BONNYVILLE - In just six years, Rachel Reid went from a substitute teacher with Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) to the principal of École Notre Dame Elementary School.
Her growth, positive spirit and sweeping accomplishments are being recognized by her school division.
Each year, LCSD recognizes one of their own for their outstanding work in Catholic education. This year, Reid has been chosen as the recipient for the 2022 LCSD Excellence in Catholic Education Award.
Reid is described as an educator who leads her staff and students with a kind heart, a sense of grace, and unwavering faith.
“Rachel has a magnanimous vision that lights up the halls and classrooms of her school. Her vision is rooted in lessons from the greatest teacher of all time: Christ. She believes that every child is a gift from God and is worthy of respect and dignity,” said LCSD Deputy Superintendent Chantel Axani.
Reid joined Lakeland Catholic as a substitute teacher in 2015, teaching CALM, Religious students, and acting as a Classroom Support Teacher.
In 2017, she became vice principal of École Notre Dame Elementary and held the role until her maternity leave in 2019.
When she returned in 2021, Reid stepped into the position of principal at the school.
Those who know Reid say she remains optimistic when times are tough, offering a sense of comfort and motivation to all of those who rely on her guidance.
“I wholeheartedly know this career was my calling, I want to make sure that every single child and adult that I work with feels love and knows they have someone in their corner who cares for them,” said Reid, in information provided by LCSD.
“We often don’t know what home life is like for our students and staff, therefore, I made it my mission to treat all with respect, dignity, compassion and be authentic in my actions. As Catholic Christians we are called to be gospel witnesses, and I try to live by that,” she added.
The award is presented annually to an educator who models Catholic values and lifestyle, positively contributes to the development of students and their spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth, and is active in their parish and faith life, among others.
“If everyone I encounter leaves feeling they are valued, important and loved, then I have been successful,” Reid said.
First Education Support Staff Award presented
For the first time, Lakeland Catholic will be presenting an LCSD Excellence in Catholic Education Support Staff Award.
This award was created to recognize the efforts of the division’s support staff, explained Axani.
The first ever recipient of the division’s Excellence in Catholic Education Support Staff Award is Jojo Policarpio. She has been with LCSD for over 20 years.
Policarpio started her career as a teacher, eventually making her way into her current role as Students Information Systems (SIS) Manager.
Policarpio is described as passionate about her faith and her work. Those who know her say she is always available to offer advice, say a prayer, or lend an ear to anyone who needs it.
“Jojo always brings a sense of faith to our technology department and all of its meetings, she has a special prayer to offer, and is always willing to provide her sense of guidance lead by her faith,” said LCSD’s Director of Technology Clint Elliott.
