Leadership Development
Principal Congress 2010 Highlights
Opening Address by The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky
Below is an excerpt from The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky's address to participants at the Principal Congress 2010.
Transcript of video
Minister's Address
The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Education
I'm really honoured to have the opportunity to open the 2010 Principals' Congress. As you know, the Principals' Congress is an important part of the Ontario Leadership Strategy, and a great opportunity for us to strengthen our relationship as we work toward sustaining school improvement, enhancing student learning and bringing the system to new highs and success. And, of course, when we talk about system, you know, and I want you to know I know, we're talking about our students.
I understand you are a very special group of leaders. You have been chosen to be here today because of your commitment to learning, your positive approach to school leadership and your focus on improvement and results. Principals with skills and passion like yours make all the difference to our students. District leadership is necessary to encourage professional growth, to foster excellence and support the important role of principal. Strong and dedicated leadership is not just essential to the success of our students it's essential to the success of our entire education system and, as I've indicated earlier, to the success of the students who graduate from that system. And that's why we developed the Ontario Leadership Strategy. I know there are leaders in the room today who have found innovative and creative ways to reach struggling students. And this is a great opportunity for us to hear from you, to learn from you, to understand your tools and strategies that can help make that difference in student achievement.
I'm proud to say that together we have made significant progress since 2003. Our results, like improved test scores, increased graduation rates, safer and healthier schools, all speak to the importance of collaboration and partnership between the Ministry of Education and the school and district leaders. It's about delivering real results for Ontario's two million students. It is about closing the gap. That is a very key priority for us. And we are relying on you and your expertise and the, the wonderful expertise that you find in the teacher leaders in your school to understand how we can close that gap. And when you see that happen that you are able in this type of forum to bring those strategies forward so that other communities, other students, other teachers can benefit from those strategies.
At the core of everything you do is a steadfast commitment to improving student achievement and well-being and reducing gaps in student success. Yours is a challenging but, I've got to think, a most rewarding role. So take pride in what you have accomplished in your schools so far. Take pride in your achievements and the achievements of your students.
