2017/18 School Council Executive Bios
Connie Shepherd, Co-chair
I am once again honoured to be a part of School Council at Island Public School. I have 3 children, Ethan, who graduated last year, Dylan in Grade 4 and Kennedy in Grade 2. I have been part of the IPS community for over 10 years, including our time in nursery. In addition to being an active parent, I am also a teacher, which I believe gives me a variety of perspectives and a strong understanding of our education system. I am hoping to continue to foster community at IPS, and support our school in providing as many tools and opportunities to our children as possible. Looking forward to a great year.
Nadine Sookermany, Co-chair
My name is Nadine Sookermany and I am the parent of two boys; 17-year old, Malik and six-year old, Noah (Grade 2). I look forward to continuing as you Co-chair for the upcoming school year. I have been an IPS parent for over a decade now and have served on both IPS School Council and Gibraltar Point Day Nursery's Board, as well as Chair of the TDSB's Equity Policy Advisory Committee and various other not-for-profit Boards. I have always believed that parent-involvement is key to our children's success and sees the Council as one way to support Noah and his school-community.
Shannon Clancy, Treasurer
My name is Shannon Clancy and I'm the present treasurer for the Island School Parent Council. My son Declan is in Grade 5 and my daughter Charlotte graduated IPS two years ago. Prior to being a stay at home mom - I worked in the finance industry for a mutual fund company. I was the treasurer at the Creative Preschool in Leslieville where my daughter attended. I negotiated a $150,000 loan with TD bank to help secure the preschools new home.
I have lived at 33 Harbour Square for 19 years and am happy to be a part of the Island/Harbourfront community. Through my corporate contacts (including Porter Air) I have assisted the school in raising thousands of dollars towards improving your child's educational experience. I look forward to serving you again this year.
I have lived at 33 Harbour Square for 19 years and am happy to be a part of the Island/Harbourfront community. Through my corporate contacts (including Porter Air) I have assisted the school in raising thousands of dollars towards improving your child's educational experience. I look forward to serving you again this year.
Ciarán Crotty
I am originally from Ireland and moved to Toronto in 2014 with my wife Diane and son Xand. We now also have a Canadian born addition to our family, Sebastian. I have been working as a Project Manager in IT for over 15 years both here and in Europe but more pertinent to the school council is my experience in fundraising with charities and not for profit organizations. Working as a volunteer committee member for the Chernobyl Children Project international in Ireland for over 10 years we raised approximately $50,000 a year for the Limerick outreach group through various events and fund raising activities. For the last 3 years I have been the treasurer for Darkness Into Light Toronto, which is part of one of the world's largest suicide awareness and prevention events with about 100,000 people talking part worldwide.
Jason Doucette, Communications Chair
I greatly appreciate this chance to contribute to our IPS community and to show my sons Dax (Grade 2) and Cam (JK) all the ways we can help each other grow and learn. This is my second year as communications chair, and I look forward to continuing to help get the word out about our events and activities by way of terrible puns. I'm usually at the docks Wednesday through Friday - please stop by and say hello!
Darren Lafreniere, Secretary
I am honored and thrilled at the opportunity to serve the IPS School Council. My daughter Adara (age 4) attended the Gibraltar Nursery for 2 years before entering JK at IPS this past September. I believe the learning experience and bucolic environment offered by the IPS is unmatched, and I look forward to making a positive contribution to the school and local community.
Tendai Mhute, Advocacy Chair
Whether advocating for and understanding educators and fellow parents, contributing to fundraising activities, budget planning or strategic planning, I have a passion for participating in and positively impacting the community in which I live.
I am a Digital Implementation professional who has lived in the waterfront neighborhood and contributed to the community for the past nine years. Previous community involvement includes serving as volunteer board member of the Waterfront Neighborhood Center where I served in both the chair and vice chair roles as well as a member of the program committee. I was involved in assessing community needs and contributing to overall strategic planning and as well as advocacy; working with local representatives and with City Councillors to ensure continued budgetary support from the city and addressing program needs for the ever changing demographics of our waterfront neighborhood.
I have contributed to city deputations to address equality and access to services such as affordable childcare for all Torontonians. I am also serving on the parent board of the Waterfront Montessori, where my younger daughter is a student.
My older daughter Unaye is now in her senior kindergarten year at IPS. I find inspiration from the general sense of community that being a mom and parent of the IPS and waterfront community brings. I look forward to being able to contribute to and serve the community as a member of the IPS Council.
I am a Digital Implementation professional who has lived in the waterfront neighborhood and contributed to the community for the past nine years. Previous community involvement includes serving as volunteer board member of the Waterfront Neighborhood Center where I served in both the chair and vice chair roles as well as a member of the program committee. I was involved in assessing community needs and contributing to overall strategic planning and as well as advocacy; working with local representatives and with City Councillors to ensure continued budgetary support from the city and addressing program needs for the ever changing demographics of our waterfront neighborhood.
I have contributed to city deputations to address equality and access to services such as affordable childcare for all Torontonians. I am also serving on the parent board of the Waterfront Montessori, where my younger daughter is a student.
My older daughter Unaye is now in her senior kindergarten year at IPS. I find inspiration from the general sense of community that being a mom and parent of the IPS and waterfront community brings. I look forward to being able to contribute to and serve the community as a member of the IPS Council.
Laura-Maria Nikolareizi, Fundraising Chair
I look forward to my new role as the Fundraising Chair and I see the role as all of us serving as ambassadors on behalf of IPS. It takes a “small village”. We are a group of dedicated parents all here to help continue to foster a sense of community with the ultimate goal of creating a philanthropic environment which will enrich our children, teachers and administration lives at IPS. I have served on many boards where my primary role was to engage people to get involved, increase awareness but also raise money to support valuable programs and make a difference.
Jennifer Yeung, Events Chair
I am Jennifer Yeung, my daughter Athena is in Miss J’s SK class. I have been part of the Harbourfront community all my life and excited that my family is able to be part of such a unique and special school. I am the new Events Chair for the Parent Council. I am looking forward to enjoying many exciting events with you and fundraising to create an even better learning experience for our children.