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.

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.

My children have been attending St. Andre for a few years now and I have to say this is probably the worst year they have had under this new principal (***) she is absolutely horrible. The lack of diversity and representation for black children in this school is crazy. I was told there is one black staff at this school an EA who my kids called *** (I wish I knew her full last name) and she won't be returning this coming September and a big part of me is asking why? From what I heard families and their children adore her including mine. She was so good at connecting with our children and really the only representation they had, they seemed to love her. Sad to see her go. However, I am not surprised because *** seems to have a huge issue with people of colour especially our black students hopefully they get it together.

St Andre use to be a good enough school but over the past year it has by far become one of the most toxic environments you can send your child to. *** was the worst principal by far I have seen at this school. *** is right up there with her. Complete lack of diversity for the increased population of black children. With an increased level of racism coming from teachers to students. I hope at some point the ministry steps in and cleanses up this school.

I have to say I’ve never experienced such a staff low as in the past two years working in this school environment. It doesn’t seem anybody walking the halls is happy (with management). Although staff is very supportive to each other, I see EAs working hard every day to support their students with shortage of staff and high level of students that need support. Support is taken away from some students and given to others & students are clustered in areas because of shortages. Overall, staff morale is very very low. Us teachers, and EAS are struggling, not getting support that is needed in the classrooms resulting in burnout! We can all pretend to a certain point , but this is actually ridiculous!