LDSB Honors Josh Goodfellow With Outstanding Service Award

Jeff Green | Apr 17, 2013

Josh Goodfellow first came to Sharbot Lake High School as a student. He returned fully grown, and accepted a position as an Educational Assistant on a casual basis, and started work in the School to Community classroom. Josh has a strong commitment to the well-being of all students and to the school community. He has worked as an effective member of the school team in many capacities at the school; in the School to Community program, as an Educational Assistant in the school’s LitFit class, a new and unique

program for grade 9 boys with behavioral and academic struggles, as a member of a professional learning team with teachers, and as a member of the school’s coaching staff, to name a few. In each of these roles, Josh’s support for all students is genuine, invaluable and always goes above and beyond his formal role.

Josh takes a lead in the School to Community program in several areas. He was instrumental in planning for and fund-raising for the school’s Snoezelen room. He

single-handedly raised over $10,000 for it. Josh helps to coordinate the school recycling program, involving the students in a meaningful way at every stage, and he works alongside the students in the greenhouse and community garden, assisting them in learning to cultivate plants and vegetables. Through his work in the School to Community program, he has become familiar with, and works closely with, several community agencies that support the students and their families.

Last year, Josh welcomed the opportunity to work in the school’s LitFit class with a group of very challenging grade 9 boys. His work involved supporting their skill development in self-control, conflict mediation, literacy strategies, and healthy living habits. Josh thrived in this program and the classroom teacher found his input and

leadership with the students to be invaluable. Several of the boys now have a positive rapport with Josh and rely on him when situations become challenging. This has had a very positive impact on the tone in the school.

Josh attends staff meetings on a regular basis and participates in professional learning opportunities. This year he joined a learning team on differentiated instruction to enhance the strategies he uses when working with and supporting students. Josh also gets involved in the extra-curricular activities at the school, coaching or assisting the coach, in all sports. As a result of this involvement, there are many students who seek out Josh for support of social and emotional situations. He is empathetic, compassionate, very grounded, and professional in his creative and effective approach to students. Josh readily responds to medical emergencies as a member of the school’s First Aid team. As well, he competently steps in to support the Principal, Vice-Principal, and teacher-in charge during sensitive or high risk situations that can arise in a high school with students or parents. Any time that Josh has taken on this role, he does so professionally, appropriately, and always using sound judgment.

The Sharbot Lake family is very fortunate to have Josh in their midst, with his numerous contributions to the school community, his passion for helping students, and his warm and ready smile for everyone.

The Limestone District School Board is proud to honour Josh Goodfellow with an Outstanding Service Award.