I’m not even sure how to explain the stuff that goes on here. There is no admin support to the staff, it’s like they don’t exist. They are only worried about how it appears/their image and really don’t give the staff the support they need. There is a definite divide here. The behaviours are out of control and there is never any follow through to deal with it. Kids rule the school. They do what they want when they want without any real fear of consequences. It’s sad I’m told it never used to be this way. The staff all talk about how times have changed and they used to feel so supported before. I understand there has been admin change but this shouldn’t be happening. Staff should feel safe when they go to work. The EAs are great for the most part and I feel support each other as best they can. However I have seen admin not treat them with the respect they deserve and if I’m being honest some have been treated extremely poorly. This school is very large and needs an Admin who knows how to support the team and deal with extreme behaviours. Sadly this team isn’t it.

This school is a joke. 4 principals and nothing is ever done to fix a problem. Superintendent can’t even reply to an email. No support for students who need it. Teachers are horrible, don’t follow rules and make up their own. Screaming in students faces. Absolute joke of a school with zero accountability even when proven wrong. 0/10 do not recommend.

0/10

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.

Chronic lice problems with students. Very little done about it!!!

I’m Lori, and I’m a retired Educational Assistant.
I worked with the Durham Catholic District School Board for nearly 25 years. I loved my job. I loved the students, and I loved the staff I worked with. I never imagined I’d retire early—but I did. And it wasn’t because I wanted to. It was because I didn’t feel safe, respected, or supported anymore. I had to chose a school for this story but this school doesn't necessary represent the good or bad experiences I am about to share.
Over the years, I’ve been hit, bruised, and bloodied—black eyes, busted lips, and more. At one point, strangers and even my own family thought I was being abused at home. But the truth is, these injuries came from students who were in crisis—students who needed help, but didn’t get the support they deserved.
We talk a lot about how the government is failing schools. That’s true. We absolutely need more funding and better resources. But that’s only part of the story. Leadership in our schools matters just as much. I worked in some schools where I felt appreciated and safe—where leadership made a real difference. And I worked in others, with the same funding, where I felt dismissed and afraid to speak up.
The Board has policies around harassment and bullying. But policies don’t mean much if they’re not enforced— staff are being harassed and ignored, even by those in charge.
That’s why I’m sharing this. Because I know these conversations are happening behind the scenes, and they need to be brought into the light. If you’re a leader and this message hits close to home—reflect. Change starts there. If you’re working in a school and feeling like I did—you’re not alone.
To every EA still showing up, doing the hard work, I see you. I know your battle. You deserve respect. You deserve safety. And you deserve to be heard.
It’s time we all listen.