NEW BEGINNINGS!
An Interview with Notre Dame's New Principal Mr. Roberts
By: Rachel Perrino (Grade 10)
Students, teachers and parents of Notre Dame; I am sure you have all heard the news that this October our school welcomed our new principal, Mr. Roberts. This name might be familiar to some of you as Mr. Roberts was part of the Notre Dame community a few years ago as one of our Vice Principals. Mr. Roberts is very excited to have returned and to be wearing Green and Gold again. During Mr. Roberts' first week here, I had the opportunity to have a (socially distanced) meeting to welcome our new principal.
Throughout the dialogue, my questions are bolded as R, and Mr. Roberts’ responses are bolded as MR.
R: “Good afternoon, Mr. Roberts, and welcome. My first question for you is: tell us about your career experiences leading up to becoming principal at Notre Dame?”
MR: “Well, as a young person, I wanted to be a hockey player. I played in Major Junior A hockey, but I didn’t make it to the NHL Then I started to work in Youth Ministry; I worked with Youth groups all around Toronto and Hamilton. From there, I went into teaching. I was a teacher at Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board; I taught Religion and did Student Success. From there, I became a Vice Principal here at Notre Dame for two years; and then I went up to Bishop Reding, in Milton, and was a Vice Principal there… and now I’ve come back to Notre Dame- I just missed it so much- and became Principal just this week. It’s very exciting!”
Students, teachers and parents of Notre Dame; I am sure you have all heard the news that this October our school welcomed our new principal, Mr. Roberts. This name might be familiar to some of you as Mr. Roberts was part of the Notre Dame community a few years ago as one of our Vice Principals. Mr. Roberts is very excited to have returned and to be wearing Green and Gold again. During Mr. Roberts' first week here, I had the opportunity to have a (socially distanced) meeting to welcome our new principal.
Throughout the dialogue, my questions are bolded as R, and Mr. Roberts’ responses are bolded as MR.
R: “Good afternoon, Mr. Roberts, and welcome. My first question for you is: tell us about your career experiences leading up to becoming principal at Notre Dame?”
MR: “Well, as a young person, I wanted to be a hockey player. I played in Major Junior A hockey, but I didn’t make it to the NHL Then I started to work in Youth Ministry; I worked with Youth groups all around Toronto and Hamilton. From there, I went into teaching. I was a teacher at Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board; I taught Religion and did Student Success. From there, I became a Vice Principal here at Notre Dame for two years; and then I went up to Bishop Reding, in Milton, and was a Vice Principal there… and now I’ve come back to Notre Dame- I just missed it so much- and became Principal just this week. It’s very exciting!”
R: “Great; why did you decide to go into teaching after finishing your hockey career?”
MR: “I decided to go into teaching high school because I really love working with teenagers. I think teenagers are exciting. They have a vibrance about them that has a new way of looking at the world; and I think they have a really good energy. I truly believe teenagers are going to make a difference in the world, and I want to be part of that.”
R: “Nice. After your years of teaching, why did you decide to become a principal?”
MR: “Working in the classroom as a teacher was something I loved. I found that I enjoyed working with students at risk, and students that maybe struggle with school; so I started working in Student Success. Then I found as a VP I could really shape the fabric of the whole school, and help to create a safe environment, and a real sense of believing and belonging. As a Vice Principal I could work with all the students of the school and help them to feel a sense of belonging. And now as Principal, that’s my hope; to bring a sense of Faith, a sense of belonging, a great environment for students to be successful.”
R: “You mentioned that you were with us as a Vice Principal a few years ago; what was your impression of ND from your time here?”
MR: “Notre Dame has a tremendous amount of traditions and spirit. When I think of ND, I think of the great, great traditions it has. It’s a school full of amazing people who have done great things; whether its sports, clubs, or academics. I just found the spirit and leadership here fantastic. So many students really demonstrated great leadership ability. My impression was that Notre Dame is a really dynamic and energetic school; with lots of great people and school spirit.”
MR: “I decided to go into teaching high school because I really love working with teenagers. I think teenagers are exciting. They have a vibrance about them that has a new way of looking at the world; and I think they have a really good energy. I truly believe teenagers are going to make a difference in the world, and I want to be part of that.”
