OVERVIEW

This year marks the 19th year Assumption has run the IB Program.  As southwestern Ontario’s oldest IB program, 17 courses are offered which is nearly triple the options available at other schools in the region.

Their experienced staff includes numerous IB moderators who grade assessment pieces from around the globe.  Additionally, ACS boasts numerous staff who run training workshops for other IB educators.

Student achievement at Assumption is exceptionally high, thanks to the variety of pathways and experienced staff available.

Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature 
English A 
Extended Essay Coordinator
Mr. Kennedy 

Mr. Kennedy has been teaching at Assumption for 18 years and has been teaching IB English for 16 years. For the past 11 years Mr. Kennedy has also served as an official examiner of Extended Essays for IB and has recently been appointed as a senior examiner and team leader for Extended Essay marking.

IB English students have the opportunity to attend workshops delivered by published writers, University of Windsor researching workshops, the annual Stratford field trip, and the New York City field trip.

His IB credentials include IB DP category 1, 2, and 3 training. His IB English classes consistently score higher than the world IB average by a large margin.


Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature 
English A
Ms. Pearce 

Ms. Kim Pearce has been teaching for 17 years, 13 of which have been at Assumption. She teaches IB DP and MYP English, and she is an IB DP examiner.

Ms. Pearce coaches girls’ soccer, helps organize the school’s Poetry in Voice Recitation competition, is a judge for the OECTA Writing Contest, has been a Course Reviewer for the Ministry of Education, and has been a scorer for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test in Toronto.

Ms. Pearce recently became a PADI Scuba Instructor. She has a background in vocal music and enjoys singing in the pit chorus with Windsor Light Music Theatre. In addition to a degree in Literature, Ms. Pearce has a diploma in Advertising with experience working in this field.

In 2016, Ms. Pearce taught in Melbourne, Australia for one year through a teacher-exchange program.

Group 2 Language Acquisition
French B
Mme. Paciocco 

Mme Paciocco has been teaching for 16 years, 14 of which have been at Assumption. She speaks English, French, Italian and some Spanish.

Mme Paciocco has been trained in DP and MYP category 1 and 2. She has been to many round tables to further her IB training.

- She is the moderator for Student Council.
- Coordinator of the MYP personal projects.
-Co-Coordinator of French Club with Mme. Ibrahim

She has been on 4 exchange programs to France and Italy. She has her Honours in French Language and Literature with a specialist in French and a minor in Italian. She is the Department Head of Languages at Assumption.

Group 2 Language Acquisition
French B
Mme. Ibrahim

Mme Karen Ibrahim  has been teaching at Assumption for 11 years and has been teaching IB french since 2012. 

Mme Ibrahim is the teacher moderator for girls volleyball, runs French Club and Yearbook Club.

IB french students have the opportunity to meet twice a month for french fun & participate occasional Québec culture trips!

Her IB credentials include IB DP Category 1&2 French Language Acquisition, 2 French B round table info seminars. She earned a four year Honours French Language and Literature at University of Windsor and attended University of Nice, France for a semester.

Group 2 Language Acquisition
French B
Monsieur Tannous

Monsieur Tannous is in his fifth year of teaching and has just joined Assumption on a permanent basis. He graduated from the University of Windsor with a double major in French and Criminology. This is his second year as a teacher and he will be teaching in the French and Social Sciences department.

Mr. Tannous enjoys playing and coaching sports, especially volleyball. He is also a sneakerhead with a solid collection of Jordan’s and Yeezy’s.

Group 3 Individual and societies
Business Management
Mr. Bracken

Mr. Bracken has been teaching at Assumption for 17 years, 15 of which have been in IB.  He is active in the business community, owns several rental properties, owns sports camps and sits on the Board at the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator.  These personal experiences provide valuable connections to business curriculum.

At ACS, Bracken coaches several business events, the debate team, finance club and multiple sports.  His business students have won dozens of awards at the provincial and national level.

IB business students have the opportunity to attend several business competitions and business networking events in town.

HL and SL courses are offered at ACS. His IB class average has exceeded the world average by a substantial margin each year he’s taught the course

Group 3 Individual and societies
Business Management
Mr. Howson

Mr. Howson has been teaching high school since 2015. He began his career in London, Ontario with the TVDSB and relocated back home to Windsor this year to teach at Assumption. He has taught a wide range of subjects but specializes in Business, Physical Education. He is currently teaching IB Business, English and Religion. 

Mr. Howson graduated from the University of Windsor with a Degree in Sports Management with a Minor in Business Administration.

He has experience coaching numerous sports including Football, Hockey, Basketball, Soccer and Golf. When he is not at school he is usually participating in sports or spending time with his family. 

Group 3 Individual and societies
History 
Mr. LaPorte

Mr. Laporte is the department head of Social Sciences and has been with Assumption for close to five years. He teaches Junior and Senior History as well as Junior French. 

Mr. Laporte spent his first two years teaching at St. Joseph’s High School where he taught Immersion French and was the co-head coach of the Sr. Boys Hockey Team. 

