Award Winners Joanne Simoneau-Polenz Mary Anne Bindner Robert Mills Maria Di Perna Gaye Meredith Sam Bruzzese
Award Winners
Joanne Simoneau-Polenz
Mary Anne Bindner
Robert Mills
Maria Di Perna
Gaye Meredith
Sam Bruzzese
AAESQ Outstanding Achievement Award
The Outstanding Achievement Award shall be granted to a member of
AAESQ who, due to a particular outstanding achievement, has clearly
demonstrated exemplary leadership in education.
The award may be granted at any time during a member’s career and
the emphasis is on quality of achievement.
2012-2013 recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Award
Gaye Meredith
Joanne Simoneau-Polenz
Joanne Simoneau-Polenz, Assistant Director – Student Services, Lester B Pearson
Background
Bachelor of Arts with specialization in Early Childhood Development (1978)
Child Psychology Program (1976)
Teacher 1978 - 2001
Related Professional Experience from 1978 – 2011 in multiple organizations and associations
Administrative Posts (2001 – present)
Presently on leave to CPNCA from her position as Assistant-Director, Student Services
Joanne Simoneau-Polenz, Assistant Director – Student Services, Lester B Pearson
Accomplishments
She also created a program that emphasized the need for family therapeutic support and assigned professionals to work on family dynamics .
Her role in the development and support of the REACH Program. This came about as a recognition of a perceived and real need to support and nurture the development of cycle one youngsters who experience social and emotional difficulties in the school setting.
The leadership role exemplified by Joanne in the development & support of the REACH Program has focused unfailingly on supporting students and school teams to enhance the success of students.
AAESQ applauds Joanne Simoneau-Polenz, truly an outstanding educator
Joanne Simoneau-Polenz, Assistant Director – Student Services, Lester B Pearson
Q. Why education? A. At first I thought that health was the sector I would work in but circumstances led me to the world of education – I have never regretted my choice.
Some insights
Q. Most notable achievement? A. Bringing people together in order to build partnerships and develop projects.
Q. Greatest lesson learned? A. The importance of planning, listening to the spoken as well as the unspoken
and making true on one’s promises.
Q. Most memorable event? A. Every year brings the satisfaction of working with amazing colleagues – be they teachers, professionals or administrators.
Gaye Meredith, Centre Director, Lester B. Pearson School Board
Background
Educational Leadership courses (2002-2006)
Teaching Certification (1991)
Bachelor of Science, Major in Dietetics (1968)
Teacher 1987 - 1993
Program Coordinator, Pastry-making 1994 - 2001
School/Centre Administration (2001 – 2006)
Accomplishments
Establishment of the Pastry Program at the Lester B Pearson School Board
This program can accommodate 100 students per year.
Her deep level of caring and the fact that she carries through and makes things work for the students has had an incredibly positive impact on many students and educators.
Her initiative and drive in introducing the Pastry DEP was a remarkable achievement
Gaye Meredith, Centre Director, Lester B Pearson School Board
Involvement in a twinning project with an association in Pakistan led to women in undeveloped areas improving the quality of their lives and their families
Now as Director of the Beauty Centre she has shown again her remarkable leadership skills.
AAESQ applauds Gaye Meredith, truly a worthy recipient
Gaye Meredith, Centre Director, Lester B Pearson School Board
Q. Why education? A. Started substitute teaching at John Grant High in the cafeteria – as a Home
Economics grad it was like coming home; have loved teaching ever since
Q. Most notable achievement event? A. Surviving!! Implementing the Pastry Making Program with Ardis Root and working with the Canadian Home Economics Association in Pakistan and Nepal.
Q. Greatest lesson learned? A. Develop a shared vision with colleagues and stick to the values and ideas
that underlie that vision when making decisions on a day-to-day basis.
Q. Most memorable event? A. June 2011 – The opening of the Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy .
Some insights
2012-2013 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award
The AAESQ Distinguished Service Award
The AAESQ Distinguished Service Award is granted to a member
who has made an outstanding contribution to education.
The emphasis is on quality of service, performance above and
beyond the usual responsibilities
Robert T. Mills
Sam Bruzzese
Robert T. Mills, Director General, Lester B. Pearson School Board
Background
Masters in Science (Biology) 1976
Diploma in Education (Biology/History) 1973
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) 1971
Certificate – Environmental Studies (1980)
Teacher & Administrator (1971 – 1998)
Board level Administrator (1998 – 2001)
Hors Cadre (2001 – present)
Presently Director-General of the Lester B. Pearson School Board
Robert T. Mills, Director General, Lester B. Pearson School Board
Accomplishments
A strong promoter of public education at the local, provincial, national and international levels
His involvement in a wide range of activities and representative organizations have brought credit to the educational profession
Maintains a very positive profile for Canadian public education
Robert T. Mills, Director General, Lester B. Pearson School Board
Accomplishments
Served in a leadership capacity, including Vice-President and President of:
AAO of the former PSBGM (local affiliate); LEARN; SOFAD; APBA; AAESQ; ELVEC; Directors-General of English School Boards of Quebec; Canadian Association of School Administrators; Board of Governors of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA); Member of the National Council of Research & Educational Training (NCERT)
AAESQ applauds Robert T. Mills, truly a leader in every respect
Robert T. Mills, Director General, Lester B. Pearson School Board
Q. Greatest lesson learned A. Listen – there is great wisdom in others experiences and views of the future B. Respect - for those with whom and for whom you work.
Q. Why education? A. Inspired by my 6th grade teacher, Mr. Don Harris (whom I proudly still work with to this day) and my high school Biology teacher, Mr. Scott Conrod.
