Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Normally the principal’s office is among the last places one would want to find themselves on the first day of school.
And yet the main office of Napanee District Secondary School is exactly where this reporter was headed following the premier day of the school year-but fortunately, it was strictly a social visit. The purpose was to meet Paul MacDonald, who had just completed his first day in his new role as principal of NDSS. He invited the Beaver into his office to chat and look ahead to the 2023-24 school year.
He arrives to the home of the Golden Hawks with 20 years experience in education, most recently as a principal within the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO). During that time he’s been a principal at both the elementary and high school level, as well as a teacher. Though he had no previous professional ties to the Limestone District School Board, it’s one he’s very familiar with as his four kids attend schools in Kingston and his wife presides over a Kingston elementary school as principal. When the position at NDSS became available, he jumped at the opportunity.
“Limestone has always been a board I’ve followed and I’ve been impressed with the things they’ve accomplished under the leadership of director of education Krishna Burra around well-being, innovation and inclusion,” said MacDonald. “I thought that’s something I’d really like to be a part of.”
Not lost on him is the unique role NDSS plays within the community. He says being the only secondary school in town gives them an opportunity to serve as a community hub, giving students a place to showcase their talents. He says one of his goals is to continue to foster that relation between the school and the town, getting back to some of the things that were halted during the pandemic and only started to return last year, such as school band concerts and drama performances.
MacDonald took over for Erin Pincivero, who retired after 31 years in education, the final 11 of which spent as principal of NDSS.
“Some big shoes to fill and I want to come in and continue to build on some of that success,” MacDonald said of ‘Mrs. P’. “It’s a community hub and I want to continue to improve upon that relationship.”
Before taking the reins in September, MacDonald had a chance to visit the school in June. Among the highlights was the school’s expansive tech wing-an area of study he says has come along way over the years in terms of how it’s viewed. No longer are skilled trades looked down upon as inferior when compared to other academic subjects.
“We’ve always needed skilled trades, but the last few years it’s been more recognized and we want to continue to provide that option for students,” said MacDonald.
He says that innovation is among the strengths of Limestone and an area he wants to continue to develop in his new role. Recognizing that not all students learn the same, he plans to make students aware of the many options available during their four or five years at NDSS.
“There’s always opportunities out there for students with multiple pathways to success,” said MacDonald. “It’s important that we continue to build on those and make them available so students can see there are many options to find the path that best suits them to set them up for long-term success.”
MacDonald is joined by vice-principals Allison Todd (Grade 10 and 12) and Elizabeth Hasler (Grade 9 and 11).
They dedicated a portion of the first day of school to gathering in the gym to welcome everyone back and introduce staff that has taken over new roles.
“”We had an assembly today, with Grades 10, 11 and 12 in the gym, just that chance to introduce ourselves to the students,” said MacDonald. “There was a great energy there, this school and community has been so welcoming. That energy is what makes a school.”