His credentials include an Honours degree in French and History as well as  Honours Specialist degrees in French and History.

Mr. Laporte has found a home here at Assumption, and he looks forward to teaching our Purple Raiders and getting involved in our school community for many years to come. 

Group 3 Individual and societies
History 
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Mr. Walker 

Mr Walker has been teaching at Assumption College Catholic High School for 18 years and has been teaching IB History and Theory Of Knowledge since its inception at ACCS. 

He also coached football and baseball for Assumption and is qualified to teach Religion. 

He earned his undergraduate degree in Classical Civilizations and received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. 

He is devout in principle to the holy name of the school and to the holistic welfare of all of the students at Assumption.

Group 4 Sciences                      
Chemistry 
Ms. Cooper

Ms. Cooper came to Assumption in 2020. 

She completed her degrees in Neuroscience and Education at the University of Windsor, and is passionate about student mental health and well-being. 

Ms. Cooper runs Science Olympiad, Yearbook (avec Mme Ibrahim) and Neuroscience Club. 

Her IB credentials include MYP Science and DP Chemistry. SL and HL courses are offered for Chemistry at Assumption. 

Group 4 Sciences                      
Chemistry 
Mr. Pittl

Mr. Pittl is a graduate from the University of Windsor and studied Chemistry and Mathematics. 

This is his fifth year at Assumption and is excited to be teaching math this semester. 

Mr. Pittl has experience coaching cross country, soccer and golf. 

He was an executive member of both the Science Society and Chemistry club at the University of Windsor, head tutor of Students offering Support and the MVP of Windsor's championship Ontario Science Games team.    

Group 4 Sciences                      
Biology
Mrs. Brunone

Mrs. Brunone has been teaching for 20 years,  6 at FJ Brennan and  14 years at Assumption, the last 11 as Department Head of Science. She teaches grade 9 and 10 MYP science as well as Grade 11 and 12 Biology as well as IB Biology.

Mrs. Brunone has an Honours Degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto, and Honours Specialist degree in Biology.  She has led her students to the Canada Wide Science Technology and Engineering fair and had great success with students winning top prizes.

Mrs. Brunone coached the Sr. Girls Soccer team, and runs the HOSA team for Assumption College. HOSA Canada is the largest health science student organization in North America. Our mission is to enhance the quality of health education and the delivery of healthcare by providing future health professionals with opportunities, technical training and leadership development that enables them to meet the ever-changing needs of the health care community.

She has roots in the elementary system and was involved with running a science camp at FJ Brennan for elementary students from grade 6 through 8. She constantly strives to push her students to be the best they can be and to learn through inquiry.

Group 4 Sciences                      
Biology
Ms. Zazula

Ms. Zazula has joined the Assumption teaching staff 3 years ago after transferring from Holy Names High School where she taught both Senior and Intermediate Science. Currently at Assumption, she teachers grade 9 and 10 Science. 

Her credentials include an Honours degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Windsor. 

Group 4 Sciences
Biology 
Ms. Lukas

Ms. Lukas has been teaching for 20 years, 13 of which have been at Assumption teaching IB Biology.  She also teaches a variety of other science courses. 

Ms. Lukas has been an IB examiner for the past 6 years.  She is trained to mark  Biology examination papers from students around the world. This gives her the knowledge to teach specific skills to her students to be successful on their IB exam.

At ACS Ms. Lukas helps to coach the cross country team and has led many of them to the OFSAA championships.

She is the organizer of the grade 12 yearly Costa Rica trip.  On this trip students get to observe the plants and animals of two types of rainforest. They have the opportunity to witness the work of other scientists at a Biological research station in the cloud forest.

Group 4 Sciences          
Physics
Mr. Mills

Mr. Mills has been teaching at Assumption for 9 years and has been teaching IB Physics and Chemistry since 2007.

At Assumption Mr. Mills coaches the boys soccer team, manages a very active math club that participates in many National Math Contests, as well as, provides outreach to elementary schools, advises the Science Olympiad Team and Engineering Design Competition Team.

His IB credentials include being trained in IB Physics, IB Chemistry, IB Mathematics and in MYP.

Outside of Assumption, Mr. Mills is a moderator for the IB Physics Internal Assessment, the Vice President of Teaching and Learning for the Ontario Association of Physics Teachers and an IB Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Windsor.  He has been awarded the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago and received two Teacher Learning Leadership Grants from the Ministry of Ontario valued at over $50,000 to complete educational research.  Mr. Mills is also part of the advisory committee that is responsible for updating the Physics Curriculum in Ontario.

Group 4 Sciences
Computer Science
Ms. Falcone 

Ms. Falcone has been a teacher with the HCDSB for the past eight years where she taught Intermediate and Senior AP Mathematics and coached the softball, cross country and volleyball teams. She has recently moved to Windsor and is very excited to be a part of the Assumption team.

She is a graduate of McMaster University where she earned her Honours Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics with a minor in Geography. She is also a graduate of the University of Ottawa where she earned her Bachelor of Education.

