TDSB & Me is a staff storytelling series that celebrates the people who help our schools and workplaces thrive. Each profile recognizes the everyday leadership, creativity, and care that shapes our system and supports student success.

Keelon Featherstone

Head Caretaker
Maple Leaf Public School

At Maple Leaf Public School, the day often begins with a familiar greeting. Standing at the front doors as students arrive, Keelon welcomes them with a smile and a quick hello. It is a simple gesture, but one that helps set the tone for the day. Students know someone is there to notice them, encourage them, and help them feel ready to start the morning. 

Keelon has worked with the Toronto District School Board for more than a decade, spending most of that time as a caretaker. The role may often be described as behind the scenes, but his presence is felt across the school community.  

Each morning, he prepares the building before students and staff arrive. His work includes safety checks, cleaning, inspections, and small repairs that keep the school running smoothly. By the time the first bell rings, classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces are ready for a full day of learning. For Keelon, the job is about more than maintaining the building. It is about helping create a space where students and staff feel supported. 

Throughout the day, he moves through the halls completing his duties while staying attentive to the people around him. If a student needs a moment to regroup, Keelon is often the calm presence who can help them settle and return to class. A quiet conversation or a few encouraging words in the hallway can make a big difference in how a student feels. 

His involvement also extends beyond his regular responsibilities. During many of his lunch breaks, Keelon volunteers with student sports teams. He supported the Intermediate Boys Basketball team, sharing drills and tips ahead of their tournament. Students especially enjoy seeing him during the school’s Students vs. Staff games, where his enthusiasm always draws cheers. 

The motivation to go above and beyond comes from a simple place. As Keelon explains, “When you care about the space and the people in it, putting in extra effort comes naturally.” 

Small moments of care add up. A greeting at the door, support during a challenging moment, or encouragement on the court all help shape the culture of a school. Through his kindness and steady presence, Keelon helps make Maple Leaf Public School a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.