Week of September 26th, 2022

Chris A.

Downsview, it is a great pleasure to announce your first Student of the Week for the 2022-2023 school year. Chris is in the twelfth grade at Downsview; this is his graduating year.

Choosing the first Student of the Week always requires a little extra care. This individual is, after all, launching the year and setting the tone. That said, Chris was an easy choice. Let’s get right to the praise for Chris from DSS Staff members.

From Ms. Susnik, “Chris is a natural born leader! He has tremendous organizational skills, a quiet demeanour and a willingness to offer his support and assistance to everyone. Congratulations Chris on being student of the week”.

Hear this from Mr. Wallace: “Chris is quiet, and yet he makes an impact everywhere in this school: Radio Club, Tools of Possibility Conference - Great poster, Chris-,the courtyard garden, are just some recent examples. His creativity and curiosity combined with his collegiality and his desire that everyone succeed make him an excellent choice for this year's first Student of the Week Award. But beyond all that, Chris is such a decent human being; he is so kind. In the class and beyond, he is someone you want on your team.

And from Mr. Lewin, “Chris is an outstanding student and human being  who has made  an invaluable contribution to the Downsview school community. Last school year , Chris played an instrumental role in terms of helping to lead Downsview 's  Filipino Club. Chris was also activity involved in Boyz to Men. Chris strongly believes in the importance of giving back to others. As a peer tutor, Chris was always willing  to help youth who were struggling academically. He was also part of the tech team for the 2022 African Heritage Month assembly. Chis Aquino is an honour roll student who is committed to achieving excellence both within the classroom and in the larger society .The Downsview family is so proud of all that you have accomplished. Continue to inspire others through your humble, empathic, and compassionate nature.”

From Principal Elwin, “Thank you Chris for all that you do to make DSS a great community. I really admire your student advocacy particularly when it came to implementing the Philippine group. In addition, thank you for being part of the DSS radio team and doing the announcements. Congratulations on your well deserved recognition

Ms. Sonia says: Chris is one of the group members that joined the garden/ art club to help create an amazing outdoor space for Downsview students. He is a responsible young man that shows up every time . He is hard working and will commit to any task small or large. Keep up the amazing work , you're an amazing asset to the team . Can't wait to hear your art ideas . 

And from Ms. Cimicata: From Ms. Cimicata: I have had the honour of teaching Chris in a couple of courses last year and in Business Leadership and Co-op this year.  Chris  demonstrates outstanding class participation and peer group work.  He puts forth genuine academic effort and is respectful to his peers and teachers.  He demonstrates excellent behaviour inside and outside the classroom, and is well respected by the school community.  He displays exemplary leadership skills by modelling personal responsibility, and good citizenship.  Thanks Chris, you always bring forth your creativity, ideas that are outside the box and generously donate your time to give back to the community by participating in clubs and committees.  Congratulations on being Student of the Week!! 

And last but not least, from Mr. Ramnaraine. “I have had the pleasure of working with Chris in various capacities: The Boys2Men program, the DSS Radio Club, Library Council and the Student Tech Team. He is an integral member in each and every one of these groups. I am amazed at the number of groups he is involved in our school community. I can’t think of one that he is not involved in or doesn’t support. Amongst all of this, he still finds a way to balance his academics and positive relationships with his peers and always does this with a smile. I can’t think of anyone better than you Chris to have been selected for Downsview’s first Student of the week! Congratulations!

Wow, Chris! If you did not know before, there is no secret now: your efforts in the classroom and outside the classroom have landed you praise and admiration. You are valued. Chris, congratulations once again on your win as Student of the Week.