East Three Elementary welcomes new principal
Elizabeth McNeil brings decades of experience in primary, French education
Elizabeth McNeil is the new principal at East Three Elementary School. - Kirsten Fenn/NNSL photo
|
Kirsten Fenn
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 21, 2017
INUVIK
Even before Elizabeth McNeil decided to make the move from her hometown of St. John's, N.L. to Inuvik this year, she'd heard nothing but "beautiful" things about the NWT.
She knew several people who had worked in the territory, she said, helping spark her interest in applying to work at the school here.
When she dropped her son off at the airport on Easter weekend and he left home for good, "I decided that it was time for me to make a change," she said.
McNeil is now the principal at East Three Elementary School, bringing with her more than 26 years of experience in education.
And while it may be her first time serving as principal, she hopes to use her background as a primary teacher, and her experience in inclusive schooling, to make learning accessible to all students.
"I believe that the work of the school starts in the classroom and it ends in the classroom," said McNeil.
Teachers need supports in the classroom, she said, explaining she wants to help them with instructional practices and help learners who either need to be challenged further, or require more support.
Improving student literacy and numeracy skills, and strengthening culture and language in the classroom are also on McNeil's radar.
"The teachers are already doing that here and they integrate it well into the curriculum," she said. "But, we want to have an added focus on that this year."
That could include bringing more people into the school who reflect the community's culture, she said.
While McNeil could have retired in St. John's, she said she didn't see herself leaving her career in education behind just yet.
Rather, she wanted a change.
"I just love being around educators and children," said McNeil. "It's a very powerful thing . and I've always wanted to be a part of that."
Although it's her first year as a principal, McNeil said she can bring a lot to the table with her instructional experience.
"I'm motivated to learn and I have a lot of support around me," she said.
As for Inuvik, it reminds her a lot of St. John's - but with slightly better weather than the wind and fog she's used to, she said.
"I'm new to the community and I love it," said McNeil. "Even though I'm far from home, I feel at home in Inuvik."
