Monday, January 14, 2019
Frank Porfilio Ode to Frank Porfilio In May of 1990, I was hired as an Occasional teacher by the ECRCSSB, Ste. Anne�s High School is where I spent most of the 2 months. In September of 1990, I was hired by the WSSB and Holy Name High School is where I spent most of my time. This is how I became good friends with Frank Porfilio, and every one who knew Frank knows how easy it was to become his friend. As a Occasional, I already knew Frank, for he always gave me a friendly �hello�. One week in October, I was called to Ste. Anne and had lunch duty right in front of his office. Frank Porfilio�s Coop office ws right next to the cafeteria. Being Frank he came out and joked around with me. On Tuesday, I was called for a different teacher and had lunch duty right next to Frank�s office. Well, he laughed and laughed. On Wednesday, I got called to Ste. Anne and had lunch duty right next to his office again. Well with his wicked humour, now he�s my friend. On Thursday, again and had lunch duty right next to his office. Well the man was beside himself, he was laughing so hard. On Friday, I was called to Ste. Anne High School again, always a different teacher, and had lunch duty right next to Frank Porfilio�s office. A true and lasting friendship was formed. Frank Porfilio became my mentor, friend and confidante and I grew to love this good, gentle man. Whenever we met in public after this we spoke volumes in minutes, sharing, discussing. The other high school I worked at was the WSSB, Holy Name High School. And the Attendance secretary Diana became my friend who took care of me. She reminded me of changed schedules, wished me luck on certain classes, joked with me and listened to me. We became friends. After a couple of years, Diana transferred to Guidance of Holy Names. I kept telling her that Mr. Byrne wanted her back to attendance; it was our inside joke. A couple of years into my career, I was at the Mall on a Friday night and saw two people walking hand in hand. All excited I ran up to them and we chatted. Then with a curious look on my face (because I did not know), Diana was Diana. �Do you two know each other?� Well Frank roared! Both said you did not know we are husband and wife. I obviously did not. And my heart sang with joy that two wonderful, warm human beings met, fell in love and married. What a gift! When Frank Porfilio became Principal at St. Mark�s Alternative (ECRCSSB), then St. Mike�s (WECDSB), I was very happy for him. I was sent there many times and since I worked in every high school for both the Catholic and Public, I knew many of the kids. And Frank always took care of me and watched over me. I would call him �Sir� and he would give me �that look�. Those who loved him know that look. But he was my mentor as well as my dear friend, and he always took care of me. So, �Sir� was his title in a education setting. He learned to acept it, with a twinkle in his eye. Frank and Diana and I always shared conversations when we met in public, and I would tease him once he got his 30 years that he would never retire as he loved his job ad his �kids� too much. One time we met and Frank told me he was going to retire with his wife. Diana hit him in the side with her elbow and told him to tell me why. When he told me they were going to become grand parents, my heart sang for them. for here were two people who loved ALL kids, were good with and towards ALL kids. Now they would have the joy of spoiling kids, their grand kids. There are more stories. Good bye �Sir�, my heart grieves for you loved ones and friends. You did well. Patrice B�dard
