Andrea Taylor, Principal of M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington and Loui Silvestri, Principal of Sunningdale Public School in Oakville have been named among Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2017 by The Learning Partnership.
Now celebrating its 13th year, Canada’s Outstanding Principals program recognizes the unique and vital contribution of principals in publicly funded schools. The 40 principals are being celebrated for demonstrating innovation, having an entrepreneurial spirit and for employing creativity in finding solutions and opportunities.
This is the third consecutive year Halton District School Board principals have received a Canada’s Outstanding Principals award. Alka Sahai and Michelle Newlands were recipients of the award in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Taylor said receiving the award is humbling and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the many staff, community members and student leaders she interacts with on a daily basis.
“It was such an honour just to be nominated. When I received the call that I was one of the 40 recipients, I was speechless. I was very excited because this award is going to allow me to share the story of M.M. Robinson High School and quality public education. I am so proud of everybody who is a part of this honour. Even though this is a Canada’s Outstanding Principals award, it represents everybody in the school community coming together to do great things. Being a school principal is a multi-faceted job and the key is to keep students at the centre of what we do. I am honoured to represent Halton and Ontario at a national awards ceremony.”
Touched to have received the award, Silvestri emphasized these recognitions are more about the team of people he works with than it is about himself.
“I thank the many individuals who supported my nomination and I share this award with all of them, including teachers, our support, office and custodial staff. They played, and continue to play, a vital role in ensuring that our students are challenged, supported and successful in their learning journey – academically, socially and emotionally. I also share this award with my Halton principal colleagues. They are a committed and dedicated group of professionals who are equally deserving. I can say with certainty that we learn from one another each and every day while in the position of principal.”
Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board, said Taylor and Silvestri are a wonderful representation of the principals who help lead Halton schools at the elementary and secondary level.
“Andrea Taylor and Loui Silvestri are dedicated principals who put student success and fulfillment at the centre of everything they do. Their desire to ensure students and staff members are included in creating an inclusive and vibrant learning climate with a strong focus on educational success on all levels is a testament to their leadership and teamwork skills. They join a group of illustrious principals who have received this award including other educators from the Halton District School Board.”
Taylor and Silvestri also recognized the valuable work of The Learning Partnership, a national charity whose goal is to promote and advance public education.
The Learning Partnership invites nominations of outstanding principals from school boards, colleagues, parents, teachers, students and community members. Recipients attend a five-day leadership training program at the Rotman School of Management in late February in Toronto. The 2017 recipients join the ranks of the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals, which now boasts more than 400 members.
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