Education and Early Childhood Development
February 24, 2015
Recognizing Dedication to Quality Teaching and Learning
Outstanding Newfoundland and Labrador Principals Honoured at National Gala
Three principals from Newfoundland and Labrador are being honoured tonight (Tuesday, February 24) at the 11th Annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals Gala in Toronto. The event is sponsored annually by The Learning Partnership, a national organization dedicated to strong public education systems.
“We are fortunate to have so many dedicated principals and teachers working at schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador who take the time to nurture and inspire our young people. This year’s winners, Elizabeth Churchill of Elizabeth Park Elementary, Della Healey of Mount Pearl Intermediate and Wilson Warren of All Saints All Grade School, have all created a safe and caring school environment that has allowed their students to grow and achieve their highest potential, while providing the guidance and leadership their teachers, staff and parents depend on. These individuals embody leadership, creativity and innovation and I offer sincere congratulations to all the winners.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
Each year, The Learning Partnership recognizes 40 principals who have demonstrated innovation, have an entrepreneurial spirit and are creative in finding solutions and opportunities. For more information on the winners from Newfoundland and Labrador see the attached backgrounder.
“Principals are the leaders of our schools and they have a direct impact upon instruction, school climate and student achievement. We are so pleased to have three of our leaders recognized by The Learning Partnership for their efforts in fostering a culture where everyone strives for success and each student has the opportunity to learn and grow. On behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, I offer my congratulations to these three outstanding principals and look forward to their continuing contribution to the school communities they serve, and our district as a whole.”
- Darrin Pike, CEO/Director of Education, Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
For more information on The Learning Partnership and Canada’s Outstanding Principals visit www.thelearningpartnership.ca. 
QUICK FACTS
- Three principals from Newfoundland and Labrador are being honoured at the 11th Annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals Gala in Toronto tonight (Tuesday, February 24).
- The 2015 winners from this province are Elizabeth Churchill of Elizabeth Park Elementary in Paradise, Della Healey of Mount Pearl Intermediate and Wilson Warren of All Saints All Grade School in Grey River.
- This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated innovation, have an entrepreneurial spirit and are creative in finding solutions and opportunities.
- The Provincial Government has provided $3,000 to The Learning Partnership to support the Outstanding Principals Program.
- For more information on The Learning Partnership organization, visit www.thelearningpartnership.ca.
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Media contacts:
| Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 728-4014 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Ken Morrissey Director of Communications Newfoundland and Labrador English School District 709-758-2371,730-0798 kenmorrissey@nlesd.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Newfoundland and Labrador Winners of the 2015 Canada’s Outstanding Principals
Elizabeth Churchill, Elizabeth Park Elementary, Paradise
Elizabeth Churchill has been a stand-out leader in various roles, both in classrooms and throughout the school system. Ms. Churchill has created a strong foundation for Elizabeth Park Elementary with a positive learning culture that is based on the vision that “Each Person Excels.” Ms. Churchill is recognized as an exceptional leader who works hard to keep this vision at the forefront. From an environmental garden that is cared for by students and their families, to building a school-wide literacy program and targeted instructional practices – all through open and honest relationships with teachers and parents – Ms. Churchill’s leadership has made a positive impact on student achievement. In two years, Grades 3 and 6 English Language Arts results have been above the district and provincial levels. Ms. Churchill’s expertise is evident more than ever in the grassroots development of this new school community, where students feel safe and proud to come to school every day.
Della Healey, Mount Pearl Intermediate, Mount Pearl
Della Healey began her teaching career in a remote community in Labrador, where she designed and delivered a unique course on Newfoundland and Labrador culture. Committed to developing inviting learning environments, Ms. Healey builds connections and maintains trusting relationships with students and their parents. Ms. Healey also uses technology in conjunction with the Accelerated Reader Program to boost literacy skills. The school’s Learning Resource Centre is stellar, thanks to her efforts. In addition, Ms. Healey pays as much attention to staff learning as student learning. She encourages her teachers to explore learning activities from the Banff Centre to the Geneva Autism programs. She shares her professional reading and attends professional conferences and workshops as part of knowledge mobilization among her staff. With her guidance and staff’s hard work, Mount Pearl’s academic results are consistently at or above the district and province.
Wilson Warren, All Saints All Grade School, Grey River
Wilson Warren has worked in three provinces as well as in South Korea. In Mr. Warren’s schools, academics come before school events. He is data-driven. He monitors and preserves instructional time to optimize learning opportunities. Technology is another area of focus for Mr. Warren. Access and use begins in the primary grades and is woven through the older grades. Grade 3 students make webpages and present PowerPoint presentations. Senior students are involved in the Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation and engaged in environmental stewardship projects such as marine coastline cleanup and recycling. Mr. Warren establishes a collaborative culture for improving teaching and learning using evidence of student work. The school’s results are at or above the district and province and the school’s graduates go on to post-secondary studies. Students respond to his innovative programming and staff to his instructional leadership. Every day, Mr. Warren and his staff make a positive difference to students, parents and their community.
2015 02 24 11:30 a.m.