The Angel Foundation for Learning

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
Keith Tavares 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

HISTORY
Barry Diemert joined the Metropolitan Separate School Board in 1962 as a teacher. He quickly moved through the ranks as music consultant, assistant superintendent of music and finally superintendent of schools. 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. One of his favourite pastimes was making music with family, friends and fellow teachers. 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

D. PROCESS AND TIMELINE OF APPLICATIONS
Application forms will be available by the end of February. These can be downloaded from this site or from Joan Lovell (416 222-8282 ext 2844 or joan.lovell@tcdsb.org. Applications should be forwarded to the Program Coordinator for the Arts at the CEC by Friday, May 16, 2008.

Please click here to download the application in PDF format.

The Selection Committee will make a final decision by September 30, 2008.
The award will be presented at a Gala function or other appropriate venue the next school year.

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 the Program Coordinator for the Arts at the C.E.C. Telephone: 416 222-8282 ext. 2534

Carmela Murdocca Literacy Bursary

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 was a fiercely independent woman who had great influence on her family. 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.

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.

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

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
Evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary institution

Please click here to download the application in PDF format.

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 by your school by Friday, May 16, 2008 to:
Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning
80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8

CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding this bursary may be made to Sara Camilleri, Executive Director at The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416-222-8282 ext. 2195/ sara.camilleri@tcdsb.org

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.

Frank is widely respected as a children’s advocate as well as a mentor to students, teachers, principals and superintendents. He is a compassionate listener and an inspirational leader.

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 deaf or hard of hearing student in the elementary or secondary panel. The bursary recognizes the importance of the arts for all children. It provides financial support to an individual deaf or hard of hearing student participating in an Arts Program in the community.

C. CRITERIA
The award is available to an individual student 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
Complete the Application Form
Information 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 the Coordinator of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program by Friday, May 16, 2008.

Please click here to download the application in PDF format.

E. SELECTION PROCESS
The review committee will consist of the Coordinator and the members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inter-disciplinary Team. The Coordinator will forward information regarding the successful applicant to The Angel Foundation for Learning so that funds can be issued to the program provider.

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.

Keith Tavares Spirit of Inclusion Bursary

HISTORY:
This bursary honours the memory of Keith Adam Tavares, a grade 6 student who attended Cardinal Leger Catholic School. Keith was an exceptional student identified as Deaf/Hard of Hearing and as a student with a Learning Disability. Resilient in the face of medical adversity, Keith taught the world about inclusion. A fitting legacy, this bursary conceived to remember Keith’s spirit, will continue to benefit students who are deaf and hard of hearing.

DESCRIPTION OF BURSARY:
The Keith Tavares 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Application forms are available by contacting Sara DiNallo, Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs at St. Raymond Catholic School. Her email is sara.dinallo@tcdsb.org. The application is also available by calling Joan Lovell 416.222.8282 extension 2844 or online at www.angelfoundationforlearning.org.

Please click here to download the application in PDF format.

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 the Coordinator of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program by Friday, May 16, 2008.

SELECTION PROCESS: The review committee consists of the Coordinator and the members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inter-Disciplinary Team in consultation with members of the Tavares family. The Coordinator forwards information regarding the successful applicant to The Angel Foundation for Learning in early June, so that the bursary is presented to the recipient at their grade 8 graduation ceremony.

DONATIONS TO THE KEITH TAVARES SPIRIT OF INCLUSION BURSARY:
Donations to the Keith Tavares Spirit of Inclusion Bursary can be made through The Angel Foundation for Learning, 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8.

Mario Gasparotto Visual Arts Bursary

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.

Mario was employed by the MSSB, now TCDSB, from 1971 until 2001. While pursuing his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees at the University of Toronto, he taught visual arts and art history in MSSB high 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 and held that position until his death.

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 post-secondary studies in visual arts at college or university.

Two awards of $500 each will be given to students each year.

