The UCDSB Creativity & Innovation Awards shine a light on individuals who show ingenuity in their classrooms and workspaces, sparking positive and lasting change in their students and colleagues.
2025-2026 Creativity & Innovation Award Recipients
Individuals
Brianna Faber – Teacher, Iroquois Public School
Brianna Faber received this award for the development and implementation of the Cultural Awareness, Recognition and Education Team, also known as the CARE Team at Iroquois Public School.
Through this student-led initiative, Grade 4 to 6 students have become leaders in celebrating cultures from around the world through hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and school-wide learning opportunities. This initiative has created a powerful sense of belonging, curiosity, and understanding throughout the school community.
Derek George – Teacher, Perth and District Collegiate Institute
Derek exemplifies creativity and innovation through his commitment to continuous learning, hands-on teaching, and student engagement. Despite already being a licensed electrician and business owner, he consistently seeks new opportunities to expand his own skills.
As a first-year Technology and Skilled Trades teacher, Derek took the initiative to fully organize and develop a program, designing creative projects that gave students authentic, purpose-driven learning opportunities. Students created new directional signage for the school, produced items for the C4K golf tournament, and built practical, community-focused projects including picnic tables, storage sheds, and stage risers.
Jennifer Onstein – Teacher, North Dundas District High School
Jennifer works tirelessly to create opportunities for NDDHS students with high needs through transition planning beyond high school, including inviting community partners to explore options in the trades and the world of work or group home options.
Jennifer has been the lead in creating the school’s Special Education Hub, which is described as a wonderful space that offers both academic support and development of daily living skills.
As one of the SHSM leads for Agriculture, Jennifer oversees the ND Drips program, which is a mini-sugar bush set up for the school’s Agriculture SHSM and special needs students. Together, they make delicious maple syrup while learning the process along the way.
Groups
Glengarry District High School Intermediate Team - Lindsey Howes, Brittany MacLennan, Tammy MacSweyn, Marrideth Renwick, and Shana Thomas Lajoie
The Intermediate Team at Glengarry District High School has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation through the launch of their Grade 7-8 Specialist Program.
In its inaugural year, it is redefining what intermediate learning can look like. Students selected a “specialist” area based on their interests and spent the year developing skills and confidence through hands-on, experiential learning in their area.
Students learn skills such as pickling and preserving, cycling, curling, robotics, and manicures to name a few. What truly sets this program apart is the reciprocal partnership with Community Living Glengarry. Each specialist group takes turns designing and leading programming for adults with developmental disabilities. This shifts students from participants to leaders.
Rockland Public School Staff
At Rockland Public School, students are given meaningful opportunities to lead and make a difference through initiatives such as Reading Buddies, EQAO Tech Coaches, the Snack Program, and Kindergarten Helpers. Beyond the classroom, student-led efforts like Character Always Assemblies, fundraising for stray cats, Champions for Kids, the Terry Fox Foundation, and Jump Rope for Heart reflect a school culture where leadership is lived every day.
What stands out most is that this is a collective effort—staff and students working together with a shared commitment to building confidence, responsibility, and voice in young learners. At Rockland Public School, leadership is not an add-on, it is embedded in the culture of the school.
Theresa Vretteas, Teacher and Debbie Gordon, Volunteer – Thousand Islands Elementary School
The mighty Power Up Class duo, comprised of TIES teacher Theresa Vretteas and school volunteer Debbie Gordon, are recipients of this award for their hands-on and engaging learning.
Debbie, known by the class as "Grandma Debbie," joins the class each week to teach the students how to prepare a baked treat that they later serve on their TIES Coffee and Treat Cart.
Theresa and Grandma Debbie guide the students through a wide range of skills in making the treats. Students are asked to read recipes, measure ingredients, use the oven, do dishes, and use proper hygiene practices while preparing the baked goods.
While selling items to staff, students learn hospitality and social skills, how to make change, and social etiquette. TIES staff love the treats, but more importantly, they adore watching the kids learn and grow in so many ways over the year.