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Retirement? It was just yesterday that I was sitting in your grade 11 Social Studies class. Congratulations!

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My Ally, My Birth Coach, My Teacher, My Friend

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My Ally, My Birth Coach, My Teacher, My Friend

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Maumar, as I like to call her, had the pleasure of being my unwitting secondary birth coach. I was in Ms.Carolan's World Issues class and she and I had engrossed discussions about  the Taliban, US politics and greed, Women's Liberation, Racism and the crisis of  Indigenous Sovereignty in this country, in the year 1996, before many of us even had some of the language we have now. I was a bright but rogue kid, doing my best living on my own with a boy, (hey we're still together 25 years later) and Maumar was a coach, mentor and friend to me in one of the most challenging, yet bravest times of my life. Ms. Carolan marked my papers hard, encouraged me to come with back with greater insights and even gave me one of my first public speaking and teaching gigs, inviting me to apply to substitute at Ascension. She let me reach out to youth on issues of equity, feminist and LGTBQ rights far before it was de-rigeur or responsible teaching. She amazed me that she was a twin, cause she seemed like such an extraordinary individual. My biggest memory is when she said to me, in the midst of labour, through 3 min contractions, "You don't have to be a Hero". Not knowing how much more I could take, I took the epidural. That blessing is now 25. And ever since, I been free to choose, to be the Hero, or not, to champion a struggle or support someone through theirs. I may have not got that B.Ed., but I am a Writer, a Speaker and Educator at one of the country's most notable Universities. Like all of us mentored by Maureen, my star continues to rise. They make them good in that family! (Barry, I'm looking at you too). Thank  you Maumar, you mean the world to me. Love, Crystal Mark (Kevin and the KIDS too) P.s. I still think you're too young to retire! Let's go traveling someday. Love ya.

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There are teachers that we remember somewhat fondly in high-school and some that we'd like to forget. Then there are teachers like yourself, who leave a lasting impression. Those teachers inspire us and impact our lives in ways that we don't quite understand until much later on.

Thank you for giving me a swift kick in the butt when I needed it and for all the after-school and lunch time chats in your office. Sometimes the most important thing that a teacher can do, is lend an ear. Thank you for always listening when I needed someone to talk to.

Whatever journey you embark on next, I hope it's one hell of a ride. Enjoy your retirement Maureen. The teaching profession has truly lost a legend!

Lots of love and cheers to this new chapter in your life!

Xo,

Lucrezia Pozzuoli

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Dearest Maureen,

From age 17 when I first met you as a cheeky student  in your World Issues class, to having my election sign on your front lawn, you have been there as an encouraging voice, a teacher, mentor and friend.

I am incredibly grateful for you and for having you in my life all this time. I know it would not have been the same without your care, positivity,  and steadfast love. Not only did you come into my life just when I needed it, but you remained through all the ups and downs, excitements and heartbreaks, and shared with me the wonderful gift of your friendship.

Thank you for all that you are.

Thank you for all that you’ve shared with me and countless other students throughout your amazing career.

As you retire from teaching, know that your work has been profoundly important to so many. Some of us you know well and some whom you’ve impacted in ways that you might never know. Just you mind that fact Maureen.

At the end of this long road as you prepare to embark upon the next leg of your journey, please go forward knowing that your  legacy is miles deep and oceans wide- you’ve nurtured, loved and helped to build up generations.

Standing taller because of you .

With love,

Nadia

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Congratulations from south of the border!

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Congratulations from south of the border!

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Our one and only Ms. Carolan is retiring. That's right, I still can't call you Maureen! Where does the time go? I swear it sometimes feels as if it were yesterday and we were popping into your office just to see what is up and hang out.

Just the other day our nephew and niece were surprised to know that we hung out and truly loved the company of some of our teachers, and you were one of them. You mentored us and shaped us. You were there for us during some of the best, hilarious and confusing times of our lives. You saw nothing wrong with a birkenstock loving Latina who listened to way too much Sarah Mclachlan and Jann Arden...in a world where I did not know where to fit in you made me feel that 'fitting' was not necessary, and to go with the flow. Thank you!

Whenever Anthony and I meet up with some of the ol' folks from Malton, your name comes up and we reminisce. We remember these years with such fondness and to be honest nothing compares to them. You made this possible. Thank you for helping us out in more ways that you can imagine. We wish you nothing but the best and a well deserved happy retirement!

Sending you love from south of the Canadian border,

Brenda Ayala and Anthony Vecchiarelli

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Sometimes in life you meet people that light up something inside, a recognition of sorts…like you always knew them and your soul understands their soul, no words necessary. A teacher wears many hats, they can inspire in more ways than what is expected and can leave indelible marks on hearts that are carried well into adulthood. Maureen, your humour and wit make you an unforgettable teacher and your lust for life a memorable role model. Cheers to you, you wonderful amazing beautiful friend! A million thanks for being you and for touching my life ♥️
Diane Esposito

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She has a Canadian mind, but an Irish heart,

Me wonders now if she’ll retire in a golf cart?

Her words are strong, they operate like a hammer,

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – don’t scam a scammer!

She’ll hand you a map and expect you to travel,

This is the only way you’ll learn to unravel.

Her lessons will leave a mark, she has a lot of valuable things to say,

Don’t be surprised if she inspires you to teach one day.

If you’re lucky, you’ll meet her for a glass of wine on a Toronto street,

Reminiscing with her is always a treat!

While her teaching days have come to an end,

It’s an honour to call this great lass a mentor and friend.

Cheers,
Arianna "Not So Irish" Pozzuoli

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Retiring?!?  That's ridiculous! What are you now 38?  Get back to work these kids won't teach themselves.  But In all honesty I saw this and had a moment....and thank you to Arianna for inviting us to add in.  I'll always look back at our high school days as some of my favorite times and that was in large part because we had teachers like you that felt more like friends. And showed us what life could be outside of traditional roles that many of us first gen kids were used to.  Congratulations on your retirement and to more exciting adventures ahead. If ever you want to pull up an old rocking chair and tell stories and pass along that life advice I'm raising my hand to sit in that circle lol.  Chat later alligator. Xoxo Linda Ferrandini