Teacher & Staff Appreciation – A Province-Wide Thank You

Every year, Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week gives us a chance to pause and recognize the incredible people who power Quebec’s schools. We were so overwhelmed by the response from community members, parents, students, and colleagues across the province that we’ve dedicated three full blog posts to these tributes. We’re kicking things off with this first collection of stories that highlight the passion and energy our school teams bring to their work every single day.

 

Teachers and Staff at Queen Elizabeth High School, ESSB
We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge each and every staff member at QEHS that goes above and beyond each and every day with the most kindness, patience and commitment to the students. As a team you are there to help students thrive and most importantly feel respected and included. Bravo to you all ~ blessed to be part of the QEHS community that feels like a family where students are so well supported and have a sense of belonging.

The Teachers and Staff of Pontiac High School, WQSB
To the entire staff—teachers, custodial, and secretarial alike—thank you for the care, dedication, and commitment you show our students every day!

All three of my children have attended PHS, and have always felt supported, safe and valued because of you. We are deeply grateful for all that you do and recognize your positive impact on our school and greater community.

Teachers and Staff at Netagamiou School, Centre de services scolaire du Littoral
A big thank you to all the wonderful teachers and staff at Netagamiou School! Education truly is the foundation of our community, guiding us as we explore the world and develop important skills for life. When schools show qualities like empathy, flexibility, and readiness, they foster a space where students feel motivated to get involved and grow in confidence.

Teachers and Staff at Cedar Street School, RSB
Changing my boys school to Cedar Street has improved my and my children’s lives for the better. This is thanks to each and every staff member at Cedar Street taking the time and attention to help my kids reach their academic and behavioural potentials.

It’s my last year as a parent at Cedar Street after 9 years and I would like to thank all staff members that were present throughout this time that have taken the time to educate, help, entertain, laugh and take pride in your work at every level !!!!! Not every school has the chance to be a little school where everyone knows each other and that is an amazing experience for our children !! Keep up your extraordinary work because you do make a difference!

Teachers and Staff at Forest Hill Senior, LBPSB
From the caretakers to the principal, the teachers, aids, specialists, Forest Hill has an AMAZING, CARING, RESOURCEFUL team to guide their students and parents from gr 4 to 6. The feeling of belonging is immense and we feel privileged to be part of such a great school. Thank you for the daily smiles, the communications and for truly believing in your professions, even if it’s hard sometimes. 

Lindsay Roy, NFSB
Lindsays’s dedication to outdoor education shines through in everything she does, creating meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. It has been nice this year to see how she asks questions and goes out of her comfort zone to make outdoor learning an everyday practice. Through hands-on learning in Kindergarten, she encourages curiosity, exploration, and a deep connection to the world around her, helping young students learn by doing and discovering. This passion for learning inspires both her colleagues and her students every day.

Ms. Prentas, EMSB
Ms. Prentas is an educator who truly knows her students and genuinely cares about their well-being. This level of care, professionalism, and commitment is the standard in Ms. Prentas’ classroom. My son is incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally under the guidance of such an outstanding teacher. Thank you, Ms. Prentas!

Chéri Ann Day, SWLSB
This teacher cares about all her students and thrives to make them each reach their personal best. She goes above and beyond to ensure the students have nice activities. She is always there to discuss and ensure a smooth continuity from home to school. Above all she loves what she does. Every gym day our kids light up and we always hear kind words.

Cathryn Dustin, ETSB
Cathy has been my teaching partner for the past six years. When I arrived, I was brand new to Grade 1, and Cathy quickly became my mentor. Her high-leverage teaching practices were a little intimidating at first- but her wonderfully “old-school” methods (think white-out, scissors, and well-loved photocopies) gave me the perfect opening to help modernize and preserve her treasure trove of resources and best practices.
Over the years, our partnership has grown into a true friendship. I still rely on Cathy daily – for laughter, perspective, and her unmatched expertise in getting kids to gain confidence writing. As she retires this year, it’s hard to imagine our halls without her, but I know Cathy won’t be a stranger. She’ll be back – playing literacy games, animating guided reading, and bringing her decorating magic to the Cycle 1 hallway once again.
Thank you, Cathy, for being a mentor, a partner, and a friend. Our students and staff are better because of you.

