A good school is run from the top down and at the top of Earl Haig Secondary School is Beverley Ohashi, recently recognized as one of Canada's most outstanding principals.
Not aware that she had been nominated in the national competition, Ohashi got a call last week congratulating her for being selected as one of the Top 32 principals in Canada by The Learning Partnership, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system in Canada.
"It was a total surprise to me when I received the call," said Ohashi.
It was less of a surprise for the students, parents and teachers who had nominated her for the impact she has had on the people around her throughout 34 years of teaching experience, the last eight spent at Earl Haig.
The award recognizes principals that have made a measurable difference in lives of their students and communities. Ohashi is a meticulous organizer who has found success with her 2,200 students and 130 staff members by making sure there is a well-structured extracurricular life at the school, complete with more than 90 clubs and councils and 35 sports teams.
"It's a school that's large, but they don't get lost because they find a way to connect with smaller groups and feel like they are part of it," said Ohashi. "They can all find something that works for them."
Student life has thrived so well under Ohashi that in 2004, Earl Haig was selected by Maclean's magazine as the top school in Canada for clubs and councils.
The school is also the site of the Claude Watson Arts Program, which offers specialized programs in drama, dance, visual arts and music. Ohashi played a key role in developing a fifth tier that prepares students for a career in film and television.
The solid academic and extracurricular programming has paid off for students; 95 per cent of graduates are accepted into post-secondary education.
Now it's Ohashi's turn to see some recognition for her tireless efforts.
While her list of accomplishments is impressive, she makes it clear it is the other leaders at her school that make it such a great place to learn.
"I don't believe the only leader is the principal, but in all levels, including parents, teachers and students, there are leaders in this building that makes it an enriching environment," said Ohashi. "It's not about me being in the limelight. I try my best to bring recognition to the others for what they do...if they feel half of what I am feeling, that's important for them to experience."
As a prize, Ohashi has been invited to attend a four-day conference with the other national winners at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management from Feb. 21 to 25.