Aiman Flahat.
John Polanyi Collegiate principal Aiman Flahat (left) and Dublin Heights principal Amina Timol were recently recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals by The Learning Partnership.
Photo/COURTESY
Aiman Flahat's focus on student success at two distinct schools and his optimism and enthusiasm for the staff and students didn't go unrecognized by his peers.
Neither did Amina Timol's efforts in raising student achievement and providing equity of opportunity for everyone in her school.
Both North York educators have recently been acknowledged as two of Canada's Outstanding Principals by The Learning Partnership, recognizing the unique and crucial contributions of principals in publicly funded schools.
"It's a real honour to be acknowledged," said Flahat, who was the principal at Greenwood Secondary and SOLE (School of Life Experience) Alternative schools. "It tells me we're doing the right thing to focus on students."
Flahat recently became the principal of the new John Polanyi Collegiate Institute, which opened near Allen Road and Lawrence Avenue in September.
But he brought that same culture of trust he helped create with teachers and students alike at his previous schools to John Polanyi.
"When they're inspired, they don't feel like they're at work," said Flahat, who met with teacher leaders to ensure the unique culture and needs of both schools were respected.
Greenwood, near Danforth and Greenwood avenues, is known as a school of diversity with many of its students new to Canada. SOLE, in the same neighbourhood at Greenwood, primarily caters to students 16 years of age and older who are often disengaged and require the additional supports offered at that school.
"We have to help them find their voice," said Flahat, who worked to forge partnerships with community agencies to provide nutrition programs, health-related services and after-school programming. "Our resources are stretched. To build a truly innovative school, we need to tap into our community partners."
That included securing $45,000 for TTC tickets and $12,000 for field trips and additional learning resources. Funds from the Apple Grant Program have allowed both schools to expand their digital technology.
"We want to let students see the possibilities. This is their future," said Flahat, adding that creating an exciting environment to teach for staff is also important.
"This a labour of love," he said.
Similarly for Timol, her passion as a principal is to increase student achievement.
"I feel that's why I'm a principal," said Timol, who started serving as principal of Dublin Heights Elementary and Middle School four years ago.
With her vision for equity and excellence, Timol took advantage of the Ministry of Education's resources and professional learning to improve literacy and numeracy results at Dublin Heights, near Sheppard Avenue and Wilson Heights Road.
She also worked with staff to focus on special needs students and others deemed to be at-risk.
"It's not something a principal can do on their own," said Timol, who embraces working collaboratively in coming up with best practices that enhance student success. "We want them to feel they belong in the whole school."
Her daily interaction with the students just reinforces the caring attitude she brings to the school.
"The warmth of the kids was the first thing that embraced me," Timol recalled.
She added that while it's humbling to be acknowledged as an outstanding principal, she couldn't take all of the credit.
"If one of us is praised, the whole school is praised," Timol said. "I applaud the school."