- O'Leary
- Feb 15, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Philosophy
" I believe in a collaborative and empowering leadership approach that focuses on developing the strengths of my team while maintain a student centered focus. My leadership approach is based on trust, transparency, mutual respect and one that is culturally responsive. "
Past Leadership roles
" As an educator for 20 years, I led collaborative inquiries, was one of the mentors for our school robotics team #5672, coordinated art shows, fashion shows, collaborated with community partners such as elders, WHO (Wiikwemkoong Heritage Organization), Wikwemikong Tribal, Wikwemikong Lands Department and Wikwemikong Healthy Babies, collaborated with collegueges (Rez Fest), sat on school committee's (i.e. Grad committee, Career Fair committee, Gala committee, ED Tech Committee, and Future Leaders training program) and implemented and facilitate rich learning experience that embedded Anishinaabemowin and local knowledge specific to the curriculum in the various courses assigned and taught (The Art, Social Science & Humanities, Technology and Native Studies at the 9-12 level)."
Examples
This book study we looked at issues of leadership, assessment, and how it impacts teaching practice and student success.
Zhaazhe, Megwa, Niigaani (Past, Present, Future) — Collaborative Inquiry TLLP
Our project acknowledged and integrated Canadian/Aboriginal History, Anishinaabemowin and art/culture of Anishnaabe peoples to enrich the understanding and knowledge “The 94 Calls to Action '' presented by the TRC commission.
Robotic Mentor — TEAM 5672 & Robotics parent - Manitoulin Metal TEAM 6865
Food Sustainability and Cultural Involvement — Community Initiative
This involvement developed as a result of the partnerships and positive relationships with Wiikwemkoong Heritage Organization and Lands Department from 2008 to 2021
" In 2021 - 2023 as the Director of Education in M’Chigeeng First Nation I ...
collaborated with consultants to assist in identifying student learning needs in the classroom, special education support and staffing needs in the Education department based on community VISION.
Supported and collaborated with education team, families, community, partners (community and outside) and leadership for student success
Learned and managed Education budget to meet needs in various programs in Education (Early Learning to Postsecondary) - project management
Built a strong team, developing positive rapport with team, parent, community and leadership during COVID-19 pandemic.
"From 2024-2025 I took on the role as principal for Shawanosowe School in Whitefish River First Nation which is an elementary school from K-6. There I ...
Secured two funding proposals with NG fund for cultural programming
Planning engaging and pertinent staff development opportunities and mentorship that are align with community goals
Providing instructional leadership, strategic planning, conflict resolution, communication, budgeting, and data analysis.
Professional Development and Training
Completed August 2022- Convocation June 2023 from the University of Toronto (OISE), Masters in Education - Focus Educational Leadership, Policy and Change
Ongoing Additional Qualifications Current focus Intermediate English then PQP 1 & 2
Initiatives and Projects
Currently supporting team for the Adult Education (PLAR) - looking to do day program (SAL)
Supporting team in reaching goals for Eco School
Supporting team in proactive steps on attendance - circle of care which is student focused
Working with building partnerships i.e. Food Sustainability and Cultural Involvement — Community Initiative with Ontario Works in Wikwemikong - greenhouse
Supporting Mentorship programs i.e. Girls in Sports, Girls who Code
Attendance and Graduation rates i.e. 2025 grads increase from
Professional Development Plan
Goal : To enhance my skills in data driven initiatives. Strategy: Research and Reading - this will be a focus when I start my PQP.
Student Data - Reflection
At this time I do not have a lot of student data as I started January 2025 (3 months in this new role)
I have been actively meeting with students, guiding and supporting them where they are at - i.e. guidance meetings, student wellness navigator, connecting them with Mino, looking at courses, reviewing attendance and credit attainment
students recently completed Literacy test with list of 44 students - _____ wrote the test; 10 accommodated students were supported for the test
Looking at at risk students - First semester were demitted - looking at patterns - ways to support and break patterns that are preventing them from attending and working towards their academic goals - reviewing some data in My Blue Print with VP
Building relationships with students - Who are they? Interests?
Anedotal Data Use for Enhancing Anishinaabemowin and Culture
"After reviewing first term final marks we identified that a significant number of students struggled with Anishinaabemowin."
Solution 1: We met with WHO elders, language keepers, teacher, knowledge keeper and band portfolio holder to look at actionable goals for the school with no real direction after the meeting.
