Our School

Martina Fasano began her teaching career in 2003 at YCDSB’s St.Joan of Arc Catholic High School. She also taught grade 8 at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Elementary School before returning to the secondary panel and eventually serving as the department head of Canadian and World Studies at St.Maximilian Kolbe, where she taught economics, law, and history. As a vice-principal, Martina has had the honour and privilege of serving both the Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy as well as the St.Brother Andre Catholic High School communities prior to being appointed as the principal of St.Elizabeth.

Martina has served on various committees at the Board level, including the YSCPC (York Secondary Catholic President’s Council), Drug and Alcohol Awareness (DAW), and the Covid-19 Logistics and Planning Committee. She was also a member of the committee that developed teacher resources for the history curriculum revisions which focused on the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action to embed Indigenous history into the grade 10 history curriculum in Ontario. As a member of the Ontario History and Social Science Teacher’s Association (OHASSTA), Martina also developed curriculum-based teacher modules on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Education as part of a targeted project about the role of school trustees.

Throughout her career, Martina’s passion for engaging students has been at the forefront of her efforts toward forward thinking curriculum development in the social sciences, student leadership, school-based digital tool implementation, arts education, school/student safety, and data-informed school improvement. She has also had the opportunity to work with music industry professionals in the capacity of musician, author, social media manager, and public relations strategy. These experiences have allowed Martina to connect student learning to the world beyond the classroom, and bring exciting and dynamic opportunities to the school communities that she has served.

From a very young age, Lisa Joseph always knew she wanted to be an educator, and has proudly been a part of the York Catholic District School Board her entire career.

After graduating from the Concurrent Program at York University, she started in the Canadian & World Studies department as a history/geography and family studies teacher at Father Michael McGivney C.H.S.  During her first five years at FMM, she not only supported students in the classroom but coached numerous sports and steered many committees that focused on Student Leadership and Diversity & Equity.

She then moved on to St. Theresa of Lisieux C.H.S., where she spent the following 16 years in a variety of teaching and leadership roles.  It is here she began her journey as a guidance counsellor, gaining knowledge of pathways, post-secondary, mental health and other student needs.  She is a strong advocate for inclusivity and continuously strives to promote a safe and welcoming environment for all students.  She introduced mindfulness for both staff and students, continuously supported anti-racism initiatives, and also oversaw Student Government and President’s Council, helping students become the next generation of leaders.  Lisa’s passion for students was recognized by the York Catholic District School Board in 2014/15, when she was presented with the Outstanding Teacher Award.

Lisa is a student for life and always loves learning.  She achieved her Masters of Education early on in 2006 and has taken numerous qualification courses that led her to take the Guidance Headship at St. Robert in 2021.  Here she was a pillar in supporting the Guidance department and the school in developing mental health and inclusive programs that supported both the IB and Academic students of the school.

Achieving her Administrative Qualifications in 2021, Lisa has now been appointed as our newest Vice Principal at St. Elizabeth C.H.S., overseeing the Regional Arts Program.  She hopes to continue the great work and commitment both staff and students have put forth to create such a wonderful program, where students can embrace their God given talents and nurture their whole being.

God has always led Lisa throughout her journey in all aspects of her life, especially in her educational career.  Thus, here at St. Elizabeth, she truly believes that in Christ-like ways she will work with this great community to include, inspire, and challenge every student to care, learn, think and be strong to rise above all.