Student Bursaries and School Awards
The Angel Foundation for Learning strives to provide the opportunity for all students to pursue their post-secondary educational dreams through ten (10) bursaries.
We administer four awards. Three of these are aimed to enhance Literacy programs in elementary schools. The Spirit of Inclusion Award assists a deaf & hard of hearing student.
You can direct your donation to the Bursaries and Awards Wing of Support through our Canada Helps page.
Bursary Description
Filipino/a/x students are significantly underrepresented in post-secondary pathways compared to other ethnic groups in Canada. This reflects a strong need for culturally responsive and reflective pedagogy that affirms students in the Filipino/a/x community. This award is part of an ongoing strategy to address this need by increasing educator representation from the TCDSB Filipino student community, who currently comprise over 30% of total enrolment. Encouraging these students to pursue education as a career to ensure a broad base of educators of Filipino descent has been identified as key goal.
More information and application form.
Bursaries
Bacchelli Family Bursary
Bursary Description
The Bacchelli Family Bursary is administered through The Angel Foundation for Learning. It is designated for a TCDSB student who is a recent immigrant to Canada working to achieve his or her educational dreams through post-secondary education. This bursary in the amount of $1,000 is designated to help alleviate some of the financial strain of post-secondary education for a recent immigrant, who requires financial assistance in order to pursue studies at a post-secondary institution.
More information and application form.
Exceptional Student Bursary
Bursary Description
This bursary will be presented to a graduating student who is identified as exceptional and there is evidence of financial need and/or personal challenges. This bursary, in recognition of academic achievement and contribution to the school community, provides financial support in the amount of $1,000 towards post-secondary education at the university or college level. It can also be applied to a community-based program to support an exceptional student following graduation from a TCDSB secondary school.
History
A.S. Meneguzzi, a former Associate Director of Finance with the TCDSB established a fund to support students with special needs following his retirement. This fund was transferred to The Angel Foundation for Learning and is used to support this bursary for students with exceptionalities. This bursary also recognizes former senior staff members of the Toronto Catholic District School Board, who have made financial contributions to The Angel Foundation for Learning’s Bursary program. Norman Forma, a former Director of Education, was widely respected for his collaborative, compassionate and student-centered leadership, Norm Forma is remembered for his interest in promoting increased opportunities for students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Frank Meagher, a former Superintendent of Special Programs provided provincial leadership on behalf of exceptional children. Sandra Montgomery, a former Superintendent of Special Services showed unwavering commitment and compassion for students with special needs.
More information and application form.
AFL Student Bursary for Indigenous Youth
Bursary Description
As part of the ongoing journey towards Truth and Reconciliation and ensuring Every Child Matters, this Student Bursary for Indigenous Youth is administered through the Angel Foundation for Learning and co-sponsored with the TCDSB Department of Equity, Diversity, Indigenous Education, and Community Relations to help defray the cost of post-secondary education. Two (2) bursaries each of $5,000 is available to a graduating First Nations, Inuit and Métis who are registered students in the Toronto Catholic District School Board and require financial assistance in order to pursue post-secondary studies at a college or university and has made outstanding contributions to their school community.
More information and application form.
AFL Skilled Trades Bursary
Bursary Description
This bursary of $1000 is awarded each year to a TCDSB secondary student, to defray costs associated with pursuing an apprenticeship program or continuing post-secondary education in the skilled trades.
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.
More information and application form.
Murdocca Family Literacy Bursary
Bursary Description
This bursary, in the amount of $1,000, 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.
History
The Murdocca Family Literacy Bursary honours the memory of Carmela Murdocca. This bursary will be awarded to a TCDSB secondary school graduate in order to help defray the cost of post-secondary 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. She always regretted this life circumstance. 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.
More information and application form.
AFL Bursary for Studies in Mental Health
Bursary Description
The Angel Foundation for Learning established this bursary in response to the ongoing commitment of TCDSB students and AFL to supporting student mental health. The bursary is awarded to one TCDSB secondary school graduate in order to help defray the cost of post-secondary school education in the mental health sciences (ie. social work, psychology, psychiatry). A bursary for $1,000 is presented annually to a graduating student, who requires financial assistance in order to pursue post-secondary studies at a college or university and has made outstanding contributions to their school community.
More information and application form.
Tom Leon Student Bursary
Bursary Description
The Tom Leon Charitable Foundation 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 for students that require financial assistance. In 2024, this bursary will be awarded to four graduating students who require financial assistance in order to pursue post-secondary studies at an accredited institution. This may include a university, college or other program of study. Each award in the amount of $5,000 is designated to help defray tuition costs.
More information and application form.
The Angel Foundation for Learning Music Bursary
History & Bursary Description
This scholarship honours the memory of Barry Diemert, a former TCDSB superintendent. Barry was passionate in his belief that the lives of every student should experience the enrichment of music. Barry will always be remembered for his love of music and the dedication and excellence he brought to music education throughout the TCDSB.
Thanks to a generous bequest by Bob Wilson, a former TCDSB employee, The Angel Foundation for Learning is able to offer a scholarship of $1,000 to help a student experiencing financial need with tuition fees. The successful applicant will be a graduating student planning to pursue studies in Music at the post-secondary level.
More information and application form.
The Angel Foundation for Learning Visual Arts Bursary
History & Bursary Description
This scholarship honours the memory of Mario Gasparotto, a dedicated and much-loved TCDSB educator, well known for his commitment and passion to the arts in TCDSB schools. He inspired many art students and was a mentor to many art teachers. As a Superintendent of Education, Mario was known for his love of art, his breadth of knowledge, his high standards and his generous manner with students and teachers.
Thanks to a generous bequest by Bob Wilson, a former TCDSB employee, The Angel Foundation for Learning is able to offer a scholarship of $1,000 to help a student experiencing financial need with tuition fees. The successful applicant will be a graduating student planning to pursue studies in Visual Arts at the post-secondary level.
More information and application form.
Awards
The Angel Foundation for Learning School Literacy Award to Support Resources for Exceptional Students
History
This award honours the memory of Barbara & Marek Brodzki. Barbara, a devoted educator of exceptional children, was an Assessment and Programming teacher with TCDSB. She was a member of the Balanced Literacy Team and one of the initiators of the Fifth Block Program. Barbara was passionate in her love of exceptional children and providing them with quality literature. Marek was also a strong supporter of literacy. The Angel Foundation for Learning is continuing to fund this literacy award for exceptional students.
Description of Award
The AFL Literacy Award for Exceptional Students is administered through The Angel Foundation for Learning. It will be awarded to an elementary school to enhance and expand literacy materials for exceptional children in the school. One award of $1000 will be given out annually.
Criteria
This award will be granted to an elementary school to purchase literacy materials for exceptional children based on the following criteria:
- the school’s objectives for the use of the funds;
- a list of the materials that will be purchased; and
- a rationale of how these specific materials will benefit the literacy needs of exceptional children in the school. The literacy materials must be directly available and accessible to the exceptional students (books, media etc).
The Angel Foundation for Learning Literacy Award
Description of Award
The AFL Literacy Award is a special fund administered through The Angel Foundation for Learning to support innovative programs in family literacy within elementary schools across the TCDSB. A grant of $1,000 will be awarded each year.
History
This award honours the memory of George Ermellini, a dedicated and much-loved TCDSB educator, well known for his commitment to the promotion of literacy within elementary schools. George served as teacher and principal at several TCDSB elementary schools. In 1985, he worked on Special Assignment in the Board’s Curriculum and Special Services Department. His particular commitment to students with special needs is well known. From 1987 to his retirement in 1996, George served as Superintendent of Education. He worked tirelessly with schools across the system and in addition found time to serve on many board, archdiocesan, community and government committees. George is remembered for his warm smile and faith in his fellow educators - a faith that challenged and inspired all with whom he worked. The Angel Foundation for Learning is committed to supporting literacy and continues to fund the award.
