Following up on the posting from yesterday… Mr. MacKinnon was nominated for this prestigious award by Jane Phillips-Long, TDSB Superintendent (WR06). In the submission, Ms. Phillips-Long wrote:
It was my pleasure to nominate Rob MacKinnon, Principal of Etobicoke School of the Arts for The Learning Partnership’s Award recognizing Canada’s Outstanding Principals for the 2013 school year.
Etobicoke School of the Arts is a world renowned school whose graduates compete in and achieve a high degree of success in both the arts and academic worlds. Students are actively involved in an environment that promotes democratic participation and a sense of responsibility to contribute to and improve the society in which they live in both locally and globally. Students enrolled at Etobicoke School of the Arts are motivated to strive to improve not only their own school and neighbourhood but to reach out to all young people through particular initiatives that have made national headlines.
In the Toronto District School Board, the following Five Strategic Directions serve to guide us to ensure positive gains for students in all aspects of school life and to provide students with opportunities that will result in their ultimate success:
1. Make every school an effective school;
2. Build leadership within a culture of adaptability, openness, and resilience;
3. Form strong and effective relationships and partnerships;
4. Build environmentally sustainable schools that inspire teaching and learning; and
5. Identify disadvantage and intervene effectively.
Perhaps one of the most important roles of the Principal, when implementing the Five Strategic Directions in a school, is culture management. Relationship building promotes the creation of an environment which nurtures their successful implementation. Rob MacKinnon in his short time at ESA has established a wonderful rapport with not only his staff, parents and students but with the local community as well. His ability to listen and shape the culture of the school through transparent and collaborative leadership exemplifies his commitment to our Board’s Strategic Directions and thus the success of his students. His active communication skills and ability to connect with stakeholders, with the intentional focus of learning more about the school community and its members, continues to be the foundation of what Rob does every day to better serve his students and community.
Recipients of the award from across the country participate in an executive program at the Rotman School of Management and are honoured at a fabulous gala.
Congratulations Mr. MacKinnon!