Bursaries
The Angel Foundation for Learning administers 18 Bursaries, Awards and Funds every year. Click the links below to find out more about each bursary, including how to apply:
Barry Diemert Music Bursary
Carmela Murdocca Literacy Bursary
Frank Meagher Bursary
Spirit of Inclusion Bursary
Mario Gasparotto Visual Arts Bursary
Mary Jane McKeen Skilled Trades Bursary
Norm Forma Bursary
Sandra Montgomery Student Bursary
TCSB Employees' Credit Union Bursary
Tom Leon Student Bursary
Barry Diemert Music Bursary
A. HISTORY
Barry Diemert joined the Metropolitan Separate School Board in 1962 as a teacher. During his 18-year tenure as assistant superintendent of music (1977-1996) he vigorously built programs in vocal and instrumental music for all schools in the system. Barry was passionate in his belief that the lives of every student should experience the enrichment of music. He expanded the Music Education Festivals throughout the Board and was a driving force in introducing the Christmas Tuba Festival, now an annual event in the city of Toronto. His love for the performing arts in general led to the creation of Staff Arts. He will always be remembered for his love of music, his devotion to family and friends, and the dedication and excellence he brought to music education throughout the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
B. DESCRIPTION OF BURSARY
The Barry Diemert Music Bursary is an annual award of $2,500.00 given to a successful graduate of the Toronto Catholic District School Board wishing to pursue music education at a university, college or other post-secondary music school. It is administered by The Angel Foundation for Learning.
C. CRITERIA
This bursary will be given to a grade 12 student who has been accepted to a post-secondary music program. Selection will be made by a Selection Committee and will be based on:
- Musicianship as demonstrated through school and related performance activities
- A minimum overall academic average of 80%
- Demonstration of leadership and service in school and community
- Letter outlining goals and objectives stating why candidate is deserving of the award
- Referrals from a music teacher and the school principal
- Confirmation of acceptance into a post-secondary music program
- Application must be completed with all of the following criteria for consideration of this bursary:
- The completed and signed application form
- The personal covering letter
- A letter of reference from a secondary school principal of a school which the applicant attended
- A letter of reference from a music teacher who taught a credit course in which the applicant was enrolled
- Confirmation of acceptance into a post-secondary music program.
D. APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications should be forwarded to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning by Monday, May 14, 2012.
The Selection Committee will make a final decision by October 1, 2012. The award will be presented at a Gala function or other appropriate venue the next school year.
Please click here to download the application in PDF format.
E. DONATIONS TO THE BARRY DIEMERT MUSIC BURSARY
Donations are accepted by The Angel Foundation for Learning, 80 Sheppard Ave East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8.
F. CONTACT PERSON
Inquiries regarding the bursary may be made to Jessica Colucci at 416.222.8282 ext. 2205/ Jessica.colucci@tcdsb.org
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Carmela Murdocca Literacy Bursary
A. HISTORY
The Carmela Murdocca Literacy Bursary honours the memory of Carmela Murdocca. This bursary will be awarded to a graduate of a TCDSB secondary school in order to help defray the cost of post-secondary school education.
As a young immigrant woman from a rural background, with family duties and responsibilities, Mrs. Murdocca was never afforded the opportunity to further her education. This was a life circumstance she always regretted. She strongly encouraged her children and grandchildren to continue their studies as she believed that her lack of education had limited her opportunities in life. This bursary was established in her memory to assist a student in realizing his/her dream in further pursuing post secondary studies in the area of English.
B. DESCRIPTION OF AWARD
This bursary, in the amount of $1,000.00, will be awarded annually to a graduating student who requires financial assistance in order to pursue studies in the area of English at a post secondary institution.
C. CRITERIA
Selection of the recipient will be made by a committee composed of representatives from the TCDSB Literacy Team and members of the Murdocca Family and will be based on the following criteria:
- Demonstration of proficiency in the area of English
- Record of contribution to the school community in the area of English
- Description of financial need and/or personal challenges
- Acceptance into a post-secondary institution
D. APPLICATION PROCESS
For each application the following is required:
Application must be completed with all of the following criteria for consideration of this bursary:
- The completed and signed application form
- The personal covering letter
- Two letters of recommendation from the following: The school principal or designate, employer, departmental head, chaplain, support staff, teacher
- Evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary music program
E. SELECTION PROCESS
Selections will be made of a committee comprised of TCDSB Literacy Team and Murdocca Family member(s). Winners will be notified by mail. In order to be considered for this award, a complete application package must be forwarded to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning by Monday, May 14, 2012.
