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 <h1>Why I Chose Teaching as a Second Career: Francesco Bellissimo</h1>

 The apple didn&#8217;t fall from the tree when it came to Francesco Bellissimo&#8217;s first career. 

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-headshot-1.jpg" alt="Francesco Bellissimo" width="400" height="600" class="float-left size-full wp-image-6160" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-headshot-1.jpg 400w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-headshot-1-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />

 &#8220;My family history initially drew me to accounting,&#8221; says Bellissimo, accounting and economics teacher at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS). &#8220;Both my dad and my brother are accountants, so I was interested in and intrigued by it. Once I started my program at the University of Toronto, I saw the diverse career possibilities in accounting, which excited me to pursue this profession even more.&#8221; 

 Things went according to plan for the first five years for Bellissimo, who has a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) designation. 

 &#8220;Within accounting, I worked in three of the major fields commonly occupied by CPAs, which are external audit, finance, and internal audit,&#8221; he says. 

 However, Bellissimo&#8217;s appetite for change and variety within the field was driven by an unlikely motivation.  

 &#8220;I switched each time because there was always something missing for me. I didn’t feel fulfilled,&#8221; he says. &#8220;Whether it was report writing or analysing spreadsheets, I was always looking for something else.&#8221; 

 Each new experience helped him gain further clarity. 

 

 <figure id="attachment_6161" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6161" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-1.jpg" alt="Bellissimo is pictured with colleagues from the finance department during his time as an accountant with Loblaw Companies Ltd." width="1200" height="896" class="size-full wp-image-6161" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-1.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-1-300x224.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-1-768x573.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6161" class="wp-caption-text">Francesco Bellissimo is pictured with colleagues from the finance department during his time as an accountant with Loblaw Companies Ltd.</figcaption></figure>

 &#8220;I really enjoy interpersonal interactions and working with individuals as a mentor.&#8221; That fact was confirmed by Bellissimo&#8217;s part-time activity. &#8220;In addition to my regular duties, I was training employees as well as tutoring economics and accounting on the side. That really helped me to think about pursuing teaching seriously,&#8221; he says. &#8220;I&#8217;d always thought about it as potentially a part-time position. I would teach at a college or university in addition to my full-time day job as an accountant.&#8221; 

 During his fifth year of practice, the writing on the wall was unmistakable. 

 &#8220;The enjoyment level started to become a factor. My role at the time didn’t involve much training and I was really missing that,&#8221; he says. 

 The lure of starting a new career, dedicating a year to earn his teaching credentials, while exciting &#8212; posed immediate obstacles. 

 <figure id="attachment_6162" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6162" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-4.jpg" alt="Celebrating Halloween with former colleagues from Jonas Software." width="1200" height="900" class="size-full wp-image-6162" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-4.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-4-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6162" class="wp-caption-text">Francesco Bellissimo celebrates Halloween with former colleagues from Jonas Software.</figcaption></figure>

 &#8220;I was still hesitant because we were a young family,&#8221; says Bellissimo. &#8220;My wife was pregnant with our second, so we knew she would be on maternity leave for pretty much the entire time I would be in teacher&#8217;s college. We&#8217;d be on a significantly reduced household income as a result.&#8221; 

 Again, family played a critical role &#8212; this time his wife, who is also a CPA, CA.  

 &#8220;She helped convince me and push me over the hump,&#8221; recalls Bellissimo. &#8220;Without her being on board and helping me realize this is my passion, I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;d be here.&#8221; 

 Seven years into his second career, Bellissimo has never looked back. 

 &#8220;Being with other people, sharing my experiences, and imparting knowledge on a daily basis is really where I truly believe I thrive the most,&#8221; he says. &#8220;Getting to work with students on achieving their goals and working with them to master the content and bring out the best of themselves is what I enjoy.&#8221; 

 &#8220;There are certainly many transferable skills that I apply in my current teaching career, such as multitasking, thinking creatively and working in a dynamic environment.&#8221;  
 <figure id="attachment_6163" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6163" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-5.jpg" alt="During March Break in 2019, Francesco Bellissimo was among St. Michael’s College School staff to travel to Europe with a group of students as part of a business studies trip." width="1200" height="900" class="size-full wp-image-6163" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-5.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bellissimo-5-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6163" class="wp-caption-text">During March Break in 2019, Francesco Bellissimo was among St. Michael’s College School staff to travel to Europe with a group of students as part of a business studies trip.</figcaption></figure>

 Additionally, he says his experience producing detailed, professional accounting presentations and reports serves him well in the classroom. 

