signaller

instructor

educational assistant

carpenter

youth worker

Niagara-Catholic-District-School-Board

Firstly, it's an on-call position which was not listed in the posting when I applied, nor in the interview process. The good news is, you work as much as you want to answer your phone (and they do keep calling, as they're massively understaffed for the position by a ratio of close to 4-1.) The bad news is, you are being called for ridiculous shifts where sometimes you make no money. If you are very unfortunate, you'll find yourself working 3 different jobs, all short hours, and having to commute across the region at your own dime to make it to your next shift. (ex. Stevensville to Fort Erie to Niagara Falls)

Coworkers vary from location to location, and most are good provided you do your job and keep your head down. However, if you miss something in your assigned section, they are very quick to report it up the chain of command and have management admonish you for it. There is very little understanding that mistakes and miscommunication can happen, leading to the high turnover rate from casuals.

Then there's the issue with the union. Casual custodians are not viewed as full union members, but are bound to the same rules as full CUPE members. This means new hires often find themselves stuck between a rock (the schoolboard and management) and a hard place (CUPE). 

Training is a half-step above non-existent, though I understand it has gotten better since my tenure. My training was on the job, on the fly, and with very little explanation for the aspects of the job besides the cleaning of classrooms and bathrooms. The best way to learn is to ask full-time employees to train you, though many are reluctant to as they believe new hires should have already been shown how to do things.

To summarize: a negative work environment, constantly overworked and undervalued for what you do. But, if you can stick it out through 2-4 years and become a full CUPE member, it's a job for a lifetime. Management can be your best friend or worst enemy, and will often change on a day-to-day basis.

Typical day at work was 830 to 430, working 75% independently in schools supporting spec ed department and students. 

The good: The most enjoyable part of the job was meeting school teams and students whose lives are positively impacted by your role. The teachers who are incredible. And the EAs who break a sweat everyday for the kids. We worked hard to make sure these staff felt supported, valued and appreciated for their hard work and skills.

The bad: 
The spec ed department was depressing, with very little reinforcement from coworkers, very little encouragement, little positive attitudes and a punishing environment.  Basically the opposite environment that we are trained to create inside school teams. It felt extremely backwards and hypocritical.  Not at all what I have seen in spec-ed departments in other boards. 

Workplace culture is toxic. No communication encouraged among staff. Weird power dynamics which prevent staff from contacting and speaking to management.  People were gossiping to try to solve issues and end up spreading misinformation.  For those who have issues and need to speak up, be prepared to be retaliated against for speaking out. Leading to feeling shunned and isolated, outcasted. 

Overall would never work here again unless upper management/supervisors are gutted out and more professionals are hired who have experience from other school boards where systems are being run with higher standards. 

A typical day involved balancing teaching responsibilities with shifting administrative expectations, often made more challenging by inconsistent or unclear communication. While working with students was always meaningful, the broader environment could quickly become overwhelming. Over time, it became clear how essential strong leadership and reliable communication are within a school system. Management practices varied considerably, but systemic issues stood out: communication was often delayed, internal politics influenced decision-making, and nepotism appeared to be a recurring concern. Colleagues were generally supportive, but the overall workplace culture did not align with the polished public image the board promotes, including its claim of being one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. The most difficult part of the job was navigating the stress created by these ongoing organizational challenges. The most enjoyable part, without question, was making a difference in the lives of students—supporting their academic progress, mentoring through sports, and building positive relationships that truly mattered.

I worked as a CYW at NCDSB for 3 years. The first year was difficult because I was fresh out of college and didn’t have a many “tools” in my toolbox for working with children and youth. After a period of adjustment and moulding my approach, I felt I had an important purpose serving the at risk children and youth within the community. 
This is not an easy job in the slightest. A lot of the time I worked out of regular work hours to meet the needs of the students, but felt fulfilled because I was making a difference in the lives of many.
As a CYW you work in 3-4 schools that you are assigned each week, and try and fit in every class in the building at least once a week. The job is very similar to a teaching career, except you specialize in mental health and self regulation. 
If you put in the effort that it takes, the staff (teachers, support staff, and admin) will work with you. 

They're okay. Unfortunately the length of time spent as a casual before entering a permanent union job is way too long. It seems like most people end up waiting anywhere from 4 to 6 years just to get a permanent position. Some of the schools are great to work at but others are down right awful. The summers off are great but it comes with the price of only living off of EI during those two months and it can make income very tight if you don't plan for it.

But yes, the biggest drawback here is going unacknowledged by senior management for many many years before eventually (hopefully) being able to become a permanent employee. I don't think I would recommend them if you can find an employer who will respect you, rather then let you continuously slide through the cracks.

Typical day at work is meeting with students, counsellors, and my co-workers as a team, discussing the future interests of each individual I have on my co-op list. In between that I contact employers to place students in their area of interest.
In the past 17 years as a co-op teacher I have learned so many areas in the work world such as hairdressing,foods and hospitality,auto body,Personal Support Workers..the list goes on. My management team are very positive and very supportive.
The hardest part of my job is receiving a phone call that a student has been injured.
Most rewarding part of my job is running into students I haven't heard from in years, and hearing their success stories.

After working for the company for more than 3 decades, I was denied a one week leave that I put in for to attend a family wedding.  A marriage is a sacrament, and it was denied with no reason given.  The leave that I applied for was without pay and my role does not bring in a supply staff, so it would cost the board absolutely NO money and would save the board money.  I was declined this on more than one occasion.  The other time was to attend my grandson's baptism.  Again, a sacrament and I offered to take the time without pay.  It was in another province so I needed travel time.  However, employees in teaching positions are able to get the time off without an problems.  This made for a toxic work environment.

When I arrive at work, I see if there are any customers that need to be greeted or helped with purchases (bagging and/or cashing out) or winery information. I find out if there are any specific promotions going on. I check to see if the tasting bar needs dirty glasses to go to the back if any restocking needs to be done (glasses, cases of wine, grape seed oil, From May until October help with bus tours by giving tours and hosting or helping in the hospitality room, or cleaning up after a tour. I love learning new things and helping people chose a wine that they enjoy.

The best part about working at the winery is that people are there by choice and are interested in learning about the wine industry and are in a good mood.

What is the best part of working at the company?
I liked working at the elementary level in this school board. The staff was helpful and professional. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
For the most part the experience was positive except for one principal and vice principal. I thought they treated some of the students unfairly by not listening to both sides of some situations that arose. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The environment was clean. All locations were different as far as culture. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
For the most part it went quickly. Sometimes clear instructions were not given.  My day  includeda 6 hours of work and an hour for lunch and breaks.

Love my job however it is a 10 month position and I am looking for a 12 month position.  My co-workers are a delight to work with.   If the opportunity is right I would relocate.

My current job consists of various duties including working closely with students, management, superintendents of education, principals, and the Ministry of Education on various projects and reports.  My workday is different each and every day, full of challenges and accomplishments which make it the most enjoyable part of the job.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Signaller 38 salaries reported	$86,370 per year
Instructor 5 salaries reported	$31.22 per hour
Educational assistant 1 salary reported	$26.91 per hour
Carpenter 1 salary reported	$30.31 per hour
Youth worker 2 salaries reported	$26.91 per hour

Working at Niagara Catholic District School Board: company overview and reviews

Niagara Catholic District School Board

Niagara Catholic District School Board ratings

Popular jobs at Niagara Catholic District School Board

Salary satisfaction

Job seeker tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected