On August 28, 2026, the Board of Trustees of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division proudly recognized two exceptional educators whose dedicated lives of service embody the very heart of Catholic education: Mrs. Rhonda Kawa and Mrs. Coreen Packham.
The prestigious Share the Mission Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate long-term service, accept demanding challenges, set new benchmarks of excellence, and contribute meaningfully to the spiritual atmosphere of our schools. Above all, recipients reflect the Division’s Mission Statement through daily acts of leadership, community engagement, and faith in action.
This year's co-recipients, Rhonda Kawa and Coreen Packham, exemplify how faith-filled service shapes both administrative operational excellence and vibrant parish-school connection.
Mrs. Coreen Packham: A Harmonic Bridge Between School, Parish, and Faith
Nominated by multiple members of the community, including St. Paul’s School Principal Ryan Myndio and retired 40-year veteran educator Valeria Lazaretto, Mrs. Coreen Packham has built a legacy centered on joy, musical ministry, and deep evangelization.
Valeria Lazaretto first recognized Coreen’s potential decades ago when she was hired as an Educational Assistant and accompanist at St. Patrick Fine Arts Elementary School. Encouraged to pursue an Education degree, Packham transitioned into a teacher colleague, blooming into a dynamic educator who eventually joined the Catholic Church as a convert a few years ago. Since then, her daily life has been a living reflection of Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy.
Coreen’s contributions to the school and parish communities are vast and vibrant:
- Eucharistic Connection: She regularly accompanies classes to Wednesday noon Mass at St. Basil’s Church, actively guiding students to practice sacred rituals—from genuflecting and singing to attentive prayer.
- Parish & Youth Ministry: Volunteering multiple times a week at All Saints Parish, Packham directs students to lead singing at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass every second week and gives up a week of her summer break to lead the parish youth camp.
- Music & Tradition: Beyond school choir performances, she writes and produces an original Christmas concert each year, encouraging students to discover and share their God-given talents to celebrate the nativity meaningfully.
"Coreen applies genuine enthusiasm and vitality into all her offerings for students... She recognizes and appreciates gifts and talents that God so graciously bestows on all of us and does her best to develop a multitude of these gifts," shared Valeria Lazaretto in her nomination letter.
Mrs. Rhonda Kawa: Faith-Centered Leadership Built on Integrity and Grace
Nominated by colleague Lyndley, Mrs. Rhonda Kawa serves as a beacon of mentorship, quiet strength, and unwavering professionalism at the School Board Central Office (SBCEC).
Mrs. Kawa’s leadership style is rooted in kindness, high standards, and a deep commitment to Catholic values. Known for her open-door policy, she consistently carves out time to offer guidance, practical help, and genuine encouragement to colleagues at every stage of their careers.
Key highlights of Kawa's impact include:
- Earning Division-Wide Respect: Built over years of consistent integrity, her reputation spans across every school in the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division.
- Mentorship & Empowerment: She sets high standards for excellence while creating a safe environment where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
- Systemic Impact: Though based at the central office, her behind-the-scenes leadership and service ensure that every classroom and school in the division operates within a supportive, faith-filled framework.
"Rhonda exemplifies what it means to serve with kindness, professionalism, and a strong foundation in Catholic faith," noted Lyndley. "Her influence extends far beyond her immediate role, and I truly believe that every school in our Division benefits from her dedication."
Living the Mission Daily
Reflecting on the 2026/2027 recipients, Committee Chair Roisin Gibb summarized the collective gratitude felt throughout the school division and parish communities:
"When we think about people who truly share our mission, we think about people like Rhonda and Coreen. They have spent years serving others with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our Catholic faith. Rhonda's quiet work keeps our division running smoothly. Coreen's gift of music has inspired prayer and strengthened the connection between our schools and parishes.
Their lives are a beautiful reminder that living our faith is found in the faithful acts of service we offer each day. We are deeply grateful for the gifts they have shared with the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division and for the lasting impact they have made on our students, staff, and faith communities. It is a privilege to recognize them both as this year's recipients of the Share the Mission Award!”
The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division extends its heartfelt congratulations and prayers of gratitude to Mrs. Rhonda Kawa and Mrs. Coreen Packham for their years of inspiring service and exemplary witness.