The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, March 13, 2014 | 12 Stevens-Lay recognized as an `Outstanding Principal' Oakville resident among 40 principals across Canada recognized on 2014 list by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Longtime Oakville resident Sharon StevensLay has been recognized for the exceptional work she has done in her role as the principal of Peel District School Board's alternative programs. She's among 40 principals from across Canada who recently made The Learning Partnership's Canada's Outstanding Principals for 2014 list. The 12 Ontario recipients were recently honoured at a gala dinner event held at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto. Stevens-Lay, who was nominated by her peers, school staff and community members, was chosen based on the characteristics of "outstanding principals," the partnerships she's made with parents and the community and the impact she has made in improving students achievement. Akela Peoples, president and CEO of The Learning Partnership, said she was delighted to recognize excellence in public education. "Behind every great school is a great prin- cipal who is not only an outstanding educator but an excellent manager and leader," said Peoples. "These principals are presidents of their schools -- they communicate compelling visions, engage their communities, mentor their staff and, most importantly, create safe and nurturing learning environments for students." Stevens-Lay told the Oakville Beaver how appreciative she is to receive such recognition. "I'm very humbled and honoured," she said, noting how she had no idea of the lengths the school community went to in nominating her. "None of this would be possible without the staff we have who day in and day out are committed to youth in our board." Sharon Stevens-Lay Stevens-Lay noted how the alternative programs allow for students facing mental health challenges, high anxiety related to issues like bullying, teen pregnancy or any other kind of challenge to learn in a self-paced environment. "It's very much about engaging students and keeping them coming to school at whatever pace they can handle, based on whatever adversity or challenge they are dealing with," she said. Stevens-Lay noted how gratifying it is to see students reach their potential. "It's very rewarding work, but it takes a `Engaging students' In her role, Stevens-Lay is responsible for the three Peel Alternative Schools and its satellite programs, Safe and Caring Schools program and the board's field centres, such as Britannia Farm in Mississauga. She said she takes pride in working with a community of teachers and staff who are passionate about helping students overcome the challenges and adversities they are experiencing in life and helping them transform their lives, putting them on the right track to success. very special set of skills for teachers, teaching assistants and administration to practice," she continued, adding how many students have kept in touch and have shared how their experience through Peel's alternative programs have helped them through challenging times. It's those moments, learning about how a student has moved on to a career or postsecondary school, that define why she loves her job, said Stevens-Lay. She said she's also proud of what she and the school community have been able to accomplish over the years, including receiving the Ontario Premier's Awards for Accepting Schools twice. It recognizes exceptional and innovative work being done in schools to create a safe and accepting school environment. Last year, 10 schools in Ontario received the award. Stevens-Lay's recent award also came with the opportunity to enhance her skills through the executive leadership training program at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. She and other award recipients were introduced to leadership and management practices and theories presented by current business leaders and instructors at one of Canada's leading business schools through seminars that took place earlier in February. MARCH 28 TO 30 ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS & FREE PARKING ACCESS TO THE GARDENS! 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday & · Check out the Ultimate Backyard feature by Northern Landscaping · Meet societies and clubs · Plant Sale RAIN BARREL SALE MEET FRANKIE FLOWERS! Saturday March 29th Get Yours Now! Visit our website for details Limited quantities For more information or to book space call: 905-842-6591 x 245 RBGGardenShow RBGGardenShow A DIVISION OF outdoorlivingandgardenshow.com