God Bless you on your retirement.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Pat Annecchiarico - Department Head of Mathematics
Back in September 2002, St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School was born. Little did I know, it was the highlight of my remaining years as an educator. It became my home away from home. Many schools talk about ‘community’ but never reaching the true sense of the word. Here at STL, teachers and students have come and gone, but community has always been here.
We have a community that supports education; the staff wants what is best for the students. The successes academically and athletically of our students are a result of staff working with that mindset. I am very impressed with the respect and discipline that the students have for the teachers and for one another.
It was a joy to be a member of a GREAT school. As happy as I am to be moving on to the next chapter of my life, I can’t help but be a little sad that I won’t be seeing all of you on a regular basis. I will always keep my memories of the staff and students of STL with me.
I would like to personally THANK every administrator, teacher, support staff and student that I have had contact with at STL.
Mr. Pat Annecchiarico
John Doyle - Department Head of Technology & Computer Science
Twenty-six years ago a perspiring 32 year old stared down the most terrifying thing he had ever faced.... a classroom full of 5 & 6 year old students equally fearful of their first male teacher. That day was the start of an incredible journey that has seen me teach every grade but 3 & 4 in five different schools. Fate or serendipity had my final move take me to St. Theresa in 2003. St. Theresa has been home for 15 years.
People are sometimes astounded by what STL has become; those who had the privilege of being here in the early years are not. Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Founding Principal Mary Deveau brought in every committed teacher she could and empowered them; her catalytic influence cannot be overstated.
To the students of STL I taught over the years, I wish I could find the words to tell you all how much being a part of your educational life has meant to me; watching your brilliance and seeing the skills you have developed give me confidence in the future. I have had the good fortune to work with amazing coworkers past and present in Technological and Computer Studies, and I thank them for all their excellence, dedication, and the support they have given over the years. To all the teachers and administrators from STL, your hard work has made this school the beacon of educational excellence that it has become. It has been an honor being a part of that, albeit in the background to make sure the wiring works. To the school’s parents, your commitment to excellence expressed through your expectations and the accomplished children you send us is a testimonial to you. Thank you.
I have been asked what my plans are for retirement; I hope to follow the advice of Jonathan Clements: “Retirement is like a long vacation in Las Vegas. The goal is to enjoy it the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of money. “
Mr. John Doyle
John Spicer - Department Head of Physical Education
Dear STL,
Where does time go? Sixteen years have gone by in a flash! It seems like yesterday that I first walked through the doors of the brand new St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School. Since, four full generations of graduates have passed through our halls. Together in that time, we have experienced tragic loss, extreme jubilation and everything in between. It has been my privilege and honour to have served the STL Community. I have been blessed to have students and student-athletes who have come in to my life and left me with memories that will last a lifetime. My only hope is that we provided you with growth opportunities and the life skills necessary to become your best and to serve in the Little Way of St. Theresa beyond your high school years.
Thank you to the hundreds of coaches over the lifespan of the school, who have devoted countless hours to the betterment of our student-athletes, both on and off the playing medium. Your selfless devotion to our programs has made athletics at STL the envy of York Region and beyond.
A special thank you to the members of the Health and Physical Education Department. You are consummate professionals who have provided me with boundless opportunities for growth and development as an educator. The students of STL are blessed to have such a caring and dedicated group of teachers who epitomize a healthy, active lifestyle. You have left an indelible mark on me and I will cherish the memories fondly.
Best regards,
Mr. John Spicer
TEACHERS:
Dave Markle - Religion Department
As part of the "Class of 2018," I offer a few words from those much wiser than I, with some accompanying thoughts. They have helped me as a teacher, as a lifelong learner, as a follower of Jesus.
1 "Humilitas, humilitas humilitas" (humility, humility, humility): St. Paschal Baylon
Either self-love or self-sacrificing love. Choose the latter. Without humility, it will never happen. And never be too proud to say "I am sorry."
2 "Totus tuus" (Totally yours): The papal motto of St. John Paul II
To Jesus through Mary. We are made for Heaven. Prayer is essential to get there. Let Mary teach you to pray and lead you to Jesus. There is no better, no quicker way.
3 "Domine ut videam" ("Lord, that I might see"): (Lk. 18:41)
Pray that the eyes of your mind may be opened to see the truth. Follow where it leads or you will be misled by the deceptions and the lies of our culture, of the "father of lies" (Jn. 8:44). Pray that the eyes of your heart may be opened so as to always seek the good, always love God, your "neighbour," yourself.
4 "Live the truth in love": Eph. 4:15
Put another way, “Do not accept anything as truth that lacks love and do not accept anything as love that lacks truth. One without the other is a destructive lie.” (St. Edith Stein)
It is not enough to know the truth. We must live it. But always with love. Do this and you will become a saint.
5 "Love is repaid by love alone": Words of St. John of the Cross, taken by St. Theresa as her motto
These words get to the heart of her "Little Way." The One who IS LOVE asks for nothing more than our love in return. Offer it to Him by throwing yourself into the arms of Jesus as a little child lovingly jumps into the arms of his father, with total confidence and trust. If you entrust yourself to the merciful love of Jesus, if you place yourself in His arms as a little child, know that He will carry you into the Kingdom of Heaven.
With immense gratitude for the vocation that has been given to me, for the opportunity to finish my teaching career as a Pioneer Staff at STL, for both the pleasure and the privilege of being able to work with wonderful colleagues, some of the finest administrators, and tremendous support staff. And in humble gratitude for the many students who have crossed my path, teaching me, in many and various ways, the beauty and treasure of youth, the universal quest for truth and love, the indispensability of sharing and accompanying others in their hopes and dreams, their sufferings and sorrows, their happiness and joy, their journey towards eternal life.
Under His mercy,
Mr. Dave Markle
Ernmond Wong - Guidance Department
It has been a pleasure to walk through the doors of STL for the past 14 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Guidance and Mathematics departments with the opportunity to work with dedicated and caring staff and administrators. I came to St Theresa of Lisieux as an experienced teacher, but I have found that I have grown as a person and teacher during my time at STL. The opportunity to learn from past and present guidance and support staff has been a blessing due to the intricacies of our role and all the 'learning on the job' which continued throughout my tenure. Like other departments at STL, the guidance team collaborates in order to serve the students while utilizing the strengths that each member brings.
Some of the highlights during my 32 year teaching career have also included some coaching memories: Midget Boys' Volleyball Team won YRAA and DYSAA Championships as I was a member of the 1992 pioneer teaching staff at Father Michael McGivney CHS. The Varsity Girls Golf Team at St. Theresa of Lisieux won YRAA 2017 Girls Golf title and three of our golfers attended OFSAA in North Bay.
I will miss teaching. Thank you to the students who have made my job so gratifying. Thank you to my colleagues who not only work together but care about one another. Thank you to Mrs. Tina Perri and the Catholic School Council for their support and delicious staff breakfasts throughout the years.
This September will be the first time since I was 3 years old that I won't be inside a school! But know that I will be thinking of all of you from the golf course!
Mr. Ernmond Wong
