Dear Douglasdale Students, Staff and Families,
My name is Heather McKay and it is a privilege to be able to introduce myself to the students, staff and families of Douglasdale School as your newly appointed Principal starting on April 11, 2022.
I am honored to follow in Ms. Reichardt's footsteps and look forward to working closely with Ms.Koleyak to ensure a smooth transition. I am aware of the anticipation that accompanies new leadership in any school. I believe that collaborative relationships, built between students, staff and families, are fundamental to student progress, achievement and well-being. I am committed to listening and learning to continue to build a vibrant and inclusive school culture and strong learning community at Douglasdale School.
A little about me…
I am deeply committed to student-centered joyful learning. Over the past 26 years, I have been lucky to work with all kinds of students, staff and families as a junior high teacher, kindergarten teacher, system-wide Literacy Specialist and most recently Assistant Principal at Ethel M Johnson School.
At the core of who I am as an educator is the importance of knowing each student - their strengths, passions, interests and areas for growth. Learning happens through relationships. As a parent myself, I want to let you know I will be your child's advocate. I will celebrate your child's successes, small and large, encourage them every day and make them feel known and valued.
Providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment where students are engaged in authentic, relevant learning experiences is another of my core beliefs. When students are able to take risks in their learning, make mistakes and build meaningful connections, they develop the attitudes, skills, knowledge and competencies required for life-long learning, well-being and success.
Education is a shared responsibility and collaborative partnerships with families is essential for students to develop social, emotional and academic competencies, achieve their potential and feel successful.
You are an integral part of the Douglasdale School Community and I look forward to working with you to continue the rich and meaningful work that is on-going at Douglasdale School. I am excited to partner with the students, staff and families at Douglasdale School to continue to build a learning culture that honours the whole-child and fosters exploration, imagination and creativity.
I look forward to learning from and with you and cannot wait to meet you all.
Sincerely,
Heather McKay
