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Joanne O’Connor is a music teacher at South Branch Elementary School in Kemptville and her passion for music and enthusiasm for teaching music is evident in all that she does, both pedagogically and personally. Joanne teaches music in a way in which kids can thrive in the arts, and her dedication to the craft has garnered respect and admiration from her students, colleagues, parents and community.
Joanne marks important celebrations by organizing and implementing concerts and inviting the community to hear the gift of music. Watching the students perform innovative pieces, whether they are using basketballs to beat, djembe drums for rhythmical pieces or singing songs that are poignant for the occasion, the concerts are memorable for the community and families of the students, because Joanne has gone above and beyond.
Students at South Branch are given the best of the best with her instruction, passion and energetic personality. Joanne teaches the entire school population, which means she knows every child's name, has a positive relationship with each student and strives to go out of her way to bring each student up from wherever they may be, which translates a message to students that says: "I believe in you."
When it comes to teaching music within the COVID-19 climate, Joanne remained creative, compassionate and safe while still bringing a stellar music program to the students. Joanne also provides her asynchronous learners both digitally and non-digitally an excellent music program, that is thoughtful to their needs and quickly provides uplifting and caring feedback to keep asynchronous learners feeling as if they are still part of the school atmosphere.
Joanne has not missed a beat with her love of teaching, her boundless energy and socially distanced (for now) open arms, and the Upper Canada District School Board is honoured to recognize Joanne with a Winter 2021 Director’s Award of Merit.