 &#8220;I can be meticulous with my PowerPoints! Sometimes I think I&#8217;m spending too much time on them, but when I get feedback from students saying they really enjoy them and find them not only interesting, but informative and helpful for tests and assignments &#8212; that&#8217;s really where the reward comes!&#8221; 

 Transitioning from an accounting firm to a classroom has also meant other changes. 

 &#8220;My biggest adjustment was really making sure to simplify things,&#8221; says Bellissimo, who received this feedback from one of his mentors in teacher&#8217;s college. &#8220;Now it&#8217;s almost like second nature to me. I always try and make sure that even if I&#8217;m leading with something, I&#8217;ll always backtrack and make sure we explain what it is or, even get class participation to explain what it is. Breaking things down before we proceed.&#8221;   

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/StMikes-NatPost-163.jpg" alt="StMikes NatPost 163" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6164" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/StMikes-NatPost-163.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/StMikes-NatPost-163-300x200.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/StMikes-NatPost-163-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

 His biggest challenge? &#8220;Just trying to manage everything,&#8221; says Bellissimo, who is a father of four &#8212; all eight years of age and younger. 

 &#8220;At this stage in my life, it is about trying to be a father at home and also trying to be a leader to the boys that I teach &#8212; just making sure there&#8217;s time for all of that.&#8221;  

 <h2>Francesco Bellissimo&#8217;s learnings, career tips, and strategies: </h2> 

 Never be afraid to try something new, regardless of your age, or where you are in your life. If you feel that’s your calling, then definitely pursue it.  

 Be passionate about what you do.  

 Make sure you&#8217;re doing what you love. And if you follow that, then you&#8217;ll end up where you need to be. 

 Always pursue your dreams and what you want to do.

 This story is part of an ongoing series on the career journeys of St. Michael’s College School staff. 

 Grade 11 Career Day at St. Michael&#8217;s College School takes place on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

</div>
<section>
Related links:
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/about/administration-and-staff/directory">SMCS Faculty</a>
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/news-events">News And Events</a>
</section>

Why I Chose Teaching as a Second Career: Francesco Bellissimo

<div class="page-inner">

 <h1>Why I Chose Teaching as a Second Career: John Walsh</h1>

 A gifted athlete in high school specializing in soccer, football, and track, John Walsh was certain of one thing as a teenager contemplating his future career. &#8220;I always thought I wanted to be involved in sport. It was always in the back of my mind,&#8221; he says. &#8220;I had no idea what.&#8221;

 <figure id="attachment_6215" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6215" style="width: 400px" class="wp-caption float-left"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/john-walsh-headshot-2021.jpg" alt="John Walsh" width="400" height="600" class="size-full wp-image-6215" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/john-walsh-headshot-2021.jpg 400w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/john-walsh-headshot-2021-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6215" class="wp-caption-text">&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>

 His plan to delay attending university following high school hit a roadblock when Walsh got the opportunity to join the football team at the University of Waterloo. He seized it, concurrently enrolling in the school&#8217;s arts programme. But, early on, he suffered a ruptured kidney on the field, derailing his playing career.

 The timing of the injury was in some ways fortuitous. Walsh was not enthusiastic about his programme or courses and soon returned to Toronto.

 What would happen over the next several years involved a series of chance encounters and rekindled relationships &#8212; all of which helped him gain greater clarity in discerning a career path.

 &#8220;I was always fascinated by the mechanics of sport,&#8221; says Walsh, who graduated from St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) in 1973. &#8220;The thought of teaching someone how to do something, that was always at the forefront.&#8221;

 As luck would have it, a former coach asked if Walsh could help him with a high school football team in Toronto on a volunteer basis.

