The Rainy River District School Board’s System Leadership Committee has been working to develop future leaders for district schools for two years–and is determined to keep on doing so, it was revealed at last night’s board meeting.
“Two years ago, we started looking at the demographic trend and noticed the numbers,” noted committee chair Jerry O’Leary, adding that 45 percent of current Ontario principals will be retired by 2003.
“After it was decided principals could not be unionized, there’s been a change in the role of the principal,” he said. “But if we don’t get on the same bus, we’ll go nowhere.
“If we all believe the same things as to how students should learn, there’s a future. There’s a good amount of opportunity coming up,” he stressed.
O’Leary added the committee sees leaders in three classes–veteran principals, prospective principals, and teacher leaders (who may not become principals but spearhead school activities).
The committee now has established a mission, a vision, values, and a definition of student achievement following a leadership conference at Quetico Centre last Thursday and Friday, which saw 45 principals, vice-principals, consultants, and teacher leaders attend.
“It was extremely worthwhile. This is the second time principals and prospective principals have seen Chuck Schwahn,” noted Fort High principal Ian Simpson.
“He’s an engaging and well-known speaker, who has spoken at high-powered conferences all across North America,” he said.
“I walked away with a better knowledge of school improvement planning. And how to carry through with that planning once you’ve found it.
“It was also a good time for leaders to get together and exchange ideas,” he added.
The previous leadership conference was held back in February.
Also last night, the board revealed the eight district high school students who will receive 2000-01 “Aiming for the Top” scholarships from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
From Fort Frances High School are Jennifer Cooper, Matthew Gushulak, Kaily McTavish, Jason Rousseau, Melinda Teeple, and Sherri Williams.
The two recipients from Atikokan High School are Tiffany Angus and Sarah Curtis.
“Aiming” is a new program the province has introduced to reward students who graduate with top marks at their high school, and plan to continue their studies at an Ontario college or university.
If they maintain an 80 percent average at the post-secondary level, they can get up to $3,5000 a year, up to four years.
The board also gave its Recognition of Excellence award to Riverview School for its 1999-2000 playground enhancement program.
The school council there raised $19,955 to pay for equipment (including two basketball hoops and a tetherball), sand, and wooden timbers to enclose the area.
Council and community members who worked on the project included Ken and Gaylene Jasper, Claude and Cathy Seguin, Jackie Sharpe, Dennis and Lisa Jodoin, Jason Seguin, Glen Carradice, John Delvecchio, Greg and Joy Wilson, Scott Olson, and Shawn Lord.
In other business, the board received the October personnel report, which included the appointment of teachers Larry Panzini and Lynn Enge (AHS), and secretaries Judy Flatt and Susan Sieders, as well as leave of absences for educational assistants Tara Wowchuk and Cheryl Rudolph.
The report also noted the resignations of Karen Wilde (communication assistant at Donald Young School) and teacher Greg Dufault (AHS), and the retirements of Lawrence Carter (head caretaker at Robert Moore) and teacher Derek McFee (AHS).
Fort Frances Times
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