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Em Del Sordo is one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals announced for 2018

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Em Del Sordo is one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals announced for 2018

Em Del Sordo

Principal Em Del Sordo has made the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighted on plaques in Dundas Valley Secondary School’s main foyer, foundations of a guiding vision of having ‘an empathetic culture of respect and learning through the lens of Human Rights.’ – Photo by Richard Leitner, Hamilton Community News

Em Del Sordo, principal at Dundas Valley Secondary School, has been named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals in 2018 by The Learning Partnership.

Now celebrating its 14th year, The Learning Partnership’s Canada’s Outstanding Principals program recognizes the unique and vital contributions of principals in publicly funded schools.

“I am most humbled by this acknowledgement by The Learning Partnership and incredibly proud to share this accolade with all the staff at DVSS,” Del Sordo said. “This recognition is truly reflective of a collaborative effort to enhance public confidence in public education by the amazing teachers, parents/caregivers, staff and students at DVSS. I am humbled and honoured to serve this community!”

The 40 principals, nominated by parents, colleagues and community members, and chosen by a national selection committee, are being celebrated for demonstrating innovation, leadership and for employing creativity in finding solutions and opportunities within their school communities.

“Em Del Sordo is not only a talented administrator, he is actively involved in creating safe, secure, inclusive schools and fostering well-being,” the selection committee wrote.

Specifically, the awards panel cited Del Sordo for his leadership when Highland and Parkside amalgamated to become Dundas Valley secondary. Summarizing why he won, the awards committee added:

“Em managed the change process as a visionary for future possibilities. Teachers from the two legacy schools grew together by working collaboratively and unifying both former school communities, ensuring students, staff and all stakeholders had a voice and shared vision. Targeted interventions are in place for students in Applied courses and students with special needs, who require additional resources and support. As a result of building a sense of community, which is grounded in improving students and staff learning, student outcomes have increased.”

The Learning Partnership recognizes outstanding principals each year for the impact they have on students, staff and their communities. Winners enjoy a five-day executive leadership training program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, and also participate in The World of Work: Equity and Inclusion, a professional learning day hosted by CIBC, where they have the opportunity to learn about today’s workforce from leaders in business, health and education.

The 2018 winners will join the prestigious ranks of the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals, which now boasts more than 400 members. The National Academy offers principals ongoing networking, mentoring and professional development opportunities so they can enhance their leadership skills.

“Principals are vital leaders in Canada’s education system. They ensure our schools are open and operating effectively. They work closely with teachers to inspire our students every day. They contribute to creating positive learning environments for children to thrive both in and outside of the classroom,” says Ron Canuel, President & CEO of The Learning Partnership. “They are the catalyst for connecting students, educators, families and the community together and we recognize their indispensable contributions to helping Canada continue as global leaders in education.”

In the Canada’s Outstanding Principals program, principals are nominated by their colleagues, school staff and community members. Nominations are evaluated, and final winners are selected on a representation-by-population basis by a national selection committee made up of a distinguished group of Canadian education, community and private sector leaders. Candidates are chosen using the following criteria: leadership and student achievement; leadership and innovation; instructional leadership; professional learning teams; partnerships with families and communities; personal growth initiatives; and corresponding letters of support.

Recipients will be awarded for their accomplishments at the annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals gala on February 27, 2018, at The Carlu in Toronto, Ontario.

This award comes after the DVSS honour in 2017, when it won a Premier’s Award for Accepting Schools.

 

Updated on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
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