 It was this experience and the people he met during his two years as a volunteer coach that would guide and define his academic and career trajectories. &#8220;I was a sponge,&#8221; Walsh recalls. &#8220;I was just absorbing what these guys were doing. I was working with some pretty classy people at the time. Their teaching, recruiting, motivation, and everything that went along with it. I learned a lot. They were all such terrific guys.&#8221;

 <figure id="attachment_6216" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6216" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Leo-and-Blackie.jpg" alt="Walsh (right) credits former Canadian Football League (CFL) coaches Leo Cahill (left) and Blackie Johnson (middle) with being his biggest career mentors." width="1200" height="900" class="size-full wp-image-6216" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Leo-and-Blackie.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Leo-and-Blackie-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Leo-and-Blackie-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6216" class="wp-caption-text">Walsh (right) credits former Canadian Football League (CFL) coaches Leo Cahill (left) and Blackie Johnson (middle) with being his biggest career mentors.</figcaption></figure>

 Among them, two men who would prove to be his most influential career mentors. Leo Cahill, would go on to become a legend in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as both a coach and general manager. The other, Francis &#8216;Blackie&#8217; Johnson, coached at Notre Dame and in the CFL. 

 &#8220;They had this ability to help people, like players, and bring them along,&#8221; says Walsh. &#8220;They looked at the players as more than just commodities. They were people. The relationship that they had with these players mattered.&#8221;

 The tutelage crystallized Walsh&#8217;s goals for him. &#8220;Now, I had a greater direction. I wanted a credential that would help me with coaching. My thinking was I wanted to coach at the university level, because I figured that was attainable as opposed to the professional level,&#8221; he says. &#8220;I was determined that I was going to coach and make a living out of coaching.&#8221;

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kerry-Blues.jpg" alt="Kerry Blues" width="1200" height="900" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6217" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kerry-Blues.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kerry-Blues-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kerry-Blues-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

 Specifically, he wanted to coach football. &#8220;I enjoyed the battle in football. To me, it was like a chess game. They move. You move. When you are physically out on that field, it&#8217;s about who makes the least mental mistakes,&#8221; he says. &#8220;The coaching thing for me was one big chess game.&#8221;

 He returned to university pursuing a degree in Physical Health and Education at the University of Toronto, while working as a coach in the evening.  

 &#8220;I was doing a lot of biomechanics, and physiology during the day at school,&#8221; he says. &#8220;You&#8217;d be learning about the mechanics and in the evening, you&#8217;d be putting them into play. It kind of went hand in hand. It was a nice blend.&#8221;  

 <figure id="attachment_6218" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6218" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Ticat-bench-Rocky.jpg" alt="John Walsh was a coach and scout in the CFL for several teams over seven seasons, pictured here with the Ticats in 1991." width="1200" height="900" class="size-full wp-image-6218" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Ticat-bench-Rocky.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Ticat-bench-Rocky-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Ticat-bench-Rocky-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6218" class="wp-caption-text">John Walsh was a coach and scout in the CFL for several teams over seven seasons, pictured here with the Ticats in 1991.</figcaption></figure>

 Walsh would go on to work in the CFL as a coach in Ottawa, Hamilton, and Toronto over the course of seven seasons. &#8220;All of a sudden I am coaching football for a living,&#8221; he recalls fondly. &#8220;The minute you walk in there, it&#8217;s like wow, I&#8217;m here!&#8221; 

 He describes the experience as living a &#8220;nomadic&#8221; lifestyle. 

 Walsh also served as a college scout for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and worked in the CFL head office.  

 Along the way, he added to his university repertoire coaching York University, University of Toronto, and Guelph&#8217;s varsity football teams.     St. Andrew&#8217;s College in Aurora and De La Salle College were among his high school coaching stops.  

 Then, in the early 1990s a visit to his alma mater &#8212; a place first introduced to him at age seven by his late older cousin Tom Polanic ’62, a former SMCS Athlete of the Year and NHLer &#8212; would alter Walsh&#8217;s career path again. 

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/In-Ohio.jpg" alt="SMCS Hockey team in dressing room in Ohio" width="1200" height="900" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6219" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/In-Ohio.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/In-Ohio-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/In-Ohio-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

 After initially supply teaching and coaching football at SMCS, Walsh returned to the CFL for a season with the Hamilton Tiger Cats. 

 In the off-season, he pursued his Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Toronto. 

 He was offered a full-time position at SMCS in 1992.

 &#8220;I had lost the desire for the nomadic life of coaching,&#8221; he says. &#8220;So, it just felt right. I didn&#8217;t think it could get any better. It just seemed perfect being able to teach and coach and be at St. Mike&#8217;s.&#8221; 

 Early into his career at SMCS teaching science and coaching football, hockey, and track, Walsh would have an experience that would both validate and forever influence his second career choice. 

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/JW-bench.jpg" alt="JW bench" width="1200" height="900" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6220" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/JW-bench.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/JW-bench-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/JW-bench-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

 It came via a letter from a Grade 9 student, who was struggling in school.  

