Celebrating Excellence at HWDSB: Honouring the Transformative Work of Raquel McIntosh

Today, we proudly celebrate Raquel McIntosh, winner of the 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award—a national honour that recognizes the extraordinary educators who transform students’ lives through music. Raquel’s work has not only elevated music education at Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School, but has also inspired an entire community. 

At Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School, music has always been more than a subject—thanks to the remarkable work of Mrs.McIntosh, it became a catalyst for creativity, confidence, and community.

When McIntosh joined Adelaide Hoodless, the music program had experienced several years of transition. Through her dedication, passion, and steady leadership, she rebuilt it into a vibrant, cohesive, and thriving program. Students gained access to well‑established choirs, organized school‑wide performances, and meaningful opportunities both on stage and behind the scenes. Her work created a space where every learner could discover their voice and take pride in their accomplishments. 

McIntosh also played a key role in the school’s innovative Creative Minds initiative, which aligns educator strengths and passions with student voice to better support diverse learning needs. Her contributions ensured that the arts remained a dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring part of school life. 

One of her most notable achievements was the creation of “Beyond the Soundtrack,” a unique program blending spoken word, slam poetry, restorative practice, and musical foundations. Designed to prepare students for the school’s upcoming mobile music production studio, this program offered a creative outlet where students could explore identity, build confidence, and collaborate in new and empowering ways. 

Across every initiative, McIntosh consistently modelled inclusivity and championed spaces where every student felt supported, and uplifted. She cultivated a community where young people could be vulnerable, express themselves authentically, and grow together through music‑making. 

HWDSB proudly celebrates Raquel McIntosh for her leadership, her creativity, and her unwavering commitment to students. Her work has shaped not just a music program, but a community—one that will continue to resonate through the voices and confidence of the students she has inspired.

Congratulations Raquel – we are so proud of you!