F. CONTACT PERSON
Inquiries regarding the bursary may be made to Jessica Colucci at 416.222.8282 ext. 2205/ Jessica.colucci@tcdsb.org
Please click here to download the application in PDF format
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Frank Meagher Bursary
A. HISTORY
This bursary recognizes Frank Meagher, a former Superintendent of Education with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, as an outstanding educator. Frank retired from the TCDSB after thirty-two years of exemplary service.
Frank began his teaching career in 1968 at St. Jane Francis and after a few years moved up the street to St. Francis de Sales where he became a special education teacher and shortly thereafter, Vice Principal. Frank’s career in educational administration is impressive – Principal at St. Elizabeth, St. Teresa, St. Gregory and St. Cecilia, the latter after a 2 year secondment to York University.
In the role of Superintendent he has experienced two portfolios - Superintendent of Schools (Toronto) and more recently Superintendent of Special Programs. It is in this latter role that he was able to provide provincial leadership on behalf of exceptional children.
Since retirement Frank continues to be involved in education. He was the Director of Taylor College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from May 2001 to June 2003. He worked with Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana to establish a year round school in Italy. He has since returned to Malaysia and has resumed the post as Director of Taylor College.
B. DESCRIPTION OF BURSARY
This award is presented annually to a class of deaf or hard of hearing students in the elementary or secondary panel or to an individual student who is deaf or hard of hearing. The bursary recognizes the importance of the arts for all children.
C. CRITERIA
The award is available to an individual student or classroom enrolled in a deaf and hard of hearing program with the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
D. APPLICATION PROCESS
- The teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing will nominate student / class
- Complete the Application Form (Class Form or Individual Student Form) on the nature and scope of the Arts program and/or the instructor must accompany the application form
- The teacher is to submit the completed application form to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning by Monday, May 14, 2012.
E. SELECTION PROCESS
The review committee will consist of the Coordinator and the members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inter-disciplinary Team.
F. DONATIONS TO THE FRANK MEAGHER BURSARY FUND
Donations to the Frank Meagher Bursary fund can be made through The Angel Foundation for Learning. All donations will be acknowledged and a tax receipt will be issued.
Please click here to download the Class Application Form in PDF format.
Please click here to download the Individual Student Application Form in PDF format
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Spirit of Inclusion Bursary
DESCRIPTION OF BURSARY:
The Spirit of Inclusion Bursary is a special fund administered through The Angel Foundation for Learning. It is designated to a TCDSB student who is deaf or hard of hearing and in grade 8. The bursary which recognizes the spirit of inclusion provides financial support in the amount of $100.00 towards hearing loss management for costs such as hearing aids, batteries and FM systems.
CRITERIA:
The bursary is available to an individual grade 8 student, enrolled in a deaf and hard of hearing program with the TCDSB who is graduating to a TCDSB secondary school.
Guidelines:
- The teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing will nominate the student
- Complete application form
- The teacher is to submit the completed application form to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning by Monday, May 14, 2012.
SELECTION PROCESS:
The review committee consists of the Coordinator and the members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inter-Disciplinary Team.
DONATIONS:
Donations to the Spirit of Inclusion Bursary can be made through The Angel Foundation for Learning, 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8.
Please click here to download the application in PDF format.
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Mario Gasparotto Visual Arts Bursary
A. HISTORY
This fund honours the memory of Mario Gasparotto, a dedicated and much-loved Toronto Catholic District School Board educator, well known for his commitment to the arts in TCDSB schools. His passion for art was well known and inspired many art students.
In 1983, he became art consultant for the Board, becoming a mentor to many art teachers. In the mid 1990's he was appointed superintendent of education with the TCDSB. Mario is remembered for his love of art, his breadth of knowledge, his high standards, and his generous manner with students and teachers alike.
B. DESCRIPTION OF BURSARY
The Mario Gasparotto Visual Arts Bursary is a special fund administered through The Angel Foundation for Learning to support graduating students planning to pursue studies in visual arts at the post-secondary level. Two awards of $500 each will be given to students each year.
C. CRITERIA
The successful applicants are grade 12 students who have been accepted to post-secondary visual arts studies at college or university. The selection will be based on:
- The quality of the student's work: originality, creativity, problem-solving and technical ability
- The student's overall achievement in visual arts
- The student's overall contribution to the school and community
D. APPLICATION PROCESS
Students will be nominated by the Dept. Head for Visual Arts in their school. (Max. 2 students per school)
For each application the following is required:
- A completed Application Form
- A letter of application from the student, explaining post-secondary plans
- A portfolio of snapshots of at least three major works. Each snapshot must be accompanied by a half-page statement describing the dimensions and media of the work as well as an artist's statement explaining the purpose of the work
- A letter of recommendation from the student's teacher detailing the student's achievement and work habits in visual arts as well as school and community involvement
- Evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary visual arts program
E. SELECTION PROCESS
All applications must be forwarded by the School Department Head for Visual Arts to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning by Monday, May 14, 2012. The Selection Committee will review all applications and make a decision regarding the recipients of the bursary by mid June. Finalists must make an oral presentation of their works to the panel in early June.
F. CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the award may be made to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282 ext. 2205 / Jessica.colucci@tcdsb.org
G. DONATIONS
Donations to the Mario Gasparotto Visual Arts Bursary can be made to The Angel Foundation for Learning, 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8.
Please click here to download the application in PDF format.
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Mary Jane McKeen Skilled Trades Bursary
HISTORY
Mary Jane McKeen taught for over 34 years, the last 17 with the TCDSB. She passionately believes that for children who have skills working with their hands, this bursary will help them fulfill their dreams and realize the value and dignity of work in the skilled trades.
Through this bursary Mary Jane honours her parents, George and Wanda Wymer, who each enjoyed a long and fulfilled life because of their hard work, determination and talents. George - an accomplished carpenter and gardener, and Wanda - a fabulous cook and baker - were excellent role models for their children and grandchildren. Their grandchildren, David and Christopher McKeen, continue to demonstrate these same talents and admirable qualities.
DESCRIPTION OF AWARD
This bursary of $500 is awarded each year to a high school student attending a TCDSB school, who has skills and talents working with his or her hands. It helps defray costs associated with pursuing an apprenticeship program or continuing post secondary education in the skilled trades.
CRITERIA
Selection of the recipient is made by a committee composed of representatives from The Angel Foundation for Learning and members of the McKeen family. The selection is based on the following criteria:
- Financial need
- Overall contribution to the school and community
- Evidence of acceptance into an apprenticeship program or post-secondary study in the skilled trades
APPLICATION PROCESS
For each application the following is required:
- A completed application form
- A letter of application from the student
- A letter of recommendation from the school principal or designate which outlines contributions to the school and community and which states the nature of the financial need
- Evidence of acceptance into an apprenticeship program or continued studies in the trades
Please click here to download the application in PDF format.
SELECTION PROCESS
All applications must be forwarded by the school to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning by Monday, May 14, 2012. The Selection Committee will review all applications and make a decision regarding the recipient of the award by the end of the second week in June.
CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the scholarship fund may be made to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282 ext. 2205 / Jessica.colucci@tcdsb.org
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Norman Forma Bursary
A. HISTORY
This bursary recognizes Norman Forma, a former Director of Education with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, as an outstanding educator. Norm retired from the Toronto Catholic District School Board after thirty-three years of exemplary service.
Widely respected for his collaborative, compassionate and student-centered leadership, Norm is particularly remembered at the board for his interest in promoting increased opportunity for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Although he has retired from full time work, Norm continues to work tirelessly to meet the unique needs of children who are deaf and their families.
B. DESCRIPTION OF BURSARY
This bursary is presented annually to a graduating student who is deaf and hard of hearing. The bursary, in recognition of academic achievement, provides financial support in the amount of $500 towards post- secondary education at the university or college level.
C. CRITERIA
The successful applicant is a graduating student from either the class or itinerant deaf and hard of hearing program with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. The student has been accepted into a college or university program and is entering first year post-secondary studies following graduation.
D. APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested students must submit the following:
- Letter of application outlining their post-secondary plans including their plans for coping with their hearing loss in the post-secondary setting
- A letter of support from the student’s teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing detailing the student’s academic achievement in light of the hearing loss and a description of how this individual contributed to the school and community
- Evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary program
- The application and a letter of reference must be forwarded to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning, by Monday, May 14, 2012
E. SELECTION PROCESS
The review committee will consist of the interdisciplinary support team from Special Programs Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Consideration will be given to:
- Significance of hearing loss
- Student’s overall achievement
- Student’s post-secondary plans
- Student’s overall contribution to the school and community
- Notification of the bursary will be given in early June.
F. DONATIONS TO THE NORMAN FORMA BURSARY
Donations to the Norman Forma Bursary can be made through The Angel Foundation for Learning, 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8. Since this is a charitable organization, all donations to the Foundation will be acknowledged and a tax receipt will be issued.
Please click here to download the application in PDF format.
