Kate Powell, principal at Fort Resolution’s Deninu School, has been named to the 2018 list of Canadian Outstanding Principals.
The list of 40 principals, selected from schools across Canada, was published by public education charity The Learning Partnership on Wednesday.
“Winning this award is a great honour,” said Ms Powell. “I am thankful for having wonderful people to work with and a caring community to work in, both of which have enabled us to make positive changes.”
Celebrating Ms Powell’s success, the South Slave Divisional Education Council said she had “worked hard to build a strong and dedicated team focused on student success. Student achievement has improved significantly.
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“By way of example, in recognition of the small size and limited program offerings, Ms Powell sought out and provided the more academically inclined students with high school academic courses through video-conferencing.”
‘Exemplary leader’
Ms Powell is commended by the council for encouraging staff to learn and use the Chipewyan language with each other and students, promoting the Dene Laws, and initiating an annual hand games tournament.
“I am immensely proud of Ms Powell,” said superintendent Curtis Brown in a statement. “She is highly deserving of this national honour.
“She is an exemplary leader and an inspiring individual who has had a significant impact not only on those in her school, but also in the community and beyond.”
The list of outstanding principals, compiled annually by The Learning Partnership, reserves one berth for an NWT principal on each year’s roster. In 2013, two of the territory’s principals – Lois Philipp and Dan Summers – were selected. Last year’s listed highlighted the work of Hay River’s Carolyn Carroll.
Ms Powell receives a trip to Toronto for the charity’s awards ceremony on February 27, alongside a place on a week-long executive leadership training program at the University of Toronto.
