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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 17, 2007 - 13 Best in the world Continued from page 12 "Our motto is eat right, live right, feel right," said Warne. "In this school, a healthy lifestyle is a real focus. It's a way of life." Included among the accolades in her nomination were letters of support. The letters written promoting Warne as one of Canada's Most Outstanding Principals ­ written by staff, students and community members ­ say it all. "I hope words can express the impact she is making on my career, the respect and admiration I have for her, and how deserving she is of being recognized as one of Canada's Outstanding Principals," wrote West Oak vice principal Deb Dunn, who has worked with Warne nearly two years. The letter continues, "...administrators have shared with me that I am learning from the best, the most highlyrespected principal in the Halton District School Board. Every day I work with Marleen I am learning." A 30-year veteran of teaching, Karen Hamacher, was one of a number of West Oak teachers to submit a letter of support. "When I look back and reflect on the many administrators that have made an impact on my career, or on me personally, Marleen tops the list," she wrote. "I enjoy working with a leader who doesn't fear making tough decisions required on a daily basis to run an effective, safe and productive school." Warne's visibility and awareness of what goes on both inside the school's classrooms and out on the playground was applauded in a number of the letters. Grade 8 teacher Vicky Braun's nearly three-page letter doesn't even get to the crux of why Warne is among Canada's best. "If I were to write in prose all of my reasons for supporting her in this award, this letter would be 10 pages long," she writes. "She works harder and longer than anyone I know, and models her beliefs and expectations. She leads by example." This nomination package fills a binder, shown only to Warne after the staff had sent it away to the reviewing committee. "It was all a surprise," she said. "They called me into a meeting under the guise of something else and they presented me with the package that they had submitted. "I have to tell you, I cried when they told me. I cried when I read it," she said. While Warne admits it's hard to find a highlight, one part of the nomination really stands out. "The idea of having a vision and bringing everyone else into that vision ­ creating a vision," she said. "That's what struck me the most." But Warne quickly deflects praise. "I feel very humbled by this because I have so many wonderful people around me," she said. "I don't think of myself as more outstanding than the people I'm with." As one of Canada's Most Outstanding Principals, Warne next month along with the other winning principals will participate in a five-day executive leadership training program at The University of Toronto's Roman School of Management. Then they'll be formally honoured at a gala awards dinner and inducted into the National Academy of Principals, which currently recognizes 59 principals. "I said, `Is that kind of like the Hockey Hall of Fame?'" Warne said, smiling. "I guess we'll find out. I don't think we get a Stanley Cup though. Maybe a Principal's Cup." Even if she doesn't get a Principal's Cup, Warne will hold on to the most important part of her award ­ the nomination package put together by her staff. At the back is a yellow card, made by students after they found out their principal was named one of Canada's Most Outstanding. The card says, "You're the best principal in the whole world." "Not even Canada, the whole world," said Warne, smiling. "It's so cute." -- Krissie Rutherford can be reached at krutherford@oakvillebeaver.com. BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: West Oak Public School is proud of its principal Marleen Warne. What's coming in February CORRECTION NOTICE CURTIS MP1004 1GB MP3 PLAYER 10081911. Due to a manufacturer's issue this product is not available as advertised on page 20 of the January 12th flyer. As a replacement offer the MPIO 555 1GB MP3 Player will be available for $49.99. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers. Living Well Pilates WINTER CLASSES BEGINNING SOON SIGN UP NOW! No Membership Fees Mary German Feel free to linger in our store. (None of our merchandise ever does.) NEW ARRIVALS I have achieved my last year's goals of weight loss, increased energy and enjoyment of exercise - M.H. "Pilates For All Bodies" Fine furniture on consignment. Redecorating? Downsizing? Making Changes? Let us sell your items for you. Call 905-815-1949 to find out how. 427 Speers Road, Oakville TM 905-847-0707 2251 Westoak Trails Blvd., www.livingwellpilates.com Visit our Brand New Website: tradingplacescanada.com