Nolan Fry said he believes Gerald Morgan is a great principal because he does his sugar checks every day.
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'Principal praised for his personal care of students at Stephenville Primary School'
The Kindergarten student, who is a Type 1 diabetic, took to the mic at an assembly in Stephenville Primary School on Tuesday to make the comment.
He was amongst students from all grades at the school who had lots good to say about Morgan, their principal who was announced as one of Canada’s Outstanding Prinicpals, which was released by the Learning Partnership that day.
Fry said he also likes Morgan because he smiles a lot.
Lori-Ann Fry, his mom, who is a teacher learning assistant at the school, feels Morgan is very deserving of the award because he’s always caring about his staff and making sure they are comfortable and happy each day.
Morgan said while he knew about the award, he knew nothing of the assembly in his honour and appreciated the efforts and praise by everyone.
“I look at it as a team award. I’m influenced by the team I have, ranging from staff, caregivers to our community in general,” he said.
Morgan said their school has also done a good job of engaging community partners.
He said the province has made some good gains in the past few years with addressing student achievement.
He’s looking forward to sharing that with administrators from across the country at a four-day leadership program at the University of Toronto’s School of Management in late February.
Reflecting on a highlight in education, with 28 years in an administrative role and as principal of Stephenville Primary since 1998, Morgan said it is the positive behavior support program developed at the school called the Three-Bees: Bee Kind to Yourself, Bee Kind to Others, and Bee Kind to the World.
He said its heartwarming when you see children enjoying things and its makes his work worthwhile making sure kids are safe and happy.
Morgan said over the years he has tried to find ways to address students’ achievement in literacy and numeracy and their social and emotional development.
He said being honoured by his students and staff felt good, but also humbling.
This year, Morgan is the only recipient of the award in this province.
He said he is still loving what he’s doing and at this point has no plans for retirement despite heading into his 30th year next year.
Quick Facts
• The Learning Partnership celebrates the 15th year of Canada’s Outstanding Principals.
• Canada’s Outstanding Principals program is a nationally recognized award and an executive leadership training program.
• Through the Canada’s Outstanding Principals program, The Learning Partnership recognizes principals who demonstrate innovation, have an entrepreneurial spirit and are creative in finding solutions and opportunities in their respective schools and communities.
• This year, 30 principals from across Canada have been chosen by a national selection committee based on exceptional contributions that positively impact student achievement and success.
• The program’s national selection committee, composed of leaders from government, business and education, considers 16 different criteria of how the leadership of the principal has improved student achievement.
• The Canada’s Outstanding Principals executive leadership program provides principals with training in proven management skills and leadership techniques that foster excellence in schools.
• The 2019 honourees will join the ranks of the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals, which now has more than 500 members.
• More than 250 guests from schools, school boards, business and government attend the annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals gala every year to celebrate principals making a difference in their schools and communities.
• The Canada’s Outstanding Principals awards gala takes place Feb. 26, 2019 at the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library in Toronto, Ontario.
Source: The Learning Partnership
