School custodian stages surprise for Kitchener, Ont. students ahead of holiday break

The head custodian at a Kitchener, Ont. school arranged a special surprise for students ahead of the holiday break.

The first part began before the morning bell.

Students were stunned to see Tony Ward, or rather Mr. Ward, standing on the roof of St. Paul Catholic School dressed up in an elf suit, waving to children as they arrived for class.

“I thought I’d rev them up a little bit right at the start of the day,” Mr. Ward told CTV News.

Tony Ward on the roof of St. Paul Catholic School in Kitchener, Ont. on Dec. 20, 2024. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)

He saved the best part for the end of the day.

Students heading home spotted Mr. Ward again, this time sitting on the school sign waving goodbye.

He’s no Elf on the Shelf, but maybe closer to Ward of the Board.

“On the last day, I want everyone leaving the school with, just joy and excitement,” Mr. Ward explained. “It’s pretty cool to come to work here and you feel like a rock star most days, just interacting with the kids.”

Tony Ward, the head custodian at St. Paul Catholic School in Kitchener, Ont., on Dec. 20, 2024. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)

The students were thrilled to see him on the sign – a tradition he started a few years ago.

This time, though, it may be his last.

Mr. Ward is considering retiring before the end of the next school year.

He’ll be missed by both students and staff.

“He is really funny,” said Grade 3 student Ethan. “And he has holiday spirit.”

Mr. Ward’s co-workers said he’s always trying to make students smile, no matter the time of year.

“If there’s students in the office or in the hallway having a bad day, he will cheer them up and get them back to class,” said Vice-Principal Helder Tavares. “He goes above and beyond.”

Mr. Ward said the Christmas spirit might bring him back to St. Paul Catholic School in the future so he can continue to spread some holiday cheer.