Why I love to lead this place
I am inspired to write this pondering, following a thoughtful and profound conversation with several Grade 7 and 8 Students who attended Sabbath Space last week. During our time together, we were encouraged to share something we were passionate about, and my response was that I am passionate about “leading this place.” As I reflected with these students, I deemed it important to share these thoughts more publicly.
I love to lead Rockway because:
- I have a long-standing affection for this school – my mother attended Rockway, I attended here, I taught here, and now I am the Principal!
- I am passionate about education, and want to make that possible by creating unique learning opportunities, helping students develop new skills, encounter new concepts, build faith, and form character.
- I love to think of new ways of thinking and doing, and this leadership position allows me the opportunity to move a vision forward.
- I have to face hard issues and challenges in this job yet, there is nothing more rewarding than trying to find a solution to a problem through listening, discerning, strategizing, communicating, collaborating and mediating.
Sometimes the problem results in a solution; sometimes the only way through the problem is through a compromise. When making a tough decision, I give myself time to gather information thoughtfully; and I never make a decision in isolation. My mantra is: there is always a solution to a problem; you just have to find it! - I love to watch students participate in a wide variety of school activities, both in class and through involvement in extra-curricular and community opportunities.
- I love to engage in faith development, through chapels, RS classes, Sabbath Space and daily interactions in the halls.
- I love to network and build partnerships both inside and outside of this community.
I love to build team at all levels of institutional structure, including but not limited to Rockway’s Board of Directors, Rockway’s Faculty and Staff, Rockway parents and of course with Rockway students!
I continue to be honored and humbled to lead Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. Thank you for your continued support, grace and patience as we enter 2016.
Ann L. Schultz
Principal
