Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Ms. Simone Gessler, principal of Weledeh Catholic School in Yellowknife, on being recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2014.
The Learning Partnership recently announced Ms. Gessler as one of 40 exceptional educators from across Canada. Through her leadership at Weledeh Catholic School since 2010, literacy rates have improved substantially, with 100 percent of students now demonstrating significant improvements in reading, sense of confidence and self-efficacy, and 70 percent are reading at or above grade level.
To achieve this, Ms. Gessler adapted the “Response to Intervention” approach to create a program aimed at improving literacy for all students. This program addresses the needs of students who struggle with reading and challenges the entire student body in a relevant and interactive three-tiered approach. The International Reading Association has recognized the program’s success and I presented Ms. Gessler with a Ministerial Award for Literacy in 2013 for her achievement.
Ms. Gessler now has the opportunity to attend a five-day Executive Leadership Training Program delivered by the internationally renowned Rotman School of Management later this month. Once complete, she joins some 300 exceptional educators that comprise the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals.
Ms. Gessler graciously attributes the successes of her school to the hard work and dedication of each of her staff. Under her leadership, teachers and
students work purposefully and her school is a place for learning directed at success for all.
Please join me in congratulating Ms. Simone Gessler for her passion and dedication to excellence in education. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.