Recognizing a Love for Learning

This June, cheers erupted when Liz Tarkowski, our Learning Support Coordinator, was announced as this year’s recipient of the Bruce McPherson Award.

Nominated by her colleagues, this award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond to strengthen our community, support our students, and make QMS a better place.

Anyone who knows Liz understands why. She has an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, supported, and valued. Whether she’s advocating for students, mentoring colleagues, or creating spaces where every learner feels they belong, Liz leads with unwavering compassion, kindness, and heart.

Through her work in Learning Support and the Stigma-Free Club, she is helping students discover the confidence to embrace who they are while fostering a community where inclusion isn’t just encouraged, it’s lived every day.

Liz, thank you for being the heart behind so much of what makes QMS such a special place. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and we couldn’t be more grateful to celebrate you.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honour.