Some insights
Q. Most notable achievement? A. Personally – my family; Professionally – my leadership at the Lester B Pearson School – I am intensely proud to be associated with them and with our School Board
Q. Most memorable moment? A. My first attempt at “Mass Notification” (new technology)– The last call on
the list was mine …which I received at 2:30 a.m.!!
Sam Bruzzese, School Prinicpal, Lester B. Pearson School Board
Diploma in Education (1976)
Diploma in Reading Instruction (1978)
Bachelor of Arts (1975)
Background
Master of Arts in Educational Technology (ongoing)
Teacher at McGill University (1988 – present)
Pedagogical Consultant (1988 – 2000)
Principal with Lester B Pearson School Board (2000 - present)
Sam Bruzzese, School Principal, Lester B. Pearson School Board
Production of numerous educational materials, including “The Principal’s Toolkit”
Accomplishments
Truly an education leader; university lecturer; ambassador of foreign leadership initiatives, PASA; AAESQ & LCEEQ representative
Involved in Educational Leadership roles & Initiatives, including representative on the Quebec Task Force on Technology
Presenter at numerous Conferences
Involved in numerous professional affiliations and committees
Recipient of numerous awards including, Award of Merit – Baldwin Cartier School Board; Meritas en APO – Montreal Island Council
Sam Bruzzese, School Principal, Lester B. Pearson School Board
A driving force in the field of educational technology
Accomplishments
His latest initiative – he has lead the school in allowing all, not selected, students to be involved in a IBO curriculum
He is an active listener, a connected & inspirational leader, a visionary, empowering and a 21st century learning activist – all qualities of a distinguished educational leader
AAESQ applauds Sam Bruzzese, truly a visionary man
Sam Bruzzese, School Principal, Lester B. Pearson School Board
Q. Why education? A. I was inspired by Mr Paulini my high school English teacher – I wanted to be just like him. I started out as a high school English teacher
Some insights
Q. Most notable achievement? A. Bringing the IB program to Clearpoint without entrance requirements. B. Scheduling ALL the schools I’ve been in while respecting the principles of
the QEP (cycle teams, common meeting time and looping)
Q. Greatest lesson learned? A. The success of any educational initiative is proportionately related to the relationships you have with those around you.
The Honourary Life Membership award is given to an individual who has
made a distinguished contribution to AAESQ. The recipient must have
served on the Executive, the Board of Directors or one or more of AAESQ’s
committees over an extended period of time.
2012-2013 Recipient of the AAESQ Honourary Life Membership Award
AAESQ Honourary Life Membership Award
Mary Anne Bindner, Retired School Administrator
Lester B. Pearson School Board
Maria Di Perna, Retired School Administrator
English Montreal School Board
Mary-Anne Bindner, Retired Administrator, Lester B Pearson School Board
Diploma in Secondary Education (1976)
Administrator, Vice-Principal & Principal (1997 – 2011)
Diploma in Special Education (1981)
Teacher at both Adult & Youth level (1994 – 1997)
Background
Bachelor of Arts – Sociology (1972)
Mary Anne Bindner, Retired Administrator, Lester B Pearson School Board
Very strong supporter of her association.
Served at the provincial level in AAESQ as a member of the Board of Directors
Served at the local level of PASA
Heavily involved in organizing conferences over the years
Accomplishments
Received Award of Merit from PASA
AAESQ applauds Mary Anne Bindner, truly an inspiring recipient
Mary Anne Bindner, Retired Administrator, Lester B Pearson School Board
Q. Why education? A. I can’t think of another profession where you are immersed in such a dynamic
environment, surrounded by caring and stimulating people on a daily basis
Some insights
Q. Most notable achievement event? A. The creation of a classroom dedicated to science at Westpark Elementary
School where I engaged Carmen Pallotta, a very devoted and talented full time science teacher
Q. Greatest lesson learned? A. How hard Kindergarten teachers work and how much I loved working
with adolescents.
Q. Most memorable event? A. The honour of being chosen as the Quebec delegate to represent the
Canadian Teachers’ Federation in Africa.
Maria Di Perna, Retired Administrator, English Montreal School Board
Faculty of Education McGill
Vice-Principal, Principal (1992 – 2010)
Leadership Certificate
14 years teaching at the former CECH (1975- 1992)
Background
Certification in Special Education
Master of Education
Maria Di Perna, Retired Administrator,English Montreal School Board
Firm believer in Professional Development
Membership in the ACPM (1995 – 1997)
An advocate of children’s issues
Accomplishments
Involvement with AMSA, AAESQ & CAP serving as President of all 3 associations at different times in her career
Received the Canadian Outstanding Principal Award in 2009
Has served on many committees as well as organizing conferences, workshops and other PD activities
AAESQ applauds Maria Di Perna, truly a worthy recipient
Maria Di Perna, Retired Administrator, English Montreal School Board
Q. Why education? A. From Grade 1 I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Children have always been a
significant part of my life.
Some insights
Q. Most notable achievement event? A. The respect and admiration of my students
Q. Greatest lesson learned? A. The education of a child does not take place in the isolation of a school ...
it encompasses the child’s entire world.
Q. Most memorable event? A. Helping one particular student over a period of time. On the last day
of school he gave me a card that read “Thank you for trying to help me.”
Joanne Simoneau-Polenz
Gaye Meredith
Robert T. Mills
Sam Bruzzese
Mary-Anne Bindner
Maria Di Perna
Congratulations to all the recipients