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.

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.

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.

Not happy since the new principal started last year (***) extremely dismissive, doesn’t listen or care to follow through, and the worst part is with regards to special education she doesn’t do much other than give it to *** who now has taken reins and IEPS are not fully abided by; the Educational Assistanrs are all over the place, don’t know what they are doing , all new faces - kids missing the EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS who were exceptional lost a few of them with no knowledge of where they went ….. why? What happened? Horrible.

Staffing levels do not equate the needs of the school. EAs are often managing 2 plus special needs students and the students who are lower academically get very limited, if any support.
There is no standard for any disciplinary action. Staff are often exposed to verbal abuse, students always have the upper hand as there is no follow through. Unacceptable behaviour becomes the standard because of this and staff feel frustrated and helpless.
Being hit, slapped etc has become the norm for EAs. It shouldn’t be. It’s unacceptable that violence is so accepted and no one is looking for a solution. Yes ,PPE is provided but the term educational assistant implies you are helping students with their education not dressing in PPE to face a day of physical abuse. Something needs to change. I don’t think this schools experience is unique I think this stems throughout the Catholic board across the schools. I have worked in many and it also applies there too.

One of the biggest issues with St. Anne’s is how poorly the staff are treated. There’s a clear lack of appreciation for the teachers and support staff who work tirelessly to keep things running. Morale is visibly low, and it’s no surprise—there’s little to no recognition for hard work, and constructive feedback is rarely given.

It often feels like the administration is more concerned with appearances than actually supporting their educators. Decisions are made without involving or even informing the staff, and when problems arise, the blame is quietly pushed onto them rather than addressed properly.

This lack of respect and value for staff directly affects the students. Teachers who feel unsupported can’t give their best, and you can see it in the classroom atmosphere. High turnover has also become a problem, which only adds to the instability.

St. Anne’s needs to seriously reevaluate how it treats the very people who form the backbone of the school. Until then, I can’t recommend it as a place for either students or staff to thrive.