 &#8220;I still have that letter,&#8221; says Walsh choking back tears as he recalls it from more than 20 years ago.  

 &#8220;He [the student] apologized for not being a better student and he basically said I never gave up on him. I always made him feel like he was important in the class and that he was part of the team. That he was important,&#8221; Walsh recounts.    &#8220;I was new to teaching. I don&#8217;t think I understood at that point how deeply you can touch somebody and not realize it. That letter was huge.&#8221; 

 In his 28 years at SMCS, Walsh has coached every year &#8212; except in 2020 &#8212; because of the pandemic. 

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/StMikes-Sept15-082.jpg" alt="SMCS Teacher using white board" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6221" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/StMikes-Sept15-082.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/StMikes-Sept15-082-300x200.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/StMikes-Sept15-082-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

 In 2017, he began another career shift, harnessing his experience in the classroom, relationship-building, coaching, and mentoring skills to establish the Community and Learning Partnerships programme at SMCS. 

 He&#8217;s still drawing up plays, connecting dots, and nurturing new mentors, both inside and outside the classroom. 

 &#8220;You&#8217;re moulding the minds of these young men, and it&#8217;s much more significant than somebody running a proper play. You&#8217;re talking about a young man&#8217;s life. I have never taken that for granted.&#8221; 

 <h2>John Walsh&#8217;s Learnings, Career Tips, and Strategies:</h2> 

 Change because you are passionate about going into that career and not because you have nowhere else to go or are to trying to get out of something else.  

 Pursue something that brings you joy, because if you&#8217;re not happy it affects you and everyone around you. 

 Regardless of what you are doing, continue to build your toolbox of skills and be prepared for what might come around the corner. 

 This story is part of an ongoing series on the career journeys of St. Michael’s College School staff. 

 Grade 11 Career Day at St. Michael&#8217;s College School takes place on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

</div>
<section>
Related links:
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/about/administration-and-staff/directory">SMCS Faculty</a>
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/news-events">News And Events</a>
</section>

Why I Chose Teaching as a Second Career: John Walsh

<div class="page-inner">
 
 <h1>Luc Coulombe Headed to Western</h1>

 Luc Coulombe is taking his talents to London, Ontario next year. 

 The Grade 12 St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) honour roll student has been recruited to join the Western Mustangs soccer programme and continue his student-athlete journey. 

 <figure id="attachment_6203" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6203" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption float-left"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Luc-Coloumbe-1.jpg" alt="Luc Coulombe" width="450" height="600" class="size-full wp-image-6203" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Luc-Coloumbe-1.jpg 450w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Luc-Coloumbe-1-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6203" class="wp-caption-text">St. Michael&#8217;s College School (SMCS) student Luc Coulombe signing his commitment to Western University for soccer.</figcaption></figure>

 “I had a few interesting offers from Canadian schools, but I chose Western because they offered the best balance for my education and soccer career,” says Coulombe. 

 The key to Coulombe’s decision to attend Western was the opportunity to enroll in the university’s Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) programme this fall. 

 “The BMOS programme was my first choice and being able to play soccer there made the decision really easy for me,” explains Coulombe. “I’m looking to work in management in the future and enjoy taking initiative and leading, so the BMOS programme is the perfect fit to help me develop the skills I need to be an effective leader.” 

 “Luc is an outstanding student-athlete, excelling in the classroom and on the pitch,” says Miko Romano, SMCS Senior Soccer Coach and Co-Head of the Accounting and Geography Departments. “He was a dedicated and integral part of the senior soccer team and his passion and desire to win was continually on display.” 

 Coulombe started playing soccer at the age of six and within two years was playing competitively and has never looked back. His rep soccer career has included trips to the U.S. and Europe along with multiple invites to Ontario showcase camps. 

 At SMCS, he has been a counted-on striker for the senior soccer team and a short distance runner with the school’s track and field team. His co-curricular involvement last year also included being a member of the politics club and DECA club. 

 <figure id="attachment_6204" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6204" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Escobedo-27.jpg" alt="Escobedo 27" width="1200" height="800" class="size-full wp-image-6204" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Escobedo-27.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Escobedo-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Escobedo-27-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6204" class="wp-caption-text">St. Michael&#8217;s College School student Luc Coulombe (left) has been playing soccer since he was six.</figcaption></figure>

 “St. Mike’s made me a better player by teaching me the values of discipline and teamwork,” says Coulombe. “These values will prepare me for the high level of soccer in university.” 

