P.S.

 “I went into education in order to help students achieve their goals and help them succeed. While growing up, I had some learning disabilities and always struggled in school. I really didn’t like school because I felt like I had to many obstacles to overcome in order to succeed. But thanks to my parents and a couple of teachers I stayed in school and succeeded. Now, I want to give this back to my own kids and students.

Sometimes school is the only place where a child feels safe and accepted. While I was Principal at École Secondaire Confédération in Welland, we suddenly lost a child to meningitis. Death is always a difficult thing, but losing a student was devastating news for the school community. The night that we got the news, a group of over 20 students gathered on my front lawn. I didn't find this out until the next day when my neighbor told me. He had asked the kids what they were doing on my front lawn and if I was aware they were even there. The students responded that they didn't want to knock on my door to disturb me and my newborn, but that they just needed to be here because they felt safe knowing that I was near. Every student that comes into my life is treated in the same way I would treat my own children.

At school, every morning I greet every single child, parent and grandparent with a high-five, a hello and a smile. It is important for me that every child comes in and starts the day on a positive note. Everybody is treated the same! I also have an open door policy at my school so students, parents and staff always have access to me, either for problems, successes, sharing of ideas or just to say “bonjour”. At the end of the day, I do bus duties and I wish every child a good evening/weekend.

I believe that everybody has something to offer and it’s up to us to nurture that gift in a safe and respectful environment. Everybody needs to be respected, accepted for who they are, loved and listened to and feel safe.”