Stéphane Lagacé, CQSB
Shout-out to Mr. Lagacé, who is always there for everyone. I knew him as a teacher, and now I admire how he advocates for the anglophone community with dedication, care, and genuine commitment. Thank you for being approachable, present, and for bringing the community together through inspiring events like the CQSB Run. A DG who runs 2 km with students and staff on the weekend? Absolutely yes!

Mr. Craigmyle, LBPSB
Mr. C goes above and beyond day in and day out! My child looks forward to his music class and to choir. It helped to build her confidence and allowed her to get to know kids across grade levels. He never fails to make learning fun!
This school year, the choir has performed the national anthem at two hockey games, including the laval rockets! With 10K fans in attendance, it was quite the experience! And he organizes it all on his own – talk about dedication!

Claudel Jean-Mary, LEARN Tutoring
Claudel Jean-Mary is by far the best teacher my son has ever had. He has a wonderful way of explaining, he keeps my son engaged and he gives positive reinforcement which makes my son thrive and wants to learn. Claudel clearly enjoys what he does and we are very grateful for the sessions we get through your organization.

Mr. Parker, SWLSB
Mr Parker is the teacher kids want to have because he doesn’t fuss with the details and prepares kids for real life in high school. He finds something to relate to with each child and drives them to succeed. He likes his job and it shows there seems to always be a funny anecdote or joke and also a lot of learning. Always doing fun projects and talking about things that matter. Way to go Mr Parker!

Laetitia Duong, RSB
This year, Laetitia started to help my daughter on her French, helping her find the French chapter book which will be used for her reading in class, even marked up to the 3-minute limitation, printed out and highlighted the key words which helped my daughter a lot. I’d like to take this opportunity to express how grateful we are!! 

Ms. Katlynne & Mme Décoste, LBPSB
I just wanted to thank you both for the incredible impact you’ve had on my daughter this year. We’ve seen so much growth in her confidence and academic curiosity, and we know that stems directly from the supportive environment you create in your classrooms. Thank you again, you are making this last year of primary school very special for my daughter!

Peter Gleason, LEARN Tutoring
Thank you Peter Gleason for helping my son build confidence and understanding in mathematics. Your commitment to his progress is sincerely appreciated.

Ms. Rachelle Waston, RSB
Ms. Rachelle, thank you for your patience and continued support and encouragement! You make things clear and consistent. You listen, are fair and open minded. The students are lucky to have you rooting for them.

Ms. Daniels, SWLSB
We were lucky enough to have Ms. Daniels as a kindergarten teacher for two of my three children, and they both absolutely adore her. Even today, my oldest still talks about Ms. Daniels and fondly remembers how loving and kind she was. She has a special way of making her students feel safe, valued, and confident, and the lasting impression she leaves on her students truly speaks to the incredible teacher she is.

Vanessa Brittain, LBPSB
Thank you Vanessa Brittain for making science engaging and meaningful for my son. Your commitment to his academic growth is sincerely appreciated. 

Heather Usher, LEARN Tutoring
I like being paired with Heather, I always look forward to my sessions with her!

Miss Camille, École trilingue Vision Rivière-du-Loup
A true story-weaver, Miss Camille opens the doors of childhood literature and invites Kindergarteners straight into wonder! She paints Star Authors book characters on school windows, making learning spaces magical! 

Nathalie David & Angela Davison, LBPSB
Great teachers! So kind, very funny, and very inspiring.

Mme. Langlois, LEARN Tutoring
Patient. Really wanting to help. Mme Langlois is truly passionate about helping my Son who is very behind in French. It is extremely difficult for him. Mme Langlois never makes him feel less than. She gives him confidence & is starting from the very beginning level to help him build a foundation to learn.

 

The celebration is just getting started! We have so many more wonderful stories to share from across the province. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post, where we’ll continue highlighting the incredible teachers and staff who make our schools shine.

If you missed out on the opportunity to send a shout-out to an appreciated teacher or staff member of your local school, feel free to add yours in the comments now.