The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Chairperson’s Award. All three individuals have demonstrated a strong commitment to Catholic education and to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment focused on ensuring the success of all students.

Nancy Bellemare-Perron is a teacher at Holy Trinity School who has made a true impact on her students. Through her teaching, she has provided students with opportunities to learn and engage in several community initiatives and understand the importance of supporting others in our community. Nancy provides a safe and caring environment for all who enter the classroom and goes out of her way to make students and parents/guardians feel included, engaged and motivated. She embraces innovation in her teaching, and tailors lessons and activities to match learning needs, providing support wherever it is needed for both students and parents/guardians alike.

Megan Murphy is the Principal of St. Albert Learning Centre and the current Remote Learning School. She provides a welcoming environment to all who enter the school and motivates her staff to continue to help students overcome obstacles to reach success – whatever that means for them. She continually promotes other teachers in their endeavors to obtain grants for experiential learning opportunities and supports and encourages teacher innovation that will enhance student learning. Through her recent role of Principal of the Remote Learning School, Megan has also helped facilitate a virtual learning environment that is engaging and focused on student success.

Jennifer Petahtegoose is an Indigenous Language Teacher at St. Charles College. Jennifer embodies the Board’s vision of being leaders in learning and faith completely and is seen as a leader in her school. Jennifer challenges her students to get involved in peaceful initiatives such as water walks and other social justice activities. Through her role, she facilitated the school’s first Indigenous studies student club and instituted the Red Bird drumming program. She provides rich programing through guest speakers with Elders such as Vince Pawis and Chief John Beaucage and is a founding member of the SCDSB Indigenous Education Advisory Committee. She has participated and assisted with the school’s Antioch Retreats and is a regular Extraordinary Minister of Holy Eucharist. Faithful and kind, Jennifer is well respected by the entire St. Charles College community and is selfless in her vocation.

“We are very proud to announce this year’s winners of the Chairperson’s Award. As in past years, we are privileged to be able to honour and recognize three individuals who truly embody our mission and vision as a Board and are seen as difference makers, innovators and trailblazers,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Each year, our committee has the tough, but important job of choosing honourees from the numerous applications received. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are grateful to all who nominated individuals this year, and we thank our recipients for their continued service and commitment to Catholic education.”

This year’s award winners will be recognized alongside last year’s winners in a special virtual recognition event to be held later this Spring.