Email:
[email protected] phone: I prefer not to use it for incoming. note: voice mail does not have a flashing light or any other notification. I am human, and can forget to check my voicemail as often as I like, so please allow for a few days to pass for me to access my voicemail. website: www.galveias.weebly.com |
Who is Mrs. G?Vineyard in South Africa
I am a full time secondary teacher splitting my time between the 'regular' classroom and the achievement centre at StFX in Ottawa (Sept 2022). I joined St. Francis Xavier in 2011. Previously, I was at St. Paul HS, All Saints HS, Richard Pfaff Alternate HS, and Sir Robert Borden HS. I primarily teach Canadian law and social science (anthropology, psychology, sociology). In the past, I have also taught Business, Civics, Careers, Journalism, Geography, and Economics. spent the 2020-2021 year teaching online to students across the city in a virtual school with 5300 students. I am glad to be back home with only 2200 students.
Teaching is not my first career but it is by far the most rewarding. I believe that this diversity has helped me to fully appreciate the joy of this vocation. I work in Human Resources for the federal government each summer and have done so since I graduated many years ago. I have worked for the Insurance Crime Prevention Bureau, the Regional Solicitor's and Crown Attorney's office, small and medium size high technology firms, local media (radio, television and print), and I ran my own event planning and promotion business (L.A. Events) for 5 years before I chose a teaching career. My education has also been diverse as I have always enjoyed learning new things and pushing myself to excel. I have earned college diplomas and certificates in: Paralegal; Event Management; Police Science, Media Communication; Public Relations Practitioner, and Office Administration. My university degrees are two-fold. One is with the Carleton University's School of Journalism - Mass Communications with a minor in Business-Commerce. The second is my education degree from the University of Ottawa (summa cum laude) with English, Business, and by the end of 2011, Law as my teaching subjects. I am certified in three panels: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. I have also acquired my Guidance and Religious Education Specialists. In my personal life, I have been a foster parent since 2010. We have had eight children in our home over the years and two of these boys we consider permanent members of our family. We just witnessed two of your recent placements (2 years with us), move on to a forever home. Therefore we are now empty-nesters. This experience has enlightened me and I draw upon these lessons as a teacher. It connects us with God and service to others. I also ride horses, and own an adorable Cavalier dog. Community Involvement: OECTA Finance Committee, Chair (2019-2023) St.Patrick's Fallowfield, Parish Council (2022- ) St. Francis Xavier (2011- present): HS Swim Team Coach, Grad Committee, Cappies Critic Mentor (Ottawa High School Theatre) – All Saints (2008-2011); StFX (2012-2015; 2022-2023); Breakfast Club Program Coordinator (2020-present) Virtual Academy Daily Openers, Black History Month Committee (2019-2020) Peer Helper Program Coordinator StFX (2011-2018) PawsPrint; Homework Club; and Track and Field - St. Paul High School (2010-2011) Catholic Caring Committee; Differentiated Instruction Team; and Student of the Month Committee - All Saints (2008-2010) Ski/Snowboard Club – All Saints HS (2008-2011); St. Paul HS (2011), St.FX (2013-2018) Yearbook Advisor (Editor) – All Saints HS (2007-2011) Big Sisters Big Brothers of Ottawa – Youth Mentor Match (2001 - 2007) Sophie Steadman Scholarship (2004) Ruth Hancock Scholarship –Canadian Association of Broadcasters & CTV (2000) Ken Dryden Scholarship (1999) City of Ottawa’s Cultural Leadership Committee (1999 - 2000) Logistics Director - National Capital Dragon Boat Race Festival (1998) Ottawa Children’s Aid Society & Ontario Association of CAS – Board of Directors (1994 -1999) Champions for Children –Board of Directors (1995 -1999) The Door Youth Drop In Centre - Founding Team Committee Member (1994) CFL Cheerleader – Ottawa Rough Riders (1992-1996) Graduated from Woodroffe HS; attended Rideau and St.Matthews as well Interesting places that I have travelled: Tskhinvali, South Ossetia; Tbilisi, Georgia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, Assisi, Venice, Amalfi Coast, and Florence, Italy; Bordeaux, St. Emilion and Paris, France; Cape Town and surrounding areas, South Africa; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, and Gijon, Spain; Lisbon, Coimbria, Porto, and Sintra, Portugal; from Tofino, B.C. to St.John's, NFL in Canada; and the east coast of the United States (north to south). I am married to my life partner, Anthony, who is my greatest support. We attend St.Patrick's Parish in Fallowfield, where we are both involved. |