 “The school has also prepared me to be a better student by teaching me how to organize my time and be resourceful,” adds Coulombe. “Programmes such as the homework club really helped me develop the skills required to organize my time productively.” 

 “St. Mike’s also taught me to use all of the resources available to find success. This approach has benefitted me immensely, and If I had not learned these skills from St. Mike’s I would not be the student or athlete I am today.” 

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Escobedo-8.jpg" alt="Escobedo 8" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6205" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Escobedo-8.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Escobedo-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Escobedo-8-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

 With his SMCS graduation clearly in sight, Coulombe is heading into a busy summer as he works around current health restrictions to manage his daily training schedule which consists of workouts both in the gym and on the pitch. 

 “In addition to my daily training plan, I will continue with the virtual mobility and position-specific video sessions with the Western coaching staff,” adds Coulombe. “If restrictions are lifted, the plan will be to visit Western on weekends and train with the team and also attend their preseason camp.”

</div>
<section>
Related links:
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/programmes/athletics">Athletics Programme</a>
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/news-events">News And Events</a>
</section>

SMCS Luc Coulombe is taking his talents to London, Ontario next year.

Coulombe Headed to Western

Archangel’s Den – As the journey continues

<div class="page-inner">
<h1>Ways to Fulfill Service Hours in the Face of a Pandemic</h1>

Even in a revised format, it remains a sizeable undertaking within a COVID-19 world.   A graduation requirement in Ontario mandating all high school students complete 40 hours of community service or volunteer hours was waived by the Ministry of Education last year due to pandemic-fuelled restrictions. This year, the Ministry of Education has reduced the requirement from 40 hours to 20 hours. 

In a normal year, SMCS students are required to go above and beyond the provincial standard to complete: <ul> 	<li>40 hours of community service hours by April 1 of their grade 10 year</li> 	<li>A minimum of 20 hours by April 1 of their Grade 9 year</li> 	<li>An additional 20 hours of Christian service in Grade 11</li> 	<li>A combined total of 60 hours upon Grade 12 graduation, to receive a St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) diploma</li> </ul> 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Dr.-Robert-Fantilli.jpg" alt="SMCS Dr. Robert Fantilli &#039;94" width="350" height="525" class="float-left" size-full wp-image-6208" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Dr.-Robert-Fantilli.jpg 350w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Dr.-Robert-Fantilli-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />
&#8220;The traditional places where many students would feel comfortable devoting time in-person such as the Canadian Food for Children warehouse, the Daily Bread Food Bank, or Good Shepherd Ministries are less accessible &#8212; or for reasons including lockdown measures &#8212; not possible,&#8221; says Dr. Robert Fantilli &#8217;94, who moderates Community Service initiatives at St. Michael&#8217;s College School (SMCS). 

The pandemic climate has also necessitated changes at SMCS, specifically: <ul> 	<li>Deadline extension to May 1, 2021 for all community and Christian service hour submissions</li> 	<li>Christian Service requirement for Grades 11 and 12 reduced to 10 hours</li> </ul> 

&#8220;For many of our students, the pandemic has bred ingenuity and has afforded them an opportunity to showcase that necessity is truly the mother of invention,&#8221; says Fantilli. 

The Vesz brothers are a case in point. &#8220;We knew from an article sent out by the school that another SMCS student had launched a successful neighbourhood food drive,&#8221; says Trevor Vesz, a Grade 9 student. &#8220;Since we had already run food drives in elementary school, we decided to start with that. We also talked with our parents and brainstormed some other ideas.&#8221; 

Trevor and Matthew Vesz are undertaking a variety of creative initiatives to meet their service requirements. 
<figure id="attachment_6211" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6211" style="width: 800px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Trevor-and-Matthew-Ves.jpg" alt="SMCS Trevor and Matthew Vesz are undertaking a variety of creative initiatives to meet their service hours requirements." width="800" height="325" class="size-full wp-image-6211" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Trevor-and-Matthew-Ves.jpg 800w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Trevor-and-Matthew-Ves-300x122.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Trevor-and-Matthew-Ves-768x312.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6211" class="wp-caption-text">Trevor and Matthew Vesz are undertaking a variety of creative initiatives to meet their service requirements.</figcaption></figure>
Together, Trevor and his twin brother Matthew, crafted an expansive list of community and Christian service initiatives which they are undertaking, including: <ul> 	<li>Neighbourhood food drive</li> 	<li>Shovelling snow for neighbours</li> 	<li>Running errands for neighbours who are elderly or parents with young children</li> 	<li>Virtual music practice buddy</li> 	<li>Virtual Grade 6 performance band volunteer</li> 	<li>Virtual JK volunteer (read stories, play games, help with experiments)</li> 	<li>Virtual Grade 1 volunteer</li> 	<li>Virtual presentation to Grade 8s about transition to high school (future initiative)</li> </ul> 