Solution 2: Decided to discuss and met just with VP and teacher to identify challenges in the classroom - moved Knowledge keeper to more accessible location in school for all to seek when needed (teachers and students)
Reflection after 3 months in role as principal at the Wikwemikong High School
How I lead? I strive to be a transformative leader - One who self-confidence, honest, believes I can make a difference. Inspire others by example of my passion to do what is right and keeps students at the center of what I do. I believe I am a highly motivated individual who helps facilitate positive change. I do this by supporting staff and student initiatives, that will help foster the needs of our school community.
SIP - Looking at the 5 identified areas of
Literacy - To increase OSSLT pass rate to 80% within the next five years (2029)
Numeracy - Looking at formative strategies that will be used frequently and consistently to increase student achievement within mathematics classrooms.
Pathways - Improve student's understanding of post secondary options through career and life planning in My Blue Print. 100% of current WHS students completing 75-100% of IPP tasks by end of June 2025. Students completing course selection in My Blue Print by March 14, 2025. Monthly Tag Activities shared amongst WHS staff
Anishinaabemowin & Culture - Increase connection with Wikwemikong land. Application of Anishinaabe knowledge and STEM and to deepen understanding of Anishinaabe knowledge increase student leadership.
Special Education/Level UP - To use the tools available to use to differentiate our instruction in general education classrooms to meet the unique needs of each of our students and ensure they are successful in their learning. To increase student reading levels through Tier 3 intervention thereby increasing their level of success in general education classrooms. Grade 8's - 70% of the students will move up by 2 levels in their F&P reading levels.
Support CI - by checking in to see what I can do to assist in reaching goals set. Building school vision will take time with staff. Will facilitate the conversation on setting high expectations and what that could look like next year.
How do I monitor students learning? Next year will look at data such as attendance, credit attainment, goals - determining what success looks like for them.
What do I want to change as curriculum leader? I am not sure at this point in time as I am still learning and observing what works and what does not. For example: communication to staff / parents at different points in the school year.
What does a typical day look like
A.M. 8:15 - Check in with Vice Principal and teachers - Meetings, Announcements, follow up on emails
8:30 Greeting students at the door
8:45 Visible at specific locations - i.e. bathrooms science wing
8:55 Informal visits to various classrooms i.e. Math class, Art class, Baking class, English Class
10:00 Check Emails - Prioritize items for action: open door policy (meet with teachers/ students/ support staff/ visiting practitioners) , answer emails and phone calls, Set goals i.e. try to prepare or respond to written reports, & letters.
10:20 Monday's Yard Duty Grade 8 and/or visible for transitions at specific locations
11:00 Assist and submit Nutrition numbers
11:10 Open Door - parent/teacher/ student conversations and/or meetings
11:40 student lunch - circulate, cover if needed front office
P.M. 12:20 - Visible during transitions at specific locations i.e. bathrooms/front doors
Tour the school observing that the environment is safe and orderly Conduct classroom walk-through(s) observing that high quality teaching and learning are taking place
1:00 Checking in with students - providing support and/or connecting to supports
2:00 Consult with vice-principal- Monitor halls and classrooms - Work on list - Attend events/activities in the school
3:00 Meet with teachers, students or parents Attend and support after school student activities - follow up with teachers if needed, answer emails, write letters, reports, professional reading, planning etc..
4:00 Reorganize daily tasks, review tasks for tomorrow, Complete tasks from priority list and/or staff meetings and/or parent council meetings
5-5:30 depart for the day
Podcasts and Professional Reading
Reimagine Schools by Dr. Greg Goins - Podcast (features many of the nations top educators, authors and innovators in K-12 education with an emphasis on leadership development, scaling innovation and transforming public school system) https://open.spotify.com/show/6mbpqeEHyEshZRvTueUjX8
School Leadership Reimagined by Robyn Jackson - Podcast (She shares counterintuitive strategies to help you dramatically improve instruction. How to motivate your teachers, help them be accountable, overcome toxic cultures, and transform your school) https://schoolleadershipreimagined.com/podcast/
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing and Epidemic of Mental Illness (must read for all parents)
others book marked - Rewiring Education by John D Couch, Reimagine Education: Empowering Minds for a Just Future by Kellan Verity
The Ten-Minute In Service by Todd Whitaker & Annette Breaux (recommended by VP Cameryn Beaudry)
Getting Excited About Data: Combining People, Passion, and Proof to Maximize Student Achievement by Edie L. Holcomb
Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek