At the October 21st Board meeting, DDSB staff members Michele Gordon and Robert Field were proudly presented with the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) Achievement Award and the DDSB Educational Services Staff Award.
Michele Gordon (right) accepts the OPSBA Achievement Award alongside colleague and friend Sandy Jeronimo
Michele Gordon Receives 2024 OPSBA Achievement Award
Each year, OPSBA's Achievement Awards are presented to members of school communities across the province for their outstanding, exemplary, and unique contributions to the overall well-being of a school or community through in-school, board-wide, extra-curricular and/or volunteer activity.
Michele Gordon, an Education Assistant (EA) at Beaver River Public School, was nominated for the OPSBA Achievement Award by a former student of hers.
"I was surprised but then it felt nice to know that I made a difference in a student's life. We rarely get to hear from students once they graduate and always wonder how they are doing," says Michele.
The nomination summarized all the ways Michele has made a difference: "Her words of advice or encouragement on a tough day, support given when approaching a challenging assignment, or sometimes just with a smile that could be exactly what was needed in that moment on that day. Her actions in the classroom and within the school community contribute to the wellbeing of all students."
Reflecting on how she strives to make a difference in her school community Michele says, "I greet my students every day with a smile and a hello and make sure that I am always a safe person they can come to at any point in the day, no matter who I'm working with or what class I am in. I always have time for them."
Robert Field receiving the Educational Services Staff Award alongside Chair of the Board Christine Thatcher, Director of Equitable Education Camille Williams-Taylor, and Acting CUPE President Carrie Boisvert
Robert Field Receives 2023-2024 Educational Services Staff Award
The Educational Services Staff Award is an annual award presented to a CUPE staff member (or staff team) in Educational Services who have made an exceptional contribution to the support of students, schools, or the growth of others in the Durham District School Board.
In addition to the recognition of winning the award, each recipient receives $500 toward a project or initiative of their choice.
Robert Field, Lead Custodian at Southwood Park PS, received the award and decided to direct the $500 to the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) to support DDSB students.
"I wanted to support the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation for families to have access to school supplies, clothing, food, and a chance to perhaps participate in sports," explains Robert.
The nomination summarized how Robert creates a warm and welcoming environment at school: "Robert's approachable nature, willingness to assist others, and compassionate attitude create a welcoming environment that fosters positive relationships and enhances the overall experience for those who interact with him. Each day, students and staff are greeted with a cheerful and friendly smile and a willingness to chat."
Robert says the best part about working at Southwood Park PS is that he feels valued, and that makes him want to give that feeling back to staff, students, and parents.
"What I love about my job is to keep the school clean and safe and interacting with staff and students. It's so nice to have a laugh and helps the day to go by smoothly. Coming into the school every day to hear my name from students makes my day. The students are even teaching me French!"
