was a struggle to get them to pick up a book before."
Carolyn Rodrigues, colleague nominating Marjorie Kirkpatrick
"First off, Mrs. P. never yells. I love Mrs. P. because she made me feel better about writing tests. Before, I had a hard time getting the words in my head down on paper. She knew that I had the answers, even if I was too tired to write them down. Mrs. P. always tells me how smart I am and makes me feel like I can do stuff."
Duncan Pedersen, student nominating Carol Pashkievich
"Mrs. Melbourne gives up her breaks to stay in at recess if you're having troubles with bullies, or you need someone to talk to. She tells stories of when she was little that help us understand our work better. Some of these stories are silly and embarrassing and they make our learning fun."
Mary Kate Sowden, student nominating Marlene Melbourne
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