Ottawa Catholic School Board 570 West Hunt Club Road Nepean, Ontario K2G 3R4 Phone: 613-224-2222 Ext. 2326 Fax: 613-224-5063 ocsb.ca

News Release

Denise Gotell of St. Thomas More School named one of “Canada’s Outstanding Principals” January 31, 2017

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Ottawa – The Learning Partnership has recognized Denise Gotell as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2017. Denise is among 40 exceptional educators, from every province and territory in Canada, who is being celebrated for demonstrating innovation, having an entrepreneurial spirit, and for employing creativity in finding solutions and opportunities.

A profile of an outstanding principal Denise’s advocacy for special education and equity, and the belief that all students can learn, thrive and achieve, has led her to champion assistive technology. Denise is an innovator, promotes student voice and choice, and explores avenues, including social media, for collaboration and engagement. Denise mentors and coaches other leaders, builds community, keeps current with research, and is a positive agent for change. Denise’s style of leadership creates a culture of trust where staff feel empowered, further supporting the school-wide effort to change the world, to “Dream Large and Be Awesome.” “Every person here wants to be their best self. There are no barriers if you develop trusting relationships with staff, students, and parents.” Denise Gotell, Principal of St. Thomas More School Denise has a unique ability to engage the minds and hearts of the school community as they embark on new initiatives. Denise once wrote the word “yet…” on the walls throughout the school to pique the interest of staff and students, as they searched for its meaning. The entire community became engaged in the notion that if you add the word “yet” to any phrase, the brain switches from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. In the Fall of 2015, the OCSB was selected from among 35 boards across Canada to be recognized by the Canadian Education Association (CEA) for its exemplary and visionary practices in transforming its classrooms into 21st century environment that meet the needs of all learners. Denise’s school served as a leader in implementing this vision. “Denise Gotell’s leadership has brought her school to the forefront when it comes to innovative learning and helping students build global competencies. Denise ensures students are engaged in inclusive and welcoming community and establishes a culture of high expectations for all members of her school community.” Denise Andre, OCSB Director of Education

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“We are delighted to be celebrating these exceptional principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. Their dedication to building and leading teams of great teachers plays a vital role in positively impacting student achievement and success and we are elated to recognize these dynamic leaders in the Canadian public education system.” - Rod Thompson, Director of Executive Leadership Programs of The Learning Partnership Denise began her career in education as a teacher in Nova Scotia 20 years ago. She joined the Ottawa Catholic School Board 18 years ago and has held a variety of leadership roles. She has acted as Principal for the past seven years. The entire Ottawa Catholic School Board community is proud to support Denise and this prestigious accomplishment.

About The Learning Partnership The Learning Partnership is a national charity dedicated to building stakeholder partnerships to support, promote and advance 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 6.5 million students have participated in The Learning Partnership's programs. For more information about The Learning Partnership, visit www.thelearningpartnership.ca. • • •

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The Learning Partnership celebrates the 13th year of Canada’s Outstanding Principals. Canada’s Outstanding Principals program is both a nationally recognized award and an executive leadership training program. Through Canada’s Outstanding Principals program, The Learning Partnership recognizes principals who demonstrate innovation, have an entrepreneurial spirit and are creative in finding solutions and opportunities in their respective schools and communities. This year, 40 principals, representing every province and territory, have been chosen by a national selection committee on the basis of their exceptional contributions that positively impact student achievement and success. The program’s national selection committee, composed of leaders from government, business and education takes into account 16 different criteria that fall into four categories, using quantitative and qualitative evidence of how the leadership of the principal has improved student achievement. The Canada’s Outstanding Principals executive leadership program provides principals with training in proven management skills and leadership techniques that foster excellence in schools. The 2017 winners will join the ranks of the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals, which now boasts over 400 members. More than 400 guests from schools, school boards, business and government attend the annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals gala every year to celebrate principals who are making a difference in their schools and communities. The Canada’s Outstanding Principals awards gala is on February 28th, 2017 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. - 30 -

For 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]

Fahad Pinto Manager, Marketing and Communications The Learning Partnership 416-440-5109 [email protected]