Don MacLeod's work in and out of school earns notice

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Staff and students at St. Jamestown's Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School know all about principal Don MacLeod's leadership skills. With a prestigious award now to his name, his peers are well aware of his talents as well.

MacLeod was recently named recipient of the Toronto Catholic Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association's Leader in Catholic Education Award for his work not only in his own school, but in encouraging his staff and students to make a difference worldwide. His six-year tenure at the school has seen massive change both inside and outside the school.

"One of the big things that have happened recently is that we've moved into a new building," MacLeod said. "The school was in two very old buildings and there were safety concerns, so the parents wanted something newer."

The new schoolhouse, at 520 Sherbourne St., has been open for two years, putting an end to the long-standing concerns of parents, students and staff. While the new building clearly improved safety conditions for the school's 700 students, MacLeod wanted to work on ensuring they remained healthy as well.

He helped forge a partnership with the City of Toronto to bring a snack program to the school, ensuring the members of the school's diverse student body get the nutrition they need. The school now feeds 550 children per day.

While Our Lady of Lourdes students have obviously benefited from MacLeod's leadership, their hard work, coupled with tireless efforts from school staff, have brought relief to countless others.

Fundraising initiatives have seen students pull in thousands of dollars, which have gone toward digging wells in Africa and building a school in Haiti. MacLeod said he is constantly amazed at the great attitude exhibited by staff and students.

"It's all about the teachers and students, and I really can't say enough about all of them," he said. "Most of the kids who attend here are from Jamestown, and they work so well together out in the community to help make a difference."

MacLeod's efforts were obviously noticed outside the school; nominations from TCPVA awards come from peers. MacLeod credits his work with the TCPVA, where he has long been an active member, as a contributing factor in his nomination.

"I'm thrilled, but humbled and a bit embarrassed because I've been really fortunate to have great students and an excellent staff," he said. "The staff are very caring and it's all about the kids with them."

The principal added that while the award is a great honour, he is rewarded watching the success stories that come out of Our Lady of Lourdes.

"Our kids have gone on to do very well in college and university and now we're seeing some of the kids we've taught in the past come back (as teachers)," he said.

MacLeod was to receive his award at the TCPVA's annual dinner on Thursday night, after The Mirror's press time.