Spirit of Inclusion Award
Description of Award
The Spirit of Inclusion Award is administered through The Angel Foundation for Learning. It is designated for a TCDSB student who is deaf or hard of hearing and in Grade 8. The award, which recognizes the spirit of inclusion, provides $500 financial support towards hearing loss management for costs such as hearing aids, batteries and FM systems.
The Angel Foundation for Learning Library Award in Honour of Kathy Harding
Description of Award
The AFL Library Award in honour of Kathy Harding is administered through The Angel Foundation for Learning to help develop, improve and augment an elementary school library within the TCDSB. A grant of $1000 will be awarded to purchase books and resources for school libraries.
History
Kathy Harding was a long-serving TCDSB employee first working as an Education Assistant, and since 2001, as a Library Technician, completing the Board certification for both positions.
She is a firm believer in living Catholic values. She saw her role as a steward of the library resources and was dedicated to fostering student achievement by providing quality books, an environment reflecting student needs, and offering choice. Kathy firmly believes that promoting literacy, gives all students the tools necessary to stand up, be heard, and promote success.
She is well known throughout the Board for her civic engagement. Her calm voice of reason has guided her strong commitment to service, contributed to her students’ success, her role as a Library Technician and her career accomplishments within the TCDSB. This award is to support libraries reflecting her values.
Recipients of Awards and Bursaries
AFL INDIGENOUS YOUTH
Christopher Canning
TOM LEON BURSARY
Karissa Cruz
Tristan Robles
Kayla Siriban
Paulina Sieczka
BACCHELLI FAMILY BURSARY
Trinity Osamuyi
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT BURSARY
Sara Galinato
MARY JANE MCKEEN BURSARY
Jicoy Bascombe
MURDOCCA FAMILY LITERACY BURSARY
Charlize Marshall
TANDIA BURSARY
Tharushi Nathasha Perera
AFL MUSIC BURSARY
Nicole Johnson
AFL VISUAL ARTS BURSARY
Jimin Seo
SPIRIT OF INCLUSION AWARD
Joshua Tiglao
AFL INDIGENOUS YOUTH
Jacob Bisson
Janice Sanderson-Wilson
TOM LEON BURSARY
Shana Abraham
Ava Chau
Chloe Cusi
Quincy Okafor
BACCHELLI FAMILY BURSARY
Naomi Ibama
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT BURSARY
Khayouri Johnson
MARY JANE MCKEEN BURSARY
Jay Ogbonna
MURDOCCA FAMILY LITERACY BURSARY
Leon Li
TANDIA BURSARY
Jayla Houston
AFL MUSIC BURSARY
Joshua Manrique
AFL VISUAL ARTS BURSARY
Erica Barrientos
Amy Yan Zhou
SPIRIT OF INCLUSION AWARD
Jahliyan Price
Nanterre Evangelista
TOM LEON BURSARY
Kairra Clemente, Francis Libermann CSS
Kavishka Gomes, Neil McNeil CSS
BACCHELLI FAMILY BURSARY
Faith Omosefe Asemota, St. Joseph Morrow Park
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT BURSARY
Shaleena Singh, Msgr Fraser College (Isabella)
MARY JANE MCKEEN BURSARY
Paula Alcantara, James Cardinal McGuigan CSS
MURDOCCA FAMILY LITERACY BURSARY
Yvvana Duku, Msgr Fraser College (Isabella)
TANDIA BURSARY
Cailean Valdez Cruzada, Notre Dame CSS
TOM LEON BURSARY
Taylor Dallin, Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts
Randesh Wejesundera, Francis Libermann CSS
ANGEL FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING MUSIC BURSARY
Dulce Martinez, Madonna CSS