Retirements

God Bless You on Your Retirement Ms. Carol Santagato-Davies!

A Retirement Message from Ms. Santagato-Davies:

I think that it is safe to say that people have to like and if possible love what they choose to do as their day to day job. Thirty-seven years later, I can safely say that I love teaching! Teaching high school students is not without its challenges; in fact, one of the challenges is to figure out what makes a young mind tick and how to get the best out of each unique young person. The ARTS have served both me and more importantly, my students very well in this respect.

Teaching Dramatic Arts was truly so much fun! Watching shy students gain confidence, and the confident students celebrate their sometimes larger than life personalities on the stage, made the many hours spent in the drama classroom a joy. Over the years, the creativity and talent of the young people whom I had the privilege of teaching, never ceased to amaze me.

Working with students on the Drama productions, whether full scale shows or performances for the STL community, such as Remembrance Day, was where I was able to really get to know them. The best part of all of this was watching the process of collaboration from rehearsal to their proud moments on the stage. The memories created working on Servant of Two Masters, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, and the many Grade 12 Drama productions make up some of the best memories of my career.

I have been blessed to work with so many wonderful people over the years. In particular, I was so lucky to be a part of an ARTS Department at STL that supported one another in all of our endeavours whether in Art, Music, or Drama. Years of art shows, music concerts, and plays were collaborative efforts made easy because of our common belief that the Arts have the power to inspire kids, and take them on journeys that perhaps they did not know they could take.

Thank you to the STL community for being there with me on my teaching journey; the friendships that I have made and so many wonderful memories will continue to inspire me as I look forward to my new journey - retirement!

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

• Albert Einstein

Congratulatory Message from Principal Elisa Mastromartino:

It is not everyday that we have the honour and privilege to work with an individual who embodies hard work and optimism in everything he or she endures. We have been blessed to have dedicated staff that goes above and beyond to ensure our students are provided with the necessary support to feel loved and inspired . One particular STL family member has executed this on a daily basis. It is with great sadness and gratitude that I announce the retirement of our amazing Carol Santagato-Davies, our Department Head for the Arts.

Carol has been with YCDSB since 1984. She was hired fresh out of teacher’s college (UofT), worked at St. Robert (1984-2003) as an English teacher and patiently waited for Drama sections. As a Drama teacher, one of Carol’s amazing accomplishments was directing a student written production, “Some Days You're the Pigeon,” the first play to feature multimedia! Filmed segments interspersed with live theatre were showcased in various locations around York Region and Toronto. She did not stop there. Carol also directed a multi-media compilation of plays from the Twilight Zone original TV scripts, written by Richard Matheson (Very cool!!!). Carol joined the mass exodus from St. Robert to St. Theresa of Lisieux the second year we were opened, and it has been a phenomenal experience ever since.

During her time as Arts Department Head at STL, Carol directed shows with the tremendous team effort of all of her ‘ARTS People’ - music, vocals, and visual arts, and many other teachers who came on board to make these shows happen. Many highlights included: Jesus Christ Superstar, the first musical at STL(2010), Grease, Hound of the Baskervilles (Sherlock Holmes), Servant of Two Masters - Italian style comedy - Commedia Dell'arte, and the numerous Remembrance Day and Stations of the Cross assemblies. If that isn't enough, Carol also travelled abroad with colleagues and students over the years to support the Arts. Trips included: chaperoning 80 talented student musicians from the St. Robert Band to Germany & Austria, Spain and Italy in the late 80’s and early 90’s, taking senior Arts students to NYC, and many music trips to Boston and Chicago with the STL bands.

In her own words Carol has expressed: The main highlight of all of these shows was to get to know the kids outside of the classroom setting. The Arts brought kids from all walks of life together to form new friendships, collaborate, and explore their own creativity.

I have seen first hand the positive impact Carol has made on both students and staff. Her students have positively been impacted by her commitment and passion as an educator, and she always ensured they were accepted, supported, and encouraged. In fact, she has past alumni students reach out to her to thank her for the impact she has bestowed on them, the best compliment any teacher can have. Through the many wonderful successes at STL, as well as during the most challenging and very difficult times, Carol has served in a manner that will always be remembered by the entire STL community. Dear friend and colleague Carol, the Arts halls of STL will miss your warm demeanour. You have encouraged our students to be the best that they can be over the last 37 years, and for this we are humbly grateful.

Our Patron St. Theresa of Lisieux believed, 'Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.' Ms. Santagato-Davis, you have made St. Theresa proud in that you have exemplified this powerful quote with eloquence everyday. The biggest lessons do not come from books but from a teacher like you. On behalf of the entire STL community, thank you for your passion, warm sense of humour, kindness, wisdom, and positivity. We wish you and your family many blessings as you embark on your next journey, retirement. Please know that you will always be a part of the STL Family.