R: “Nice. After your years of teaching, why did you decide to become a principal?”
MR: “Working in the classroom as a teacher was something I loved. I found that I enjoyed working with students at risk, and students that maybe struggle with school; so I started working in Student Success. Then I found as a VP I could really shape the fabric of the whole school, and help to create a safe environment, and a real sense of believing and belonging. As a Vice Principal I could work with all the students of the school and help them to feel a sense of belonging. And now as Principal, that’s my hope; to bring a sense of Faith, a sense of belonging, a great environment for students to be successful.”
R: “You mentioned that you were with us as a Vice Principal a few years ago; what was your impression of ND from your time here?”
MR: “Notre Dame has a tremendous amount of traditions and spirit. When I think of ND, I think of the great, great traditions it has. It’s a school full of amazing people who have done great things; whether its sports, clubs, or academics. I just found the spirit and leadership here fantastic. So many students really demonstrated great leadership ability. My impression was that Notre Dame is a really dynamic and energetic school; with lots of great people and school spirit.”
R: “Yeah, I love all the activities we do. It’s a bit upsetting we can’t do most this year, but hopefully next year.”
MR: “My hope, because I know the resiliency of the student body here at Notre Dame, is that we can start to look at new ways to be energized; new activities and new ways to express our spirit in this new world. I think ND can be a real leader. This is how we will still be a community, we will work with each other, recognizing we still have to socially distance and follow all the right protocols. I’m excited about it!
R: “What is your vision for ND’s future? What would you like to see in the school community? (You know, maybe some more opportunities to travel once Covid is all done?” (hint-hint)
MR: “One of my visions, in terms of leadership, is that I don’t have to come and tell people what to do; but that I can create an environment where students and teachers can start to live their dreams. They can come to me and say, ‘I really want this...’ and, ‘This is what I’m envisioning for the school...’ and, ‘This would be such a great opportunity…’ I want to support that; I want to give, and help students make those opportunities happen.”
R: “If you could send a message to our new Grade 9’s here at Notre Dame, what would it be?”
MR: “Be proud of being a part of the Notre Dame community. Take your schooling seriously. Take these next four years seriously; it’s going to go really quickly. For the Grade 9’s, I really hope they’ll come and take on the tradition of good leadership and making smart decisions. To want to be part of the community; make positive choices, and see that we’re all in this together for the greater good.”
R: “And then what about our Grade 12’s who are graduating this year; what advice would you give them?”
MR: “Similar advice in the sense of being proud. I’m sure the four years have gone by quickly. The last year has been difficult, in terms of adjusting to the different types of schooling; the online learning, the cohorts. It can be difficult. But then, try to see it as an exciting opportunity. Part of my advice would be to start journaling; write down their thoughts throughout the year, because they’re part of history. I really think what we’re doing now, and what they're doing, is leading us into the 21st century. Be proud of who and what they are; and to know that everyone at Notre Dame is truly proud of them, we want them to be successful and for their dreams to come true.”
R: “Great advice. This is my final question; right now, students here at ND feel isolated from each other, and the culture of the school is different. How will you as our new principal bring us together?”
MR: “That’s a tough question. One of the ways will be recognizing how we are already together. We talk about being isolated, but we’re in smaller groups in the classroom for longer periods of time... and I think in the smaller groups, you can actually try to get to know each other better; and more learning can happen. You get to know your teachers better. Let’s recognize, as much as you might feel isolated, there’s a lot of stuff going on that brings us closer together. Another way is to empower the teachers and students to really say ‘Let’s look at new ways of being together.’ For example, we have Halloween coming up, and we’re going to do a virtual pumpkin carving contest. Let’s get excited, as difficult as it is, to have some fun. And that’s what I believe teenagers bring in whatever they do; they bring the fun. My hope is to really empower and set free our young people to come up with new ideas and be as one.”
R: “Great. Thank you for your time and great answers. I am so glad I had the privilege to chat with you.”
Afterwards, Mr. Roberts and I chatted for a little bit. We talked about traveling; I learned that Mr. Roberts has been to Italy 5 or 6 times! (He loves to travel!) When he played hockey he actually got to practice with an NHL team, which is really cool.
Mr. Roberts is very kind and so friendly; he will be a great addition to our Notre Dame family.
