Kemptville Ontario – The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario is pleased to announce that Susan Forbes, Principal of St. James the Greater Catholic School in Smiths Falls, has been named as one of forty exceptional educational leaders from across Canada.

Candidates are nominated by their peers, school staff, and community members annually to The Learning Partnership, who recognizes exemplary leaders from across all Canadian provinces and territories.

“Sue Forbes is an inspirational leader,” explains her bio. “She ensures students and adults feel safe and empowered, and makes it a priority to know and greet each and every child at her school. To improve student achievement Sue incorporates data analysis and targeted interventions such as guided reading, specialized programs, and provincial assessment booster groups. She is optimistic and energizes her staff using a “Stop, Start and Continue” methodology, and schedules sessions for relaxation and team bonding to boost morale and trust. Sue has also been actively involved in the Eastern Ontario Staff Development network and within the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario. Efforts by Sue and her staff have resulted in more students self-reporting positive feelings on resiliency and mental health surveys, and provincial assessment scores are up by 12 percent for writing and 10 per cent for math. Sue sees solutions, not obstacles, and brings a positive attitude to school each and every day.”

“I am very grateful for this award, but I accept it on behalf of all of the staff, parents, and students at St. James,” noted Mrs. Susan Forbes. “As a team, we work together to make St. James an amazing place for children to learn.”

Now celebrating its 13th year, The Learning Partnership’s Canada’s Outstanding Principals program recognizes the unique and vital contribution of principals in publicly funded schools. The 40 principals are being celebrated for demonstrating innovation, leadership and for employing creativity in finding solutions and opportunities within their school communities. They will be awarded for their accomplishments at the annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals gala on February 28th, 2017, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.