BMac Early Years
Welcome to the Early Years at Bishop Macdonell
The Early Years encompasses the years of school from Year 1 of Kindergarten to Grade 2. As children grow through these years, their learning builds on conceptual understandings. The multiple pedagogies of play and inquiry in these primary years continue to support student wonderings and understandings.
This intent of this website is to support families' understanding of their child's growth and learning through these first years of school. We have included Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum and supporting documents. We outline our own philosophies of education and pedagogies that inform our practice.
About Us
Currently we have 3 kindergarten classrooms and an SK/Gr.1 class. Each kindergarten studio has a team of two adults, a Designated Early Childhood Educator and an Ontario Certified Teacher.
Bumblebee Hive
Michelle Ricci, DECE
Hello! My name is Michelle. I have been working as an DECE since 2014, after receiving my Early Childhood Education diploma from Seneca College. I initially worked at a private center for 4 years, later transitioning to the school board in 2018. I have had many contracts throughout my time working here in the board and have met many different families in several different schools. I have plenty of experience in the field and I enjoy working with children and putting a smile on their face. It takes a big heart to shape a little mind ❤
Sonya Kuper, OCT, RECE, BA, BASc, MA-CSE
I originally graduated with a double major in Political Science and Linguistics from the University of Toronto, but then went on to obtain my Early Childhood Education degree. I worked in the private sector as a RECE for several years, before returning to school at OISE to complete a Master of Arts in Child Studies and Education, which I completed in 2022. I have been fortunate to work at Bishop Macdonell since 2022 in different capacities, first as a practicum student with grade 2/3s, then as a teacher in a grade 3 classroom. This year I am extremely grateful to return to my early years roots as a Kindergarten educator. I look forward to continuing learning with all the amazing staff, students and the rest of the Bishop Macdonell community this year.
Snail Shell
Tanya Pereira, DECE
My name is Tanya Pereira and I am a Designated Early Childhood Educator working at Bishop Macdonell in the Snail Shell studio. I graduated from Seneca College in 2003 with a diploma in early childhood education. After working in private and non-profit daycare settings for 7 years, I joined the Toronto Catholic District School Board in 2010. As one of the first DECES to implement the full day Ontario Kindergarten program I worked closely with educators, families, children and policy makers to make this beautiful program come alive for our students. Together with my teaching partner, Katie, I obtained my Kindergarten Specialist qualifications through York University. We have also presented at several gatherings of the Ontario Association of Mathematics Education about the importance of math and play in the early years. I am a proud founding member of the Bishop Macdonell community and I love working in the heart of the city. At home I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 wonderful children.
Katie (Kathleen) McDonald, OCT, BA, BEd, Kindergarten Specialist
After studying Art History at university I spend several years working as a bookseller before returning to school to earn a Bachelor of Education with primary and junior qualifications. While I began my career working with children in the primary grades, I found my calling ten years ago when I became a Kindergarten educator. Helping to build the Bishop Macdonell community has been transformative and impacted me deeply on both a personal and professional level. Exploring slow pedagogies and seeking inspiration from the children and educators of Reggio Emilio has allowed for the birth of something new and unique to our campus at Canoe Landing. It is so exciting to be able to share this with our students, families and the wider community.
Wonder Garden
Zenny Salinas, DECE
My name is Zenny Salinas. I graduated from George Brown College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. I began my career in childcare centers and was promoted to be one of the on-site supervisors. I came to the TCDSB in 2010 where I also received kindergarten specialist qualifications through York University. My passion is working in early years in play based environments.
Rachel Lynch-Hasegawa, OCT, BA, BEd, MEd, Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Teaching with TCDSB since 2006, I have experience in the primary grades, kindergarten and was a central literacy resource teacher. Being a part of the beginning staff at Bishop Macdonell has been an exciting opportunity to build a new school community. As a teacher-researcher, I am interested in how a collective life is co-composed as children come together in these beginning years of school, the role of the Arts and studio pedagogies, and the possibilities in these relations.