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n't have landed at a better spot in my first gig as a VP.  You modeled consistency, standing up for your convictions and balancing family life.  All in a days work f

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Many congratulations Marcel,  You are going to love retirement!  I speak from experience.  And you are so richly deserving.  As I write this I'm reminded of how we first met as members on the same Transition team for a cohort of grade 9 students at Applewood Heights S.S. in the 1990s.  Those were interesting days and it was a valuable experiment.  Then we shared time as VPs and as Ps including on the executive of PASSP.  Yours was always an intelligent voice of reasoned thought that was consistently important to listen and valued.  I wish you every happiness in retirement.  All the very best, Linda:))

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Many congratulations Marcel,  You are going to love retirement!  I speak from experience.  And you are so richly deserving.  As I write this I'm reminded of how we first met as members on the same Transition team for a cohort of grade 9 students at Applewood Heights S.S. in the 1990s.  Those were interesting days and it was a valuable experiment.  Then we shared time as VPs and as Ps including on the executive of PASSP.  Yours was always an intelligent voice of reasoned thought that was consistently important to listen and valued.  I wish you every happiness in retirement.  All the very best, Linda:))

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I am grateful for the years we worked together at Applewood Heights S.S. There could not have been a better place or environment for me to learn and grow. There could not have been a better person to take me under his wings and guide me along the way. As I observed your leadership closely, I remembered two very important things: serve your people and serve with integrity. Thanks Coach. Let this next journey in your life be beautiful. Love and Hugs, Ruby Kantharajah

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I would like to take this opportunity on the announcement of your upcoming retirement to express my gratitude for your high level of professionalism in which you conducted yourself as prinicpal here at Applewood. In my 30 years in education and 10 years in business you are without a doubt the finest "boss" that I have ever had the privilege of working with. You combine the technical and organizational skills of an excellent manager with superb people skills, where you treat people with respect and dignity and encourage the "best" in people. You will be missed and hard to replace.
All the best in the upcoming years.
take care
Paul Craigen

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Not only for your strong leadership when it was most needed, but for a personal sense of commitment to ensuring that no detail would be overlooked in pursuing excellence for all Applewood Students.  Your signature style was exceptional, not only as a principal but as a science teacher.  For those of us who can remember, you had a stellar reputation of engaging all students in reaching their potential.  You made it look so easy. I really wonder if you ever sent even one student to the office.  Wherever the next chapter takes you, all the best!
Nancy Gabriele

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As a former Applewood Family of Schools Colleague, I enjoyed working with you. Thank-you for your support at superintendent meetings and for the many wise words that you have spoken and advice you have given.
Enjoy a well deserved retirement!
All the best,
Meg Echlin

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As your former Critical Response and Middle School feeder school colleague, I wanted to thank you for the  guidance, wisdom and support that you have provided over the years.
Enjoy your retirement Marcel with your family and friends.  We will miss your advocacy for all students Marcel.
With sincere appreciation,
Cheryl Streete

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It has been a pleasure working with you.  You have certainly had a positive impact on AHSS staff and students.  Best wishes for a wonderful retirement!  I wish you good health and much happiness in the years to come.
Warmest regards,
Marion Smith

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If there is any doubt as to your impact here at Applewood, people would only have to look around. I've seen a tremendous change in the student’s attitude towards learning, the physical well-being of the school and the community’s perception that Applewood is now a school where their kids should go; not avoid.

Thank you for the support you have given me as a teacher. I know this is not always the case between staff and administrators.

Lastly, Enjoy the new found time with your grandchildren that retirement brings. And be glad, as I am, that there will no longer be budgetary meetings in your horizon :)

Be well.

Chris Sanger

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I can't believe it's been over a decade since Clarkson, still one of my favourite schools. Even though I only knew you for a year, you have made such a lasting impression on me with your character, kindness, and excellent discipline, especially now that I know how rare such qualities are in admin. I'm so sorry to hear you are leaving, as we will have lost a great educator, but wish you rest, enjoyment, and fulfilment in your years ahead. I'll miss you!
Many blessings,
Aeri Kim

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My association with you goes since the time you hired me as a Physics teacher at Streetsville Secondary School--yes, those were the days when heads could hire teachers! Our paths crossed again when you were appointed as a principal at Applewood Heights. I enjoyed working with you as a teacher, as a head of Math, as an acting VP, and as a chair of the School Success Committee. You have always amazed me with your excellent work-ethic, prompt actions, and attention to details. With your vision and unique leadership style, you were able to create a wonderful climate for learning and working at Applewood. You have a great ability to deal with any situation with your wisdom, analytical skills, and highly developed EI. I thank you for mentoring me in many aspects of education, which goes beyond the walls of any classroom.

I wish you a happy retirement, allowing you to spend more time with your wonderful close knit family.
Firoze Patel

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I couldn't have landed at a better spot in my first gig as a VP.  You modeled consistency, standing up for your convictions and balancing family life.  All in a days work for Mr. Giraldi!

I know there are MANY super excited grandchildren who no longer have to share your time with us.

Congratulations on a career that influenced countless many.

Dave Badovinac

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You never once told my siblings or myself that we should follow in your footsteps and become educators. It's a credit to you that we looked long at other careers, then decided that the career path that had been modeled by our father was one we'd also like to be a part of. I strive to be like you as both a father and an educator, and I couldn't ask for a better role model in either regard.

Stefan tells me that he's looking forward to a lot more play time with Grandpa!

Your son,
Mark