Principal Emeritus award and new student trustees

NEWS RELEASES

ALGOMA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

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Retiring Principal Debbie Kent was acknowledged at Tuesday night’s board meeting and was presented Principal Emeritus.  Debbie is the Principal of Queen Elizabeth Public School in Sault Ste Marie.

It has been said that Debbie could be the poster child for Algoma District School Board’s (ADSB) character attributes.

She is humble, demonstrates grace under fire, is always willing to listen and help others even when multiple issues are pressing in around her.

Debbie demonstrates integrity in every situation.

She has always been conscientious of how her decisions or leadership impacts others, yet she is willing to make the tough calls that are sometimes needed.

Debbie can always laugh at herself in any situation that may need some stress relief and always leaves students and staff feeling positive after their interaction.

Debbie is always willing to try something new and embraces all initiatives with such a positive attitude which motivates all those she has worked with.

Debbie is the lead learner and is not afraid to take on tough jobs or make mistakes.

Integrity is always at the forefront of her decisions and she is always willing to listen and develop new perspectives.

Debbie will always be remembered for her non-tiring commitment to creating a beautiful playground for the students at Queen Elizabeth Public School while remembering and honouring Scott Vernelli.

Her kindness is unsurpassed and her relentless advocacy for putting children first will be her legacy.

Chair Jennifer Sarlo and Director Lucia Reece congratulated Debbie on her retirement and thanked her for her professionalism and insight over the years.

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Maya Werner from Central Algoma Secondary School (CASS) and Madison MacLachlan of Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School (SHCVS) were thanked and acknowledged at the Board meeting on June 16 for their exceptional service as Student Trustees for the 2014 / 2015 school year.  

Together they continued to oversee the ADSB Student Senate (established in 2006/07).

They took a leadership role in promoting Project ABCD (Action for Build a Community that is Drug-free) and this year brought the initiative to the community through two hugely successful events: ABCD Bon Soo Olympics and #YOUTHESOO. 

Maya and Madison played significant roles in planning and organizing both events as well as representing the ADSB student voice and acting as ADSB ambassadors with local, national and international partners.  

Their professionalism, poise and insights were praised by ADSB Board Chair Jennifer Sarlo and Director Lucia Reece.

Madison and Maya will officially complete their terms on July 31, 2015.

Applications for the 2015 / 2016 Student Trustees were invited from ADSB secondary schools and an election was held by the Student Senate on June 8, 2015. 

On June 16 the Algoma District School Board approved the appointment of Student Trustee Mackenzie Hulme from Central Algoma Secondary School (CASS) for the 2015 / 2016 school year and Olivia Keenan from Superior Heights Collegiate.  

Mackenzie Hulme

This September Mackenzie will be going into Grade 11 at CASS. 

She has been a student with the ADSB since Junior Kindergarten, attending St. Joseph Island Public School and CASS. 

Mackenzie has been a Page for the Ontario Provincial Parliament and one of her highlights was being chosen as Page Leader for the day. 

In this capacity she oversaw her fellow pages both in and outside of the chamber. 

Mackenzie has also been a participant at the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre (OELC).

She is looking forward to the opportunity to represent ADSB as a Student Trustee because “I am very proud of the accomplishments the whole Board has made and the accomplishments I have made with the help of the Board and its staff.” 

As a regular babysitter for a family with a child in Senior Kindergarten who recently was awarded the Student of the Month Certificate, Mackenzie noted the positive impact the Student of the Month program can have on a child.

“I have been his babysitter for five years and I have never seen him so excited. Seeing him that happy made me proud of him and our school board for putting such an inspiring program (in place)…”

Mackenzie will represent District schools in her capacity as Student Trustee.

Olivia Keenan

Olivia will be going into Grade 11 at Superior Heights in September. 

Currently Olivia is actively involved in her school and hopes to remain just as involved in Grade 11 and 12. 

This year she has been a representative on Student Council, a Student Senate member, a member of the school’s ABCD Committee and a Link Crew leader. 

Olivia has also been chosen as a representative on the Mayor’s Student Advisory Council.  

According to her principal, she is a visible presence at all school events and always willing to lend a helping hand.   

She believes her school involvement will have a positive impact on her ability to connect with students. 

“Being involved in these clubs I am able to reach a wide variety of students who have many different outlooks and ideas about what they want their education to look like. I would be able to get ideas and suggestions from all perspectives and bring them forward to the Board table. I am very passionate about making a difference in our school and community. I am also eager to collaborate with other students and members of the Board. This would ensure that the voices of students are not only heard across the Board but their voices and opinions are taken into consideration when planning events and campaigns.”

As a Student Trustee Olivia will represent Sault Ste. Marie schools.

Olivia and Mackenzie’s terms will officially begin on August 1, 2015.

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(PHOTO: ADSB Director Lucia Reece (left) and Chair Jennifer Sarlo (right) present retiring Principal Debbie Kent with Principal Emeritus certificate.)