Ms. Falcone loves to spend her free time hiking, running, and camping with her dog, Bruce. She also enjoys reading, Crossfit, and country music.

Group 5 Mathematics 
Mr. Muscedere

Mr. Muscedere has a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  After university, Mr. Muscedere worked 5 years for Magna International in Rochester Hills, Michigan.  While there he worked as part of the Design Engineering and Assembly Plant Launch team on the original Production H2 Hummer released in 2003 and later on the 2007 Sebring at Sterling Heights Assembly Plant.

In 2007, Mr. Muscedere decided on a career path change that drew him to Assumption College School’s IB program.  This is his 16th year teaching in the IB Diploma Programme at Assumption. Initially he taught Physics and Math but later, in 2011, was promoted to department head of Mathematics so that became his main teaching focus.  Mr. Muscedere is fully trained in teaching all the IB Math classes and has taught Math Studies, Math SL, and Math HL, with his students consistently scoring above the world average in all areas.

Mr. Muscedere coaches soccer at Assumption, organizes the annual grade 8 math competition at the school and plans out the annual Detroit Tedx Field Trip.  Outside of school he coaches a U10 Competitive Soccer Team, and manages winemaking operations at Muscedere Vineyards.

Group 5 Mathematics 
Mrs. Ianni

Ms. Ianni obtained her  Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Windsor and also has a minor in Visual Arts.

She  moved to the United Kingdom after graduating with her Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor and taught math full time for a semester before coming home.

This is her second year at Assumption and she is very excited to be a part of the Math department.

When she is  not teaching,  she is playing ALL sports with her  two boys at home and has enjoyed coaching girls' soccer in the past.

Group 5 Mathematics                      
Mr. Pittl

Mr. Pittl is a graduate from the University of Windsor and studied Chemistry and Mathematics. 

This is his fifth year at Assumption and is excited to be teaching math this semester. 

Mr. Pittl has experience coaching cross country, soccer and golf. 

He was an executive member of both the Science Society and Chemistry club at the University of Windsor, head tutor of Students offering Support and the MVP of Windsor's championship Ontario Science Games team.    

Group 6 The arts
Visual Arts 
Mr. Delisle

Mr. Delisle has been teaching at Assumption since 2000 both OSSD and IB Visual Art and Social Science and has also worked in Guidance. He works in various styles and mediums of art work, from drawing portraits and caricatures, painting, printing and sculptures in clay and wood. He Coaches the Boys and Girls Wrestling team and the Jr. Badminton team. He also runs the Graphic Novelty Club (comic book club) and the Gaming Club. He will be taking over the Art Club this year. 

His teaching philosophy is to encourage students to find their passion (hopefully in the arts) and help guide them to it, while making the school a welcoming and enjoyable place for them. 

HL and SL courses are available in the Visual Arts.  Senior IB DP students have the opportunity to showcase their own Art Exhibit for their senior year.

His credentials include a degree in visual arts, he is also train in level two IB DP and level one MYP training in Visual Arts.

Group 6 The arts
Music 
Mr. Zanier

Mr. Zanier has been at Assumption for over 18 years and has developed the music program into one of the strongest in Windsor-Essex county. He is a professional musician in the community, frequently performing with the Windsor Symphony, Windsor Light Music Theatre and with Big Louie and the Band.

Mr. Zanier directs the Sr. / Jr. Concert and Jazz bands which have gone on to win many top awards at International Music Festivals across North America. Students have the opportunity to develop their musical skills by being part of these amazing groups.

His credentials include degrees from McGill University and the University of Windsor specializing in Music Education and Performance.

IB Guidance Counsellor                    
CAS Coordinator
Mrs. Castagna 

Mrs.  Castagna has been teaching at Assumption for the past 13 years.

Mrs. Castagna has been trained in IB DP Mathematics,Guidance and CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service).

Coordinator for Creativity, Activity and Service.

She is the moderator for Student Council. 

Coordinator for Assumption’s Relay for Life. 

Mrs. Castagna completed her undergraduate degree for Science and Education at the University of Windsor. She is a dedicated, enthusiastic educator, committed to the nurturing of a positive school environment that will enhance students’ well-being, influence their academic achievement and encourage a life-long passion for learning and personal growth.

IB Coordinator
Mrs. Trudell

Mrs. Trudell is excited to be rejoining the Assumption staff as Vice Principal.  She is happy to be back at Assumption where she taught for 13 years as an English and History teacher in both the IB and OSSD programs. 

Mrs. Trudell has an Honours degree in History from the University of Windsor and holds a Bachelor of Education in Intermediate/Senior History and English. Mrs. Trudell has been trained in IB English and History, and also has Specialist qualifications in History and Religion. 

While at the University of Windsor, Mrs. Trudell played on the Women’s Volleyball team for five years and was awarded the prestigious DeMarco Award in 2005. 

Mrs. Trudell has a passion for education and is dedicated to helping every student realize their potential as faith-filled, successful, and compassionate leaders of our future.