C. CRITERIA
Allocations for the Mario Gasparotto Visual Arts Bursary are made by The Angel Foundation for Learning to a grade 12 student who has been accepted to post-secondary visual arts studies at college or university. The selection is made by a panel of visual arts educators and will be based on:

The quality of the student's work in terms of originality, creativity, problem-solving and technical ability
The student's overall achievement in visual arts
The student's post-secondary plans
The student's overall contribution to the school and community

APPLICATION PROCESS
Students will be nominated by the Department Heads for Visual Arts in TCDSB secondary schools. (Maximum of 2 students per school)

For each application the following is required:

Applicants name, school, address, telephone number and email address is required
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 will be forwarded by the School Department Heads for Visual Arts to the TCDSB Program Coordinator for the Arts by Friday, May 16, 2008.
A panel of arts educators will review the applications and prepare a list of
finalists.

Finalists will make an oral presentation of their works to the panel in early June.
The panel will make the final decision regarding recipients of the award.

Notification of the winners will be made in mid June.

Note: Winning the award is conditional on the students being accepted into a postsecondary program of study in visual arts.

F. CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the award may be made to the Program Coordinator for the Arts at the Catholic Education Centre.

DONATIONS TO THE MARIO GASPAROTTO VISUAL ARTS BURSARY
Donations to the Mario Gasparotto Visual Arts Bursary may be made to The Angel Foundation for Learning, 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8.

Mary Jane McKeen Skilled Trades Bursary

A. HISTORY
This bursary has been a dream of Mary Jane McKeen whose teaching career of 34 years, the last 17 with the TCDSB, has been rich and rewarding. She taught a wide variety of classes and every area of special needs. 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.

B. 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.

C. 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
Acceptance into an apprenticeship program or post-secondary study in the skilled trades

D. 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.

E. SELECTION PROCESS
416.222.8282 extension 2195
All applications must be forwarded by the school to the Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning before Friday, May 16, 2008. 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.

F. CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the scholarship fund may be made to the Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282, ext. 2195.

Norman Forma Bursary

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 embrace new challenges and opportunities. 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 Sara Di Nallo, Program Coordinator, Deaf and Hard of Hearing before Friday, May 16, 2008.

Please click here to download the application in PDF format.

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.

Sandra Montgomery Student Bursary

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.

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.

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

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

Please click here to download the application in PDF format.

SELECTION PROCESS
Selections will be made by a committee comprised of Sandra Montgomery, the Special Services Program Coordinator – Secondary school liaison 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 Friday, May 16, 2008. Please send the completed application to:
Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning
80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8

CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the fund may be made to the Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282 ext. 2195.

TCSB Employees’ Credit Union Limited Student Bursary

A. HISTORY
As part of its ongoing support for The Angel Foundation for Learning, 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.

B. 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.

C. CRITERIA
The TCSBECU Bursary will be given by the Board of Directors of The Angel Foundation for Learning to a Grade 12 student who is currently attending a TCDSB secondary school. Selection of the recipient will be made by a committee composed of representatives from the TCSBECU and The Angel Foundation for Learning Board of Directors and 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.

D. 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

Please click here to download the application in PDF format.

E. SELECTION PROCESS
All applications must be forwarded by the school to the Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning before Friday, May 16, 2008. 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.

F. CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding the bursary fund may be made to the Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282, ext. 2195.

Tom Leon Student Bursary

HISTORY
In addition to the Tom Leon Family Support Fund, The Tom Leon Charitable Foundation has established the Tom Leon Student Bursary. This bursary is awarded to graduates of a TCDSB Secondary School in order to help defray the cost of post-secondary school education.

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.

CRITERIA
Selection of the recipients are made by a committee comprised of representatives from the TCDSB Social Work department, The Angel Foundation for Learning staff and members of the Leon family and will be based on the following criteria:

Contributions to the school and/or community that reflect Catholic values
Financial need and/or personal challenges
Acceptance into a post-secondary institution

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)
Evidence of acceptance into a post-secondary institution

Please click here to download the application in PDF format.

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 your school by Friday, May 16, 2008 to:
Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning
80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6E8

CONTACT PERSON
Enquiries regarding this bursary may be made to the Executive Director, The Angel Foundation for Learning at 416.222.8282 ext. 2195.

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