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Teachers
The first director of the School was Mrs. M. Butti and the first teacher was Mr. Tony Falcone.
Aristide Melchionna, Principal
Aristide graduated in Modern Languages and Literature from the University of Milan, Italy. He obtained an MA at the University of Alberta in 1993. He taught Italian and English in Italy for five years before moving to Edmonton in 1991. Since 1992, he has been teaching both part-time and full-time as a sessional instructor of Italian courses for beginner and intermediate students at the University of Alberta. He has also taught Italian at the Dante Alighieri Italian Community School. In 1995, he was appointed Principal of the same school, a position that he still holds. He is actively involved in promoting the Italian language and culture in Edmonton and Canada.
Lina Amodio
After completing her Diploma in Foreign Languages - French and English - at the Institute Salvatore Rosa in Naples, Lina Amodio came to Canada with her husband.
For many years she was occupied with some community activities of personal interest: teaching Italian cooking classes through "Continuing Education"; volunteering at the "Food Bank" of Edmonton and lately administering the financial aspect of the Italian newspaper Il Congresso.
But her the most gratifying activity is the teaching of the Italian language to 6 years' old children in the Preparatorio 1 class.of the Dante Alighieri Saturday mornings.
Loretta Moscardelli - Bacon
My name is Loretta Moscardelli-Bacon and I would like to say that it gives me great pleasure to be teaching at the Dante in Edmonton. I was born in Edmonton, however, my parents came from the Abbruzzo region of Italy. When I was a child, I would always hear and speak the Italian language but given that I had not studied Italian grammar, I took numerous courses in grammar and literature in university. I received my teaching degree in Edmonton and it's been twenty nine years that I have been teaching. During the week I teach English and French and on Saturday I teach Italian at the Dante. I thoroughly enjoy teaching Italian because once a week I have the opportunity to be immersed in the Italian culture, language and ambience. For this reason, every Saturday I come here to the Dante because the Italian language and culture is very alive!
Francesca Cardile
Francesca Cardile was born in Reggio Calabria, a city in southern Italy. She received her teaching degree (or diploma) from the Institute Tommaso Gulli. She taught elementary school in Reggio. She moved to Edmonton in 1980. She has been teaching at Dante Alighieri since 1987.
Patrizia Farrar
Patrizia Farrar was born in Edmonton, Alberta. At the age of three, along with her family, she moved to Italy. She attended school in Amantea, in the province of Cosenza. She maintains fond memories of her time spent there, particularly the beautiful scenery. She returned to Canada with her family by sea. She quickly learned English as her second language. Having to learn two languages sparked her interest in teaching Italian to Canadians. Teaching Italian, according to Patrizia, opens up a number of opportunities for her students and has thoroughly enjoyed her time spent at the Dante Alighieri School.
Hilario Saccarello
My name is Hilario Saccarello. I'm the Livello Uno teacher and have been teaching this class for the past five years. I studied Italian at the Dante for 10 years. I also attended the Concordia University in Montreal and the University of Alberta, where I also studied Italian. I have been an Executive member of the Dante Alighieri Society for 11 years. I am very proud to belong to such an honourable society. We must all do our part in promoting and maintaining our Italian roots. We are the future, let's be proud of who we are! Thank you!
Mirella Cristello
My name is Mirella Cristello. I am the Italian 10 teacher. I have a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. I was a student here at the Dante Alighieri School for many years and I have been a teacher here for the last 13 years. I am also the Vice Principal of the Dante Alighieri School. I truly enjoy teaching children and I love promoting the Italian culture. I currently teach Grade 5 at St. Philip School.
Past teachers: Aristide Melchionna, Lina Amodio, Patrizia Farrar, Hilario Saccarello, Mirella Cristello
For the 2024–2025 school year, the teachers are:
- No Courses
- Pre-School and Kindergarten - Melania Stavale
- Introductory and Level One - Raffaella Musciagna
- Level Two and Level Three - Bianca Cerisano
- Level Four and Level Five - Loretta Moscardelli-Bacon
- Credit Courses
- Italian 10, 20 and 30 - Catrina Mandaliti
- Courses for Adults
- Adult Beginner - Kristina Perri
- Adult Intermediate - Francesca Cardile
- Adult Advanced - Giampiero Lannone