About Principal Doucette

Leadership Philosophy by Steve Doucette

A school leader's virtues must include courage to make decisions, being impartial, showing empathy, making sound judgment, displaying enthusiasm, accepting humility, and exercising imagination.

A school leader must provide a learning environment that is comfortable, safe, and attractive. The learning experience should be celebrated by students, staff, parents, and community. The school leader must insure that every student in the school reaches their potential prior to graduating to be clear and effective communicators, self-directed life-long learners, creative and practical problem solvers, responsible and involved citizens, collaborative and quality workers, and integrative and informed thinkers.

A school leader must be committed to a positive behavioral intervention and support framework that augments social behavior and academic outcomes. It is imperative that school leaders model a restorative approach to prevent relationship-damaging events. When disciplinary action is necessary, a school leader must be firm yet friendly while displaying actions that are both fair and consistent

A school leader must acknowledge staff members that show leadership qualities and/or are instrumental in the school's success and advancement. A school leader must develop other leaders within the school to ensure growth. They promote school spirit and teamwork among staff and students. School leaders must be student-centered, communicate with families, and reach out to the community. School leaders must ensure that instruction in the school is data-driven. Teachers and support staff are to be treated as professionals and the overall school climate should be one of family

Finally, being a school leader is a privilege that carries many responsibilities. Above all, they must be committed to keeping all learners safe in a rich and meaningful learning environment.

About Dean Chouinard

At the heart of a thriving middle and high school culture are the core values of Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, and Engaged & Invested Learning. These principles are the foundation for building a nurturing, inclusive environment where all students feel valued and empowered to grow academically, socially, and athletically.

Respect

Respect is the cornerstone of any healthy school community. It begins with teachers and staff modeling kindness and empathy, ensuring that every interaction—whether with students, colleagues, or parents—reflects a commitment to dignity. When students feel respected by the adults in their lives, they, in turn, are more likely to demonstrate respect toward one another and their teachers. This mutual respect fosters a safe environment where students feel confident to express themselves, take risks in their learning, and collaborate with peers.

Honesty

Honesty cultivates trust, which is essential for any meaningful relationship. In a school culture rooted in honesty, students are encouraged to be truthful in their work, interactions, and self-reflections. Teachers and staff must lead by example, creating an atmosphere where integrity is not just expected but celebrated. Honesty allows students to take ownership of their mistakes, learn from them, and move forward with confidence, knowing they are supported in their growth.

Responsibility

Fostering responsibility means teaching students to be accountable for their actions, choices, and contributions to the school community. It involves more than meeting academic deadlines; it encompasses being responsible for one's behavior, relationships, and learning process. By encouraging students to take ownership of their own development, we prepare them for future leadership roles and instill a sense of pride in their individual and collective achievements.

Engaged & Invested Learning

An engaged and invested approach to learning ensures that students are active participants in their education. Teachers play a crucial role in creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged, and learning is seen as a collaborative process. Engaged students are not only more likely to excel academically but also to develop a lifelong passion for learning, which extends beyond the classroom. In such an environment, students are encouraged to pursue their interests, take initiative, and approach challenges with resilience.