Downsview, for the week of May 15th, your Student of the Week is Wendyann B. Wendyann is in the ninth grade.

Wendyann’s nomination started with Silvana, our Child and Youth Counsellor. Here is what she has to say: “Wendy is a sweet student who is caring and compassionate and always knows how to appreciate the DSS family. She is sooo attentive to staff. She always asks me how I am. How was my evening? Did I eat breakfast and lunch? And if she knows my kids aren't feeling well she even asks about them.

Wendy has been courageous in sharing her feelings with me and making such strides in trusting me, her circle of care and the school community. Wendy is a special student and on her spare time loves drawing and giving her art work to staff she appreciates so staff feel her appreciation.In fact, she has been known to send thank you notes. She has sent me not one but two detailed thank you notes, sharing how we have made her feel seen and comfortable and appreciates how we all want the best for her. Wendy, thanks for being you and for always valuing staff and making our days brighter through your caring persona.”

Mr Ramnaraine may no longer be here, but he wanted Wendyann to hear this: “I’ve recently got to know Wendyann a little more this semester outside of the library. She is kind, caring and is quite the artist! Keep up the hard work and determination Wendyann! We are so proud of you! Congratulations on your win as Student of the Week!”

Hear this, from Mr Lewin: “Wendyann is a reflective and kind student scholar who has made significant gains since the beginning of the school year. She has faced her fair share  of obstacles both within and outside of the classroom. However, despite challenges,  Wendy  has demonstrated a strength of character that is commendable.  Moreover, her self-    advocacy skills have grown with the passage of time. She has been able to effectively work with Downsview staff to create a learning  environment that is conducive to her academic and socio-emotional needs.  Wendy,  congratulations on winning Student of the Week. Keep up the great work!”

And finally, from Ms Forde: “Wendy has faced a series of systemic barriers that were no fault of her own.   Despite this, she has maintained a positive attitude and is trying her very best to continue learning and growing in a modified program while she is awaiting placement at another site.  She also sent a lovely thank you note to me, last week!  She's a wonderful person.”

Wendyann, it’s a fact that we all need to build, to create our own paths. It’s also true that we all need support along the way. You are managing both of these with grace: you’re building a path for yourself while mindfully and graciously accepting support. We are proud to call you, Wendyann, our Student of the Week.