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Sandra Montgomery Student Bursary
A. HISTORY
This bursary recognizes the contributions of Sandra Montgomery. Following an exemplary career of 35 years of service with the Toronto Catholic District School Board Sandra’s last assignment was Superintendent of Special Services, a position for which she was destined. Her unwavering commitment and compassion for students with special needs has been the cornerstone of her career. A fitting legacy, this bursary benefits students with special needs.
B. DESCRIPTION OF THE BURSARY
This bursary provides support for a secondary student with special needs who is unable to participate in community-based programs because of financial hardships. The recipient is given $500.00 to help defray the cost of admission to a program such as St. Jude Academy of the Arts or other community based programs.
C. CRITERIA
- This bursary is made available to secondary students with special needs who would benefit from additional social and recreational opportunities that community-based programs can provide.
- Financial need and/or personal challenges
- Acceptance into a community-based program
D. APPLICATION PROCESS
For each application the following is required:
- A completed application form
- A letter of application from the student
- A personal letter of recommendation from the school principal or designate which outlines contributions to the school and community and which states the nature of the financial need and/or personal challenges (Please include as much detail as appropriate)
- A letter from the parents indicating the type and duration of the community-based program
E. SELECTION PROCESS
Selections will be made by a committee comprised of Sandra Montgomery and staff of The Angel Foundation for Learning. Recipients will be notified by mail. In order to be considered for this bursary, a complete application package must be received by Monday, May 14, 2012. Please send the completed application to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning
F. CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the fund may be made to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282 ext. 2205 / Jessica.colucci@tcdsb.org
Please click here to download the application in PDF format.
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TCSB Employees’ Credit Union Limited Student Bursary
HISTORY
The Board of Directors for the TCSB Employees’ Credit Union Limited has established a bursary which is awarded to a graduate of a TCDSB secondary school in order to help defray the cost of post-secondary school education.
DESCRIPTION OF BURSARY
This bursary is awarded annually to a graduating student who requires financial assistance in order to pursue studies at university or college. The annual amount of the bursary is $500.
CRITERIA
The TCSBECU student bursary is given to a Grade 12 student who is currently attending a TCDSB secondary school. Selection of the recipient will be based on the following criteria:
- ‘B’ average or higher
- Financial need
- Overall contribution to the school and community
- Acceptance into a post-secondary institution
- Preference will be given to applicant whose parent/guardian is a member of TCSBECU.
APPLICATION PROCESS
For each application the following is required:
- A completed application form
- A letter of application from the student
- A letter of recommendation from the school principal or designate which outlines contributions to the school and community and which states the nature of the financial need (Please include as much detail as appropriate)
- Evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary institution
SELECTION PROCESS
All applications must be forwarded by the school to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning by Monday, May 14, 2012. The Selection Committee will review all applications and make a decision regarding the recipient of the bursary by the end of the second week in June.
CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the bursary fund may be made to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282 ext. 2205 / Jessica.colucci@tcdsb.org
Please click here to download the application in PDF format.
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Tom Leon Student Bursary
A. HISTORY
The Tom Leon Charitable Foundation has established the Tom Leon Student Bursary for graduates of a TCDSB Secondary School in order to help defray the cost of post-secondary school education.
B. DESCRIPTION OF AWARD
This bursary is awarded annually to two graduating female students and two graduating male students who require financial assistance in order to pursue studies at a post secondary institution. Each award is designated for the cost of tuition in the amount of up to $5,000.00. The cheque is made payable to the educational institution.
C. CRITERIA
Selection of the recipients will be based on the following criteria:
- Contributions to the school and/or community that reflect Catholic values
- Financial need and/or personal challenges
- Evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary institution
- Volunteer work within the school or community
- Contribution and involvement in extra-curricular activities
- Academic efforts
- Personal challenges and obstacles
D. APPLICATION PROCESS
For each application the following is required:
- A completed application form
- A Personal Cover Letter from the student outlining reasons to be the recipient include the number of community hours accumulated, specifically stating the impact of the student’s faith on his/her life
- Two letters of recommendation: one from within the school and one from outside of school (school principal or designate, employer, chaplain, coach, teacher, community leader etc) which outlines contributions to the school and community and which states the nature of the financial need and/or personal challenges (Please include as much detail as appropriate)
- Evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary institution
F. SELECTION PROCESS
Selections are made of a committee comprised of TCDSB social work staff, The Angel Foundation for Learning staff and Leon Family member(s). Winners are notified by mail. In order to be considered for this award, a complete application package must be forwarded by Monday, May 16, 2011 to Sara Camilleri, The Angel Foundation for Learning
G. CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the bursary may be made to Jessica Colucci, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282 ext. 2205 / Jessica.colucci@tcdsb.org
Please click here to download the application in PDF format.
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