Maxwell Kerton prepares to deliver the kits he assembled to support the Out of the Cold program at a local church.
<figure id="attachment_6213" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6213" style="width: 350px" class="wp-caption float-right"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Maxwell-Kerton.jpg" alt="SMCS Maxwell Kerton prepares to deliver the kits he assembled to support the Out of the Cold program at a local church." width="350" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-6213" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Maxwell-Kerton.jpg 350w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-Maxwell-Kerton-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6213" class="wp-caption-text">Maxwell Kerton prepares to deliver the kits he assembled to support the Out of the Cold program at a local church.</figcaption></figure>
&#8220;We are volunteering weekly with a JK class at our old school,&#8221; continues Trevor. &#8220;So far, we have read stories, done magic, played online games and helped with experiments. We are also helping out with Grade 6 band practice on Mondays as well as reading to Grade 1 on Thursdays. Scheduling has been pretty easy while we’ve been at home.&#8221; 

He adds, &#8220;Our old school was a great source of opportunities for us. We started helping one teacher and are now working with four.&#8221; 

Grade 9 student Maxwell Kerton is focusing his service efforts on a current, pressing societal need. &#8220;In the past, I was always able to volunteer in-person for the Out of Cold program, for example,&#8221; says Kerton, referring to an inter-faith initiative that provides food, shelter and warm clothing to those in need through more than 15 locations operating out of synagogues, mosques and parishes across the city. 

&#8220;I might not be able to serve dinner at Out of the Cold anymore but I thought about what I could provide to help,&#8221; he says. &#8220;People who are in vulnerable positions needing a warm meal would need masks and hand cleanser too. I spoke to my dad about getting these supplies and he was happy to help. I have made up kits in a bag with two surgical masks and a small bottle of hand cleanser.&#8221; Since January 18, Kerton has been putting together 150 kits every two weeks and delivering them to the Out of the Cold weekly <a href="https://holyrosary.ca/ministries/service-outreach/#_tab_content-24-118" target="_blank" rel="noopener">program</a> at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. All told, Kerton has assembled 400 kits, and counting. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-mask-sanitizer.jpg" alt="SMCS image of a mask and sanitizer they hand out to help others" width="350" height="467" class="float-left" size-full wp-image-6210" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-mask-sanitizer.jpg 350w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-mask-sanitizer-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />
&#8220;I have also been writing letters and cards to the residents at Dom Lipa retirement and long-term care home where my great-grandmother lived,&#8221; he says. An idea he credits to his older sister. 

&#8220;I would tell other students to try to think outside the box. There are lots of ways to help that they may not have thought of.&#8221;   Julien Di Lauro, a Grade 11 student, is also striving to complete his Christian service hours. 

&#8220;I knew I wanted to do something with mental health in my community, but it was difficult to figure out how as we need to remember the safety restrictions and being in lockdown,&#8221; he says. 

Each &#8216;Smile Box&#8217; is designed with items to help support those battling mental health challenges during the pandemic. 
<figure id="attachment_6209" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6209" style="width: 350px" class="wp-caption float-right"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-smile-box.jpg" alt="SMCS Each &#039;Smile Box&#039; is designed with items to help support those battling mental health challenges during the pandemic." width="350" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-6209" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-smile-box.jpg 350w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-smile-box-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6209" class="wp-caption-text">Each &#8216;Smile Box&#8217; is designed with items to help support those battling mental health challenges during the pandemic.</figcaption></figure>
Di Lauro persevered &#8212; sharpening his focus and developing a plan. 

&#8220;Once I realized a lot of people were struggling with mental health during the pandemic, it was evident that we needed to create something that can help ease the anxiety and depression they are struggling with,&#8221; says Di Lauro. &#8220;I started an initiative with my family called &#8216;The Smile Box&#8217; where we create friendly boxes that contain items for people struggling with mental health during the pandemic. We ask the people in our community whether they be friends or family to donate/create boxes for adults, teens, and children. Some items in the boxes are stress balls, fidget toys, crosswords, bottle of water, gloves, hats, etc. These boxes are then delivered to Costi Services,&#8221; he says. 

