My children were students at St. Marguerite D'youville for 10 years. They had excellent teachers in FDK, Gr 1 - 6, and 8 and were in a positive, healthy learning environment from FDK until the end of Grade 3.
We had zero issues with staff and students up until that time. One of my daughters started to experience bullying at the school in grade 4. The school started to fall apart after the school re-opened after the pandemic and the old Principal was re-assigned to a different school within the DCDSB. The staff turnover rate has significantly increased since the old Principal left. The school has lost 2 Program Support department heads, 5 EA's, a secretary, and custodians over the past 3 years. I have heard that the behaviour of students at the school has been terrible since the old Principal was re-assigned to a different school 3 years ago. I can only hope that the new school administrator and the school board will be able to restore the school to the positive, healthy learning environment that it once was.

Overall the school has been great for many years UNTIL!!! the new principal *** came on board and now *** has taken reigns to give kids the most MINIMAL support for special education - we have lost many EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS and do not know where they are / UNACCEPTABLE!!!! Children need help especially spec. Needs. Tired to fight the battle as she doesn’t seem to care nor listen. *** allows *** to do what she wants and it’s WRONG! EAs are a mess, not structured and always changing. Board has not done much to stop this / we need our exceptional team back with regards to EAs who go over and beyond!!!!!!!

As an employee, this angers me to write this because this school was ONCE so so great!! To have a great school, you need a strong admin team who values the staff, and is empathetic & sensible. Also, part of maintaining a successful workplace is working where your admin team values your contributions and input. St.Annes is not this place. There is no appreciation from admin for the chaos we control, the kids that we love, the laughter and the teaching we give and the lives that we try to normalize while providing a save place for kids to be themselves!! I feel so undervalued as an EA. There are so many needs and not enough EAs or support for one on one. I feel parents are lied to, support is taken away from those who need it most with no communication to parents about this. I’ve been feeling unappreciated for all my efforts and contributions to the team. But I don’t need a medal, I’m just looking for respect, as I’m sure others are also. I’m proud of the work I do, But feeling deflated and unappreciated, hits hard below the belt. Knowing that admin doesn’t have your back is it really terrifying situation! Be careful don’t turn around, keep eye contact at all times when walking away. This is not a safe place, nope.

I will never recommend this school to anyone nor will I step one foot into this building with this EA still employed here. She is a bully and creates a hostile, unsafe work environment. I’m not sure how she gets away with this all. Admin needs to step up and discipline this type of behaviour!! I’m sure they know what is going on in the school but turn a blind eye.

Parents at St Andre your voices will not be heard if you do not hold these despicable people who call themselves educators accountable. If alot of you are aware of what is going on is this school you would be traumatized. *** and *** by far is the two worst teachers at this school. Another thing, *** is ***'s spy so be very aware at kiss and ride. Parents with special needs children those two teachers are your worst nightmares for your children. The worst EA there is ***. All she is good for, is yelling and screaming at your children. Please parents, write letters to the board, trustees, MPs, ministry, human rights and most importantly to ***. If that does not work make sure you send letters to the media until you get heard. The things that are happening in this school is beyound comprehending. We all as parents need to join forces and fight. We are always stronger in number.

I have a physics teacher grade 11, and it is so bad because we get marks back and we are never told about how we can succeed while doing a lab, and our teacher picks and chooses what to mark and it’s very frustrating because she will tell one group information and tell nobody else. We just want to succeed and it is very difficult when our teacher doesn’t want us to.