Retirements

God Bless Mrs. Natalie Cammalleri, Mr. John Dawson, Mrs. Anna DiRezze, Mr. Brian Knuff & Mrs. Liliana Meschino on their Retirement.

Mrs. Natalie Cammalleri, Department Head of Co-operative Education:

When I began my teaching career over 30 years ago, I was filled with excitement over the prospect of sharing with, and impacting the lives of my students. Little did I know, at the time, that my students would give me far more than I could ever give them. Looking back on my career, I feel truly blessed and fulfilled to have learned alongside my students and my incredible colleagues.

My colleagues have had an enormous impact on me throughout my teaching years. Having completed close to my entire education in the YCDSB. I have been blessed to have many of my own school teachers mentor me. I have met and worked with some extraordinary, intelligent and passionate teachers who have left a lasting impression on me. In my last ten years as department head, I have been a part of the Academic Council at STL. I am very thankful for this time, as it allowed me to witness first hand the true professionalism and caring nature of all our department heads and administration at St. Theresa of Lisieux. I am truly grateful for their guidance, support and friendship.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have taught at some wonderful high schools in the YCDSB. I began my career at Holy Cross Catholic Academy in 1991, where I was in the Physical Education department. I moved to Father Michael McGivney, and shortly after joined my alma mater, St. Robert CHS. I have been privileged to spend just short of 20 years at St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS. My time here has been filled with an abundance of lasting memories, created and inspired by administration, staff and students. We have a special place at St. Theresa of Lisieux, where you can feel the presence of the “Little Way” in all we do. We have achieved high standards in academics, athletic excellence and most importantly we nurture our students, for “Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.” This is exemplified in all we do at STL.

My teaching career has been filled with so many memorable moments, in the classroom as a phys-ed teacher, special education teacher and a cooperative education teacher. These roles provided me with opportunities to share with students, while learning from them with great amazement. Teaching opened up their world to me and inspired me each day. I have cherished the times I shared with my students during all their endeavors. I have been fortunate to coach multiple teams, partake in tournaments, participate at OFSAA events, act as staff advisor for councils and clubs, and plan a variety of school events and graduations. Recently, as the advisor to robotics, I gained some knowledge of Vex Robotics, and experienced the innovation and drive of our exceptional robotics students. They have accomplished amazing things at STL, and in the world wide robotics community. It is with great humility and much gratitude that I thank those students for showing me the way, assisting me each day, and always striving to be better. I am extremely proud and grateful to have been a part of all of these experiences over the past 30 years. Thank you!

The true magic in teaching is with the students! They inspire us, and often exceed our expectations. Being witness to their many efforts and accomplishments has fueled me as an educator. The experiences and opportunities over the years have exposed me to the many gifts and talents our students possess, and I am astonished. This young generation is a shining example of all that is possible. I feel blessed to have witnessed their extraordinary knowledge, talent and passion each day of my teaching career.

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

-A.A. Milne

Leaving education is extremely difficult. Retiring teachers do not leave a job behind; we leave a vocation filled with many of life's events. Teachers connect to their students and form special bonds through the experiences we share. I will miss the lessons, the co-op visits, the collaboration, the extra-curriculars, and the community. St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS has filled my heart with many lasting, joyous memories. I feel privileged to have served the students of STL.

Staff and students of STL, continue to thrive, do the ordinary with extraordinary love and together you will reach great heights.

Thank you for the many wonderful years. I will hold them in my heart forever.

With admiration, joy and sadness,

Natalie Cammalleri

Mr. John Dawson, Department Head of Canadian & World Studies:

Mrs. Anna DiRezze, Bursar:

As I head into retirement, I am grateful for the many relationships I have made over the 21 years at YCDSB. It has been a pleasure to work with such a professional and compassionate group of people both at St. Joan of Arc and St. Theresa of Lisieux. Both of these saints have a special place in my heart as I greeted them every morning. I will cherish these memories forever and will greatly miss all of my colleagues at STL. Please know that I will always live by the words our patroness saint has taught us: “Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.”

St. Theresa of Lisieux, Pray for Us

Mr. Brian Knuff, Department Head of Guidance:

When I look back on 30 years of teaching, my fondness memories of all my schools are at St. Theresa. I have walked these halls for 20 years, and the school has really become a part of me. As a pioneer staff member, I have seen so much change and so many students come through. I want to thank all my colleagues whose work, teaching, and unwavering commitment has inspired me all these years. I would like to thank you the students that really make St. Theresa what it is, a truly unique and special place. Your enthusiasm and energy will make you true leaders of not only today, but also tomorrow. I entered education as a way to help others. As a Guidance Counselor for 15 years, I believe everyone has something to contribute, a passion and dream. I hope in some small way I have allowed you to find your own spark in life.

P.S. Remember to do your research!!

Mrs. Liliana Meschino, Department Head of Library Services:

It is with sadness and happiness that I say goodbye to St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS’s staff and students, and to my vocation/career as a teacher. I worked as an English teacher at St. Basil-the-Great College School, a high school with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, for 19 years. During that time, I was blessed to work with Father Eugene Richlark, the Basilian Fathers, dedicated staff and wonderful students. I considered myself very fortunate to have a job doing what I love, talking about books and helping students become critical thinkers and better writers. The school’s motto is “excelsa petite” (Strive for that which is great.). Greatness consisted not only of knowledge, but also of virtues. Students were taught the importance of living a virtuous life.

In 2004, I was hired by Principal Mary Deveaux to be STL’s teacher librarian. One of the many virtues St. Theresa of Lisieux emulates is the virtue of humility. The school has adopted her belief “... that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” I have loved my position as teacher librarian, a position I held for 18 years. Once again, I was surrounded by books and was able to help students develop their critical thinking skills and writing. The library program is an essential part of any school, and I was privileged to be a part of it.

Another aspect of teaching that brought me great joy was the extracurricular activities. Throughout my years at St. Basil’s and at STL, I was the coach and staff advisor for teams, councils, clubs, and committees. At STL, I enjoyed being one of the staff advisors for Spirit Council, E.S.P. & S.O.S., Book Club, and others. This allowed me to work with students in a different capacity. I was able to see how dedicated, hardworking, caring and compassionate our young students are while they were organizing and overseeing their events. They truly care about the well-being of their fellow students, and for me this is most reassuring. They will continue to make St. Theresa the dynamic school that it is known to be.

I leave St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS after 37 years in education with feelings of gratitude and humility. I would like to thank all the wonderful administrators, teachers, support staff, and students for enriching my final years in teaching. I was truly blessed to be a part of this community. St. Theresa herself has become a prominent saint for me and I ask her to bless all of you in the years ahead.

With warmest regards,

Liliana Meschino