So far, Di Lauro has delivered 50 Smile Boxes with an additional 70 in the works. His advice for other students on finding safe and meaningful volunteer initiatives? 

Julien has already delivered 50 Smile Boxes since starting the service project in January.
<figure id="attachment_6207" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6207" style="width: 350px" class="wp-caption float-left"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-deliversmileboxes.jpg" alt="SMCS Julien has already delivered 50 Smile Boxes since starting the service project in January." width="350" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-6207" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-deliversmileboxes.jpg 350w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/smcs-deliversmileboxes-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6207" class="wp-caption-text">Julien has already delivered 50 Smile Boxes since starting the service project in January.</figcaption></figure>
&#8220;Don&#8217;t be afraid to come up with new ways to help your community or don&#8217;t be afraid to ask to help organizations in your community,&#8221; he says. &#8220;We&#8217;re in a time where people need to help each other, whether that be lifting people&#8217;s spirits or helping them in the smallest ways possible like shovelling the snow. The littlest things, go a long way.&#8221; 

&#8220;I am truly amazed by the double-blue ingenuity some of our young men have displayed and the creative lengths they have gone to engage meaningfully with their communities,&#8221; says Dr. Fantilli. &#8220;I would like to challenge students to take time to go for a walk, get some fresh air, and to look within, at their own talents they are blessed with, and whether it be through the arts, sports, or simply the devotion of time, find a way to use what is at their disposal to give of themselves.&#8221; Community and Christian Service suggestions: 
<ul> 	<li>Making milk bag mats </li> 	<li>Online peer tutoring </li> 	<li>Virtual tutoring of younger students </li> 	<li>Writing cards or letters to the elderly or disabled </li> </ul> </div>
<section>
Related links:
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/student-life/service">Service</a>
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/news-events">News And Events</a>
</section>

SMCS Julien has already delivered 50 Smile Boxes since starting the service project in January.

Ways to Fulfill Service Hours in the Face of a Pandemic

<div class="page-inner">

 <h1>Why I Chose Teaching as a Second Career: Andrew Kiel</h1>

 Being a great listener is a strength that continues to serve Andrew Kiel in immeasurable ways. 

 It has included listening to himself throughout his life, and in particular as a student. 

 &#8220;Prior to receiving my Bachelor of Education, I was on a mission of self-discovery of what I wanted to do in life,&#8221; says Kiel, who graduated from St. Michael&#8217;s College School in 2009. &#8220;Finding a sense of purpose in my work was important.&#8221;  

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/andrew-kiel-career-path-smcs-1.jpg" alt="Andrew Kiel" width="1200" height="801" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6229" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/andrew-kiel-career-path-smcs-1.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/andrew-kiel-career-path-smcs-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/andrew-kiel-career-path-smcs-1-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

 The journey led him to pursue post-secondary studies at the University of St. Michael&#8217;s College in the University of Toronto (U of T) and subsequently a job at the school itself. 

 &#8220;I worked at the University of Toronto in residence life and in university advancement (young alumni, fundraising, and special projects),&#8221; says Kiel. &#8220;I worked with students who faced unique challenges.&#8221; 

 Lending a friendly and supportive ear to alumni and students while serving as a mentor were key facets of Kiel&#8217;s role.  

 <figure id="attachment_6230" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6230" style="width: 800px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel-SPC-Frosh-Cover.jpg" alt="While at U of T, Andrew Kiel (centre) led the Student Philanthropy Council which focused on educating students about giving back to the community." width="800" height="533" class="size-full wp-image-6230" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel-SPC-Frosh-Cover.jpg 800w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel-SPC-Frosh-Cover-300x200.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel-SPC-Frosh-Cover-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6230" class="wp-caption-text">While at U of T, Andrew Kiel (centre) led the Student Philanthropy Council which focused on educating students about giving back to the community.</figcaption></figure>

 “As a Residence Don at U of T, I encountered several unique challenges,&#8221; says Kiel. &#8220;One in particular, was the growing number of students experiencing mental health and wellness issues. Students were often overwhelmed with academic obligations, settling into a new environment for the first time, and challenges in managing existing relationships. Unfortunately, this often led to an increase in substance abuse and isolation. An important part of my role was to help students overcome their challenges.”  Armed with varied experience and a teaching degree, Kiel&#8217;s career trajectory thrust him forward in 2017, weaving together his education, experience skill set and purpose into a new role at St. Michael’s College School. 

