Super Staff

Written by: Tom Varelas and Dion Kardaris

For our next newspaper we interviewed the two terrific teachers that are in charge of the Leadership Program. They are both very good friends, and plan many other events together. These two teachers are Ms. Brigida and Ms. Nandhra.

Interview #1 Starring: Ms.Nandhra

By: Tom Varelas and Dion Kardaris

Q: Why did you choose this school?

A: Well actually a Science position was available so they called me because my old school closed.

Q: How many years have you been working here at Gardenview?

A: I have been working here since 2002, but I took some time off when I had my kids.

Q: What do you do during your free time?

A: Free time? What is free time? Just joking. I do fun things with my family.

Q:How did you get into Science and technology?

A: I applied for Science and Mathematics in high school because I love those two subjects. After a year teaching in high school, I came to Gardenview as a Science specialist.

Q:Where did you go to University?

A: I went to McGill for University.

Q: What’s your dream vacation spot?

A: My dream vacation spot would be Scotland or Fiji.

Q: What do you do when you replace Ms. Droutsas?

A: I usually solve problems, handle poor behavior, help out where needed, and the rest is top secret!!

Q: What’s your favorite subject when your teaching technology?

A: I like robotics and digital citizenship.

Q: Did you already work at another school?

A: Yes, I worked at Wilfrid Laurier High School.

Q: What do you like better Science or Technology?

A: Both because they are interconnected

Written by: Lorelei Guzevicius and Maya Benarroch

Interview #2 Starring: Ms. Bridgida

Q: Do you find that Gardenview students have good leadership skills?

A: I find that a lot of the children in Gardenview do have good leadership skills, but some don’t. I think that should be something each class works on.

Q: What made you want to become a teacher?

A: I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher because a lot of people in my family are teachers or were teachers. Also, when I was about four or five years old, I would take out my dolls and start giving them a lesson, pretending I was their teacher.

Q: What made you want to be a part of the Leadership program here at Gardenview?

A: When I first came here, they asked me if I would like to be a part of this council. I wasn’t too convinced, but then the Montreal Children’s Hospital asked us to help out. Once we did, it made me feel sure that this is something that I really want to do. I knew that we aren’t just leaders, but also helpers.

Q: Do you enjoy teaching grade 5?

A: At the beginning, when I started teaching, I wanted the younger grades, but I didn’t get to choose and I got this grade. Now though, I love teaching grade 5 and all cycle 3 students; I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q: What achievement are you most proud of?

A: An achievement that I am most proud of is when I see my students improve in something, or when I see growth in my students.

Q: What has been your previous connection with Gardenview?

A: I went to elementary school here, and I also worked here in resource for four or five years. Then I started to teach in the same class that I, myself, was taught when I was in elementary school here. I have been teaching at Gardenview now for seven years.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Gardenview?

A: It's the kids because they are smart, bright and have amazing futures ahead of them! For me, and I think all teachers can agree with this, it's the kids who make up the school.

Well, now you know a little more about these super staff and their strong and empowering impact on Gardenview students! We think that these best of friends are even more amazing teachers!

Written by: Alessia Marquez Borelli, Maya Benarroch,

Lorelei Guzevicius & Angelina Chamoun

For our very first newspaper issue, we interviewed our two spectacular vice-principals: Mr. Gaetano Sifoni, vice-principal for our senior students, and Ms. Eugenia Carystios, vice-principal for our junior students. We are grateful to have them as part of the Gardenview family.

Interview #1 Starring: Ms.Carystios

By: Alessia Marquez Borelli & Maya Benarroch

Q: How are you adjusting to your new school?

A: I’m adjusting very well to the school. Everyone is very welcoming and is helping me to fit in.

Q: What are your thoughts on Gardenview students?

A: I absolutely love them! All the students are so nice to work with.

Q: What do you do here as the Vice Principal?

A: My role is to help and to support all the children.

Q: How did you decide to help the younger children rather than the older ones?

A: We decided that I would work more closely with the younger students, since I had taught the younger students right before becoming a Vice-Principal.

Q: Out of all the elementary schools, why did you choose to come to Gardenview?

A: I didn’t choose to. The EMSB assigned me to this school. As soon as I found out I would be coming here, I was thrilled.

Q: Do you think you will continue as Vice Principal at Gardenview for several years?

A: Yes. I really enjoy working here, and I would love to stay.

Interview #2 Starring:

Mr. Sifoni

By: Lorelei Guzevicius & Angelina Chamoun

Q: What is your favorite day of the whole school year?

A: My favorite day of school would probably be the first day of school. I am always happy to see all the students again, and that all of you are happy because you are not stressed. I also love grade six graduation. I feel such a sense of pride seeing our former Gardenview students moving on to the next stage of their life.

Q: What is your best elementary school memory from your school LDV?

A: My best memory elementary school memory would have to be my grade six field trip to Quebec city. It's such a fun tradition!

Q: Why did you choose to be vice-principal at Gardenview School, out of all elementary schools?

A: Well, I didn’t choose this school. They told me I would be working here and I was really excited. I previously worked here in the homework program with Ms. Wong and Ms. Bridgida about ten years ago.

Q: What do you think our school should improve on?

A: I would like to see more technology in the school. I know we have chrome books and smartboards. I would like to see workbooks on computers, for example. I think it would be easier for everyone to open up a computer and work on them. Another thing I would like to see is a little more quiet in the halls.

Q: What personality trait do you think each Gardenview student should have?

A: I think each student at Gardenview should value respect. They should have respect for themselves and have respect for others. Having respect comes with a lot of other qualities, like kindness, politeness and others.

Q: What do you think is our school’s greatest strength?

A: Mostly our community… what I mean by that is we have so many students, and it's quite a large school, but it still feels small because everyone thinks of one and other as a family.

There you have it! Some very interesting details about our spectacular Gardenview vice-principals! Did you learn any new or interesting facts? Did you already know some of these answers? We hope so! Until next time, Gardenview!