Community Profile for Leadership

Durham Catholic District School Board

Catholic School Council Consultation

Community Profile for Leadership

Name of School: St. Mary Catholic Secondary School

Durham Catholic District School Board is committed to the process of consultation with Catholic School Councils. We welcome your input regarding the qualities to be considered in the appointment of a new Vice Principal/Principal. Please provide comments in any or all of the following categories, or any other aspects that you feel are relevant.

1. What are the particular strengths and distinctive characteristics of your school community?

•  Faith Based – morning prayers, class masses, school masses, retreats

•  Diversity recognized

•  Academic achievement recognized – specifically honor roll students yearly

•  Committed social program – outreach and breakfast club

•  Strong extra curricular activities

•  Ongoing web page development to reach out to parent and school community more easily or visa versa

•  Wide variety of sports teams

•  Band and choir

•  Strong community awareness through web site and local newspaper

•  Current credit recovery program

•  Student Success Program

•  Culinary Arts Program being implemented

•  Auto Mechanics Program to be implemented

•  Strong School Council Parent involvement

•  St. Mary is overall a very safe environment for the children and staff.

•  Large amount of scholarships handed out every year showing the strength of the students academically

•  Respect for Self and Others

•  Discipline with Dignity

2. What are the key challenges facing your school community at this time?

•  Some Truancy

•  Some Bullying

•  Not enough time for teachers to meet with all their students parents at Parent-Teacher interviews

•  Finishing Construction and repairs to the building causing leaks in the roof and damaged computers – this is being handled as best as time permits

3. What do you view as the essential Leadership Qualities in a Catholic Principal/Vice Principal?

•  Strong Christian / Catholic belief – strong understanding of the Catholic Faith

•  Strong Communication Skills

•  Enforcing Respect for Self and Others with staff and students

•  Disciplining with Dignity and enforcing this with the staff

•  Should support and involve the School Council

•  Strong administrator and can handle a large school

•  Understanding current events – economically / socially

•  Motivational style personality / Can offer dynamic leadership to staff and students

•  Strong understanding of student issues

•  Strong understanding of fiscal issues / procedures

•  Promotes academic proficiency for students

•  Keeping St Mary at the same level of staff commitment and safety for students and staff.

Carol Pistchik

Chair St. Mary School Council