An Interview with New HCDSB Superintendent of Education
Mr. Cordeiro
By Easton McGillicuddy (Grade 12)
As I am sure you’re all aware, this October signified Mr. Cordeiro’s last year as principal of Notre Dame. The school has been in good hands, and this will continue to be the case; both Mr. Cordeiro, and our new principal Mr. Roberts, truly bleed Green and Gold with Irish Pride. In Mr. Cordeiro’s last week, I had the privilege to have a (socially distanced) sit down to reflect on his years of service.
Throughout the dialogue, my questions are labelled E, and Mr. Cordeiro’s responses will be labelled MC.
E: If you could summarize your time at ND in one word, what would it be, and why?
MC: Fortunate. I had the great pleasure of meeting students with tremendous talents in a variety of areas, whether that be the arts, music, athletics, best buddies, prefects, student council, business leadership, or STEAM. They have volunteered their time to the life of the school and successfully balanced extra-curriculars and the sacred space of the classroom. As for the staff, I feel we have built very positive relationships and have learned a great deal of which I will carry with me to my new role for many years to come.
As I am sure you’re all aware, this October signified Mr. Cordeiro’s last year as principal of Notre Dame. The school has been in good hands, and this will continue to be the case; both Mr. Cordeiro, and our new principal Mr. Roberts, truly bleed Green and Gold with Irish Pride. In Mr. Cordeiro’s last week, I had the privilege to have a (socially distanced) sit down to reflect on his years of service.
Throughout the dialogue, my questions are labelled E, and Mr. Cordeiro’s responses will be labelled MC.
E: If you could summarize your time at ND in one word, what would it be, and why?
MC: Fortunate. I had the great pleasure of meeting students with tremendous talents in a variety of areas, whether that be the arts, music, athletics, best buddies, prefects, student council, business leadership, or STEAM. They have volunteered their time to the life of the school and successfully balanced extra-curriculars and the sacred space of the classroom. As for the staff, I feel we have built very positive relationships and have learned a great deal of which I will carry with me to my new role for many years to come.
E: I agree, relationships are such an important part of the high school experience. Now, can you touch on some of the changes you have seen while leading the ND community?
MC: Well for starters, I believe the academic standards have risen, thanks to the staff at the school. In the time I have spent at Notre Dame, we have witnessed a transition of 40-50 new staff whose skillsets have complimented the tremendous talents of staff who have remained been a part of the school community for many years. Secondary, we have experienced a revitalization of facilities. Changes to the building; from new lockers to a revamped HVAC system, painted walls, and doors to new furnishings, from the library to the physical education wing and the new turf have all been well received. Perhaps least noted, has been the introduction of new technologies—two new iMac labs, hundreds of student PC’s and laptops/Chromebooks. We have refurbished about 200 computers added another added another 100 new desktop computers. The changes have helped us in our leading role as a leading 21st century school.
E: The school sure has changed a lot since I started here. Speaking of which, do you have any advice for a grade nine student entering their first year?
MC: Unfortunately, the current COVID climate does not best exemplify the sense of community you usually enjoy at Notre Dame. Online learning is new and does make the general life at school less social. However, we have an excellent staff and a great student body, so if we continue to persevere together and support each other, we will be in a better place in the next weeks and months. To the graduating class, I would like to say, believe in yourself. You will accomplish great things. Please do not lose sight of your goals. You are more than capable; just make sure to put your best effort into what you do.
E: That is so true-and speaking of goals, in your ‘Welcome Interview’ in 2017 with Emily Nobes, you stated that “recapturing a sense of community and support for one another” was your goal. Do you feel like you have accomplished it? Do you have any comments on relationships that you have built with the staff here in the past few years?
MC: Based on our collective achievements, we are in a much better place now than we were three years ago. I am very proud of the Notre Dame that I am leaving. I am very proud of the accomplishments of staff and their continued commitment to student achievement and wellbeing. If I were to leave them with one piece of advice, it would be to remember to treat every interaction with every student as if that student was your own child. Show each student a lot of care and a lot of love. These accomplishments will translate into good things for all students.