 &#8220;As a qualified teacher in Ontario, it allowed me to return to St. Mike’s where I was a student, to give back to other talented individuals who could benefit from my experiences,&#8221; says Kiel. 

 &#8220;The biggest adjustment in transitioning to teaching was a more expanded role, which meant taking on the role as the Coordinator of Spiritual Life,&#8221; he says. &#8220;This was a role that my previous career trained me for.&#8221; 

 <figure id="attachment_6231" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6231" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel-Building.jpg" alt="Andrew Kiel is pictured volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for their build day as part of the U of T Alumni Association." width="640" height="640" class="size-full wp-image-6231" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel-Building.jpg 640w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel-Building-300x300.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel-Building-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6231" class="wp-caption-text">Andrew Kiel is pictured volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for their build day as part of the U of T Alumni Association.</figcaption></figure>

 &#8220;My past career taught me the importance of listening to and understanding others,” adds Kiel. “Specifically, being aware of their needs and insecurities. Understanding people in my previous roles allowed me to become a better educator, and provided me with the ability to build important relationships with students and help them achieve their full potential.&#8221;  

 His responsibilities are both extensive and impactful &#8212; ranging from leading the organization of the school&#8217;s many religious ceremonies, Community Service initiatives with students, alumni-focused projects, coordinating Clubs and Activities and the daily morning video announcements, among other duties. His various roles have brought with them plenty of learnings for Kiel himself.  

 &#8220;As the Coordinator of Spiritual Life, I deliver daily prayer to the community on video,&#8221; he says. &#8220;I am uncomfortable speaking in front of a camera, as I enjoy working behind the scenes on projects. Stepping out of my comfort-zone was important in this role to pray to God daily and thank him for our blessings.&#8221;  

 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel_DSC3795.jpg" alt="Kiel_DSC3795" width="1200" height="801" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6232" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel_DSC3795.jpg 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel_DSC3795-300x200.jpg 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kiel_DSC3795-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />

 With his office nestled in the heart of the student locker area at the school, Kiel&#8217;s daily interaction with students from all grade levels &#8212; as a sounding board, mentor, advisor, and educator &#8212; is perhaps his most important duty. 

 &#8220;Attention to detail and listening to others are required for my current role,&#8221; he says. &#8220;My greatest challenge is to ensure that I do my part in encouraging and supporting every student at St. Mike’s to achieve their full potential in life. Every student should know that they can reach out for support to use the many resources available to them.&#8221;  

 In many ways, Kiel&#8217;s career arc has come full circle, as he navigates interactions, exchanges, and connections with boys during their formative years. It is a time he remembers vividly on his own path of discernment. 

 &#8220;Getting to know each student outside of the classroom is the most rewarding experience,&#8221; he says. “Often these relationships continue beyond graduation.&#8221; 

 <h2>Andrew Kiel&#8217;s Learnings, Career Tips, and Strategies: </h2> 

 &#8220;Ask yourself if your current career provides a sense of purpose that resonates with you. If not, then is there a career that can help you find that sense of purpose?  

 Have confidence in yourself to make a career change that will benefit you in the long run. 

 Do not be afraid to make mistakes in life, as long as you learn from them. It is an opportunity for you to learn and grow in your journey of self-discovery. Often when a door closes, another one opens. This is often the case with career choices. It is expected that many of today’s generation of students will have several careers in their lifetime. 

 Have faith in God to help you get there.&#8221; 

 This story is part of an ongoing series on the career journeys of St. Michael’s College School staff.  

 Grade 11 Career Day at St. Michael&#8217;s College School takes place on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.  

</div>
<section>
Related links:
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/about/administration-and-staff/directory">SMCS Faculty</a>
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/news-events">News And Events</a>
</section>

Why I Chose Teaching as a Second Career: Francesco Bellissimo

Why I Chose Teaching as a Second Career: John Walsh

Coulombe Headed to Western

Archangel’s Den – As the journey continues

Ways to Fulfill Service Hours in the Face of a Pandemic

Why I Chose Teaching as a Second Career: Andrew Kiel

Civic Holiday