Lakehead principal begins term as the President of OPC

TORONTO, June 30 /CNW/ - Vicki Shannon, a principal from the Lakehead District School Board, takes over July 1 as President of the Ontario Principals' Council (OPC) for a one-year term. Vicki has been an educator for 26 years, including 16 years as an administrator.

"I am thrilled to be starting my term as President of the OPC and to be representing over 5,000 of my colleagues from around the province," said Vicki. "As always, there will be many issues for school leaders to deal with next year, and I will make sure our concerns are brought to the attention of school boards, MPPs and the Minister so that we can ensure we have the best learning conditions for our students."

    
    In addition to Vicki, the 2010-11 Executive includes

    -  President-Elect Naeem Siddiq, Principal of West Humber Collegiate
       Institute (Toronto District School Board)
    -  Vice-President Ken Arnott, Principal of Aurora Heights Public School
       (York Region District School Board)
    -  Vice-President Richard Pincombe, Principal of West Elgin Secondary
       School (Thames-Valley District School Board)
    -  Member-at-Large Bob Pratt, Principal of Delta Secondary School
       (Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board)
    -  Member-at-Large Wendy Wade, Principal of Rickson Ridge Public School
       (Upper Grand District School Board).
    

Vicki has been seconded from her board for one year and will be based in Toronto until June 30, 2011. By seconding a practising principal, the OPC is able to monitor the issues and concerns that are most current and relevant to Ontario's schools. Her experience as a front line school leader allows her to share what really happens in schools with the Education Minister, MPPs, stakeholder groups, media and the public. Vicki is an experienced and knowledgeable source.

"We will continue to advocate for quality programs and learning opportunities that promote student achievement and student success," said Vicki. "Providing safe, positive and encouraging schools is our goal, and we work with students, parents, educators and government officials to make that a reality in every school."

The Ontario Principals' Council is the professional association representing more than 5,000 principals and vice-principals in Ontario's public elementary and secondary schools. Established in 1998, the OPC advocates on behalf of public education and provides professional supports to its Members.

Education Leadership Canada, a division of the OPC, develops and delivers professional development supports for school leaders provincially, nationally and internationally. The OPC is proud to be hosting the 10th International Confederation of Principals (ICP) World Convention in Toronto, Canada, in August 2011.

For further information: Laura Hyde, Communications Officer, Ontario Principals' Council, [phone], [email protected]