Welcome New Staff
We welcome two new teachers and our new after school supervisor this fall.
NICOLE KROPF
Grade 5; maternity leave
Nicole graduated from Redeemer University in Hamilton with a degree in English and a minor in history and psychology and went to teachers college at Western. While at Redeemer Nicole studied abroad at the “other” Oxford, that would be University (you know, the one founded in the twelfth century…) She has also done Advanced Qualification courses in the Primary Years at Queen’s in Kingston; in fact, Nicole’s commitment to professional development was just one of many impressive planks to her application with some ten courses completed over the last two years.
Nicole has taught as an early childhood educator in Ingersoll, and lists three years teaching at our own Trinity School from 2010 to 2012. Nicole also coordinated children’s programs at Innerkip Presbyterian Church, including their summer camp.
Nicole told me: I’m my family’s biggest cheerleader and am often found at the baseball field, hockey arena, or dance studio cheering them on. I enjoy reading and writing for pleasure. I love baking. When time allows, I also enjoy making homemade cards for my friends and family”.
Nicole is married to Travis and is mother to Oliver and Emerson.
I know our Grade 5 parents will be delighted to have Nicole as their child’s teacher; she is covering one of the maternity leaves for the bulk if not the entire year.
DONALD DOBRENSKI
Grade 6; maternity leave
Donald is an experienced teacher and librarian with several years work at IB (International Baccalaureate) schools in Europe including schools in Dusseldorf, Germany and in Switzerland in Schaffhausen, Baar, and Reinarch. A graduate from Wilfrid Laurier in Communications, Donald completed his teachers college at Niagara University in Lewiston, NY. His librarian credentials were completed at the University of Aberystwyth in Wales.
Donald’s professional development and accreditations are extensive with courses not just in Germany and Switzerland where he was working but also Hungary, Spain, Belgium and Austria.
Donald’s twenty five years’ experience are steeped in primary and middle school grades and he is thoroughly familiar with the Ontario curriculum as well the IB; Donald comes to us from an intriguing and challenging assignment working at W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind in Brantford.
As well as his classroom responsibilities for Grade 6, Donald will spend time reading to and introducing our very youngest students to our library.
Outside of school Donald enjoys, not surprisingly, reading, cooking, skiing, travel and in the art world glass and ceramics.
Donald lives with his wife Jen and two children Ethan (20) and Leah (19).
APRIL SACKRIDER
After School Supervisor
April comes to us with experience in Music and Theatre, having worked with Children and Youth from pre-school ages to high school, directing teen choirs, teaching drama and music. She was raised in a traveling singing family group and toured Canada extensively in her growing up years. She has operated her own business locally now for the last 11 years. Her passion is people and investing in the lives of others, helping them reach their fullest potential. She is excited to get to know our students and families of Oxford School.