MC: Well for starters, I believe the academic standards have risen, thanks to the staff at the school. In the time I have spent at Notre Dame, we have witnessed a transition of 40-50 new staff whose skillsets have complimented the tremendous talents of staff who have remained been a part of the school community for many years. Secondary, we have experienced a revitalization of facilities. Changes to the building; from new lockers to a revamped HVAC system, painted walls, and doors to new furnishings, from the library to the physical education wing and the new turf have all been well received. Perhaps least noted, has been the introduction of new technologies—two new iMac labs, hundreds of student PC’s and laptops/Chromebooks. We have refurbished about 200 computers added another added another 100 new desktop computers. The changes have helped us in our leading role as a leading 21st century school.
E: The school sure has changed a lot since I started here. Speaking of which, do you have any advice for a grade nine student entering their first year?
MC: Unfortunately, the current COVID climate does not best exemplify the sense of community you usually enjoy at Notre Dame. Online learning is new and does make the general life at school less social. However, we have an excellent staff and a great student body, so if we continue to persevere together and support each other, we will be in a better place in the next weeks and months. To the graduating class, I would like to say, believe in yourself. You will accomplish great things. Please do not lose sight of your goals. You are more than capable; just make sure to put your best effort into what you do.
E: That is so true-and speaking of goals, in your ‘Welcome Interview’ in 2017 with Emily Nobes, you stated that “recapturing a sense of community and support for one another” was your goal. Do you feel like you have accomplished it? Do you have any comments on relationships that you have built with the staff here in the past few years?
MC: Based on our collective achievements, we are in a much better place now than we were three years ago. I am very proud of the Notre Dame that I am leaving. I am very proud of the accomplishments of staff and their continued commitment to student achievement and wellbeing. If I were to leave them with one piece of advice, it would be to remember to treat every interaction with every student as if that student was your own child. Show each student a lot of care and a lot of love. These accomplishments will translate into good things for all students.
E: That is a great perspective. Are there any outstanding lessons you’ve learned throughout the course of the Covid-19 pandemic?
MC: There are a few. One, I do not enjoy wearing a mask, but it’s the socially responsible thing to do, and we MUST do it. Secondly, I will miss the daily interactions with students, staff, and parents. There is no greater joy than being in the company of happy people with smiles on their faces. It makes work, not work. The pandemic has left me with a greater appreciation of all those events we previously enjoyed together. I look forward to a return to the old world when the days of COVID come to an end.
E: Yes, you have certainly invested a lot of time and energy into our school community. Do you feel like it's’ taught you any lessons in return? Are there any transferable skills that you have obtained that will add value to your role as superintendent?
MC: I feel I have become a more attentive listener and stronger at building relationships. Students are the ones who matter most in education, but less us not underscore the power of a caring teacher and staff member, a loving parent, and a committed school board and Board of Trustees. As adults, we all have a significant role to play. I aim to take this sense of connectedness to students and parents to the next level of my responsibilities, because they are ultimately the persons we serve.
E: Those are all the questions I have for you-anything else you would like to add?
MC: Just simply that I will miss Notre Dame. I wish the students, parents, and staff all the best. Please note that you are all in good hands under the leadership of your new principal, Mr. Roberts. He will do a fantastic job!
MC: There are a few. One, I do not enjoy wearing a mask, but it’s the socially responsible thing to do, and we MUST do it. Secondly, I will miss the daily interactions with students, staff, and parents. There is no greater joy than being in the company of happy people with smiles on their faces. It makes work, not work. The pandemic has left me with a greater appreciation of all those events we previously enjoyed together. I look forward to a return to the old world when the days of COVID come to an end.
E: Yes, you have certainly invested a lot of time and energy into our school community. Do you feel like it's’ taught you any lessons in return? Are there any transferable skills that you have obtained that will add value to your role as superintendent?
MC: I feel I have become a more attentive listener and stronger at building relationships. Students are the ones who matter most in education, but less us not underscore the power of a caring teacher and staff member, a loving parent, and a committed school board and Board of Trustees. As adults, we all have a significant role to play. I aim to take this sense of connectedness to students and parents to the next level of my responsibilities, because they are ultimately the persons we serve.
E: Those are all the questions I have for you-anything else you would like to add?
MC: Just simply that I will miss Notre Dame. I wish the students, parents, and staff all the best. Please note that you are all in good hands under the leadership of your new principal, Mr. Roberts. He will do a fantastic job!
