DHS Welcomes nEW LIBRARy Assistant

Chances are you've seen a new face in the library recently. That face is DHS' new library assistant, Ms. Ellakkis (El-lake-is), who joined us on February 27th. 

Ellakkis' previously worked at the ECEC as a paraprofessional and also in their library. 

She started her career in education teaching French in Lebanon. Eventually, she came to the United States and became an assistant teacher at a preschool in Brookline. She also worked once a week at the Catholic Memorial School teaching French. After six months, she was able to attain her qualifications to become a teacher.

Although she misses the students and staff at the ECEC, she is happy to be here at DHS. “I didn’t leave the ECEC because I didn’t like it. My heart is still there."

So, why did Ms. Ellakkis come to DHS? 

The answer is she was interested in trying out a new environment along with taking a bit of a break from teaching. She is friendly with Ms. Fares, our previous library assistant. Farres saw Ellakkis as a perfect fit for DHS and recommended her for the job. Even Ellakkis' son encouraged her to come to DHS. Now, her children ask her questions about her new job every night--something they'd never done before.

She was very eager to learn everything about the school, from how to register books to making barcodes. Ellakkis had previously been at DHS for interview process, so she knew the building somewhat. “What scared me was that it was a maze,” she said with laughter. 

As for transferring to DHS from the ECEC, Ellakkis notes many differences. An obvious one being the age difference of the students, as adolescent students tend to be more independent and ask questions when needed as opposed to preschoolers. They are able also conduct themselves properly in social situations.

Ellakkis speaks three languages: English, French, and Arabic. As a young woman, she would spend most of her time in a library. She's had a love for books ever since she was a child and even has a collection of over seven hundred of them. She enjoys mystery, crime, history, and Agatha Christie’s books. She’s currently reading “The Maid,” a mystery novel by Nita Prose.

So, when it came to seeing the newly renovated DHS media center for the first time, she loved what she saw and was truly shocked at the new layout when shown around by Ms. Johnson.

Besides working with children, Ellakkis loves gourmet food and is passionate about cooking, especially lots of Lebanese sweets for her two children, Kevin and Kristy, whom she has a close connection with. 

Ms. Johnson is grateful to have Ms. Ellakkis on the team, saying she’s a hard worker and off to a great start.

When asked if there's anything she would like to say to the students of DHS, Ellakkis said, “I am here to help all of you, and I am more than willing to talk.”