Brid McDonald of St. Patrick’s Catholic High School named a Canada’s Outstanding Principals™ Award Winner 2016 The Learning Partnership honours Ottawa Catholic School Board principal for exemplary leadership January 26, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – The Learning Partnership is pleased to recognize Brid McDonald as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals™ of 2016. Brid is among forty exceptional educators, from every province and territory in Canada, who are being celebrated for demonstrating innovation, having an entrepreneurial spirit and for employing creativity in finding solutions and opportunities. They will be awarded for their accomplishments at the 12th annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals™ gala on February 23rd, 2016, at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto.

A profile of an outstanding principal Brid began her career in education 25 years ago as a teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, and joined St. Patrick’s High School in 2013. She has served the OCSB as a secondary school principal for the past 10 years, and has had a tremendous impact on the school and local community. Brid McDonald: • • • • •

believes a school should be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable, and adopted the mantra "what is essential for some is good for all" supported the establishment of a school Robotics program, winning accolades across the country created a Literacy Committee to help increase success for students in the Grade 10 provincial literacy test, realizing an impressive 10% increase in the success rate was one of 10 principals in Ontario to sit on the Minister of Education's Principal Reference Group to help address challenges in education chaired the Aboriginal Education Steering Committee and hosted a "Legacy of Hope" event to promote awareness and understanding about the legacy of residential schools and its impact “Brid is a Catholic leader of tremendous vision, energy, and exemplary follow through. Her faith is evident in all that she does, and she is a true role model for students, staff, and the greater school community. She inspires other staff members to see the best in every student and supports them in ensuring students are very well served.” Quote from Denise Andre, OCSB Director of Education

For a biography and photograph visit www.thelearningpartnership.ca/cop-award-recipients The winners also benefit from an exclusive five-day executive leadership training program at one of Canada’s top business schools, the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. The program will introduce them to leadership and management practices presented by business leaders and Rotman instructors. They also benefit from a “Changing World of Work” day where they learn about today’s workforce from business leaders. Brid will join the prestigious ranks of the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals™, which now boasts almost 400 members. The National Academy offers principals ongoing networking, mentoring and professional development opportunities so they can constantly enhance their leadership skills. “The strength of our world-renowned public education system is built on great principals, who are educators, managers and leaders in their schools and communities,” says Akela Peoples, President and CEO of The Learning Partnership. “These dedicated principals contribute tremendously to creating nurturing learning environments to enable all students to succeed. We are delighted to celebrate their achievement and contribution, and recognize them as important leaders in Canadian society.” In the Canada’s Outstanding Principals™ program, principals are nominated by their peers, school staff and community members in every province and territory. Nominations are reviewed and final winners selected on a representation-by-population basis by a National Selection Committee made up of a distinguished group of Canadian education, community and private sector leaders. Candidates are chosen using the following criteria: leadership and student achievement; leadership and innovation; instructional leadership; professional learning teams; partnerships with families and communities; personal growth initiatives; and corresponding letters of support. Canada’s Outstanding Principals™ is made possible through the generous support of CIBC and Deloitte. About The Learning Partnership The Learning Partnership is a national charity dedicated to supporting, promoting and advancing publicly funded education in Canada. We do this through five key deliverables - innovative student programs, executive leadership for educators, knowledge mobilization and policy, tribute celebrations of excellence and ongoing collaborations across Canada. Since 1993, more than 6.1 million students have participated in The Learning Partnership's programs. For more information about The Learning Partnership, visit www.thelearningpartnership.ca. -30For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact: Mardi de Kemp Manager of Communications Ottawa Catholic School Board 613-224-4455 Ext 2326 [email protected]

Norma Meneguzzi Spall The Results Group Public Relations On behalf of The Learning Partnership 416-209-1216 [email protected]