Notre Dame: En Francais
Some of our French Language students were challenged to write a '6 word poem' in French... the inspiration is a legendary story where author Earnest Hemingway' wrote a famous 6 word poem at a dinner party... below are some of the results!
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2020 est nul, n’est-ce pas?
Mon chien a mangé mes devoirs. Madame, je peux pas t’entendre. Je suis si fatiguée et confusée. Madame, mon wifi ne fonctionne pas. Une fille interdit de trop rêver. Je ne pouvais pas … J’avais hockey. J’ai fait un erreur? Ahhh! Puis-j’aller aux toilettes? En train de prendre des décisions. Prends des chances quand tu peux. Tant de cas, qui va survivre? N'aie pas peur de vivre. |
Bloqué en maison, avec ma caméra.
Bienvenue à McDonalds, que voudrais-tu ? Madame, c'est temps pour une sieste. Qui a vu cette pandémie venir? Travaille maintenant pour réussir plus tard Toutes choses arrivent pour une raison. |
Vivre la vie, quand tu peux.
Essayer toujours mais, ne réussir jamais. Peu de gens voient la vérité. Un visage souriant, une åme brisée. Si seulement mes "si seulement " passent. Changer mes perspectives pour vivre heureux. Qui a vu cette pandémie venir? Travaille maintenant pour réussir plus tard. J'échoue pour que tu réussisses. J'ai toujours joué au hockey. Sur le bout de la langue. |
Co-op In An Age of COVID
September and October were very busy months in the Co-operative Education Department! Although school looks a lot different, the co-op teachers (Mr. Barbati and Mrs. Gatza) have been able to provide an excellent program for all Quadmester one co-op students. Co-op students had an intensive two-week pre-employment session that included topics such as resume writing, cover letters, interview skills, labour laws and workplace safety. Mr. Barbati was able to develop new and exciting physical and virtual opportunities for students as many businesses have gone virtual – and they’ve invited our co-op students to work with them. In addition to new virtual placements, there are placements in the community where students can be placed. Of course, the safety of the (physical) co-op placement is paramount when matching a student with an employer.
It is exciting and encouraging to see our students actively participating in the workplace on a daily basis in placements that include the construction technology, electrical technology, computer technology, automotive technology, audio installation, medicine, teaching, the arts, science, retail, veterinary science, accounting, business administration, medicine, pharmacology, and cosmetology. Not only will students benefit from these experiences gained outside the classroom, but each student will have regular performance appraisals documented in an individualized SCELP (Student Co-operative Education Learning Plan) completed by their employers and teacher to further develop valuable employment skills.
It is exciting and encouraging to see our students actively participating in the workplace on a daily basis in placements that include the construction technology, electrical technology, computer technology, automotive technology, audio installation, medicine, teaching, the arts, science, retail, veterinary science, accounting, business administration, medicine, pharmacology, and cosmetology. Not only will students benefit from these experiences gained outside the classroom, but each student will have regular performance appraisals documented in an individualized SCELP (Student Co-operative Education Learning Plan) completed by their employers and teacher to further develop valuable employment skills.
Finally, students participating in co-op can now utilize up to two credits earned in co-op toward the compulsory credit requirements for their graduation diploma AND students can earn credits towards their Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) red seal program.
All these benefits point to good reasons to consider a co-operative education experience in your future course selections before you graduate! Co-op is available in each Quadmester of the 2020-2021 school year. We welcome any questions about placement opportunities or program requirements and encourage you to contact Mr. Barbati or Mrs. Gatza if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Some of the Quadmester One Co-op Employers include:
All these benefits point to good reasons to consider a co-operative education experience in your future course selections before you graduate! Co-op is available in each Quadmester of the 2020-2021 school year. We welcome any questions about placement opportunities or program requirements and encourage you to contact Mr. Barbati or Mrs. Gatza if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Some of the Quadmester One Co-op Employers include:
- Bradbury Estate Realty
- Mt. Royal IDA
- Gelderlands Landscaping
- Progressive Sports Medicine
- Oakville Inspired (virtual placement)
- H. Moore Printing Services
- ProGranite
- Bloomiss.com (virtual placement)