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St. Theresa Catholic School: Little school, big heart
Apr 24, 2007 By: Lesley BovieApril 13, 2007
WHITBY -- Heidi Atikian couldn’t believe the outpouring of support that flowed from St. Theresa Catholic School when her son Adam was diagnosed with acute myeloma leukemia last fall.
The entire school rallied around the second grader, who spent five months of chemotherapy at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
Each class contributed to an album Adam poured over from his hospital room. Students taped themselves singing Christmas carols and telling knock-knock jokes to keep his spirits up.
His teacher Dave Rudback visited him regularly in hospital, keeping Adam up to date on school work and bringing notes from classmates.
School principal Lenore O’Rahilly was sensitive enough to hold an assembly before Adam returned to classes earlier this month.
There were cheers upon hearing the good news and a general understanding to let the shy student return quietly to school life on his own terms.
Classmate Robert McDougall even shaved his head.
Adam’s story doesn’t seem that unusual when you hear of other families the school has helped.
Last year, St. Theresa hosted a fashion show, raising more than $3,000 to buy a van for Lauren Carr, a student with cerebral palsy.
“At St. Theresa we look at the whole child.
“We believe every child should have the opportunity to learn and we set goals for everyone in our school,” explains Ms. O’Rahilly.
That sense of compassion also stems from the fact that a significant number of the 335 students at St. Theresa have special needs.
Built in 1958 with wings added in 1967 and 1985, the home of the Cougars on Crawforth Avenue is staffed by a total of 27 teachers, educational assistants and custodians.
All actively take part, whether it’s the breakfast program that runs three times a week before the morning bell or special events like a Christmas party held each year for developmentally-challenged adults who use the school each week for crafts, another group St. Theresa has embraced.
Students learn the small things they do can add up to something big. Their accomplishments are acknowledged at the Principal’s Tea held each June.
Leading by example is Ms. O’Rahilly, who knows every student and has the interest of each at heart.
To prove it: her next mission is trying to get three student-use digital cameras to help non-verbal students better share their day with mom and dad.
