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Colleen has been teaching for 7 years. She spent her last five years at St. Peters Catholic School and is now teaching a grade 6-7 split in Toronto at St. Michaels.
Colleen loves teaching because each day is different. She said that the best part is “watching kids grow in social skills and in ways that will benefit them for a lifetime.” Because her goal is to make them “better people” she spends much time teaching cooperation, community, respect, perseverance and kindness.
Colleen entered into teaching after a career in journalism. She found herself in schools promoting children’s books and realized that she needed to be in the classroom. Her days of teaching have taught her that “we will get back what we give” and she loves the love and respect she gets from her students. Her highest compliment is when a student says, “I think you would be a great mom!”
The Chaves family nominated Colleen with these words:
I have never known a teacher who cared more for her students. Two of my children have been fortunate to enough to have Colleen as a teacher and she brought out the best in them, as she does in every student.
Both of my boys wanted to “reach for the stars” when they had her for a teacher because she makes them feel like they can achieve anything and that they are wonderful and special. She encouraged my son to join a reading program in which he absolutely excelled with Colleen’s support. I actually had reservations that he could not keep up!
A Grade 8’s mother passed away and Colleen was there to help and support her through the worst time of her life. Colleen also stood in as a sponsor for this child’s confirmation, knowing the child’s mother could not be there.
We all have that one teacher who makes a difference in our lives and I know that Ms. O’Grady will be that teacher to each and every one of her students!
