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Good Shepherd School lights way for students

IMAGE. Supplied by Fort McMurray Catholic School Division.

Despite the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, a local school reached a significant milestone.

The Fort McMurray Catholic School Division (FMCSD) congratulated Good Shepherd Community School as the FMCSD’s first ‘Lighthouse School’ in the ‘Leader In Me’ program.

Principal Sheldon Germain thanked staff, students, and families for their help in achieving Lighthouse Milestone Certification (LMC).

“This shows our commitment to the 7 Habits and strengthens our Catholic Faith. As we move forward striving to support and assist other Catholic schools in their journey. We will continue to lead like ‘the Good Shepherd’.”

When it began the program in 2011, the school made significant progress through its Good Shepherd School Lighthouse Team.

“This has been a team effort for many years. We are a small staff and we continually took small steps forward. It has been a sustained effort for many years as we focused on honing our leadership skills. All of our students and staff have been part of this effort.”

The team worried the delay brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic would impede the school’s momentum.

Good Shepherd received the certification through a virtual evaluation.

Leader In Me’s Lead Evaluator Courtney Wildoner said Good Shepherd impressed the evaluation team.

“It was such a pleasure to meet all of you and learn from your greatness. You are all so deserving of this honour.”

Evaluator David George also said Good Shepherd embedded Leader In Me in its school culture.

Mike Suto, Leader In Me Trainer and Facilitator said the school joins a select group from around the world.

“Over the past eight to nine years, I have been lucky enough to witness the many educators, students, parents and community members who have all contributed to this great little school. What stands out as common amongst them all is the love and care they have for each other.”

Teachers and faculty teach leadership principles to all students through direct lessons, integrated approaches, and staff modelling.

Students apply leadership principles and skills to assess their needs and set personal goals.

They also track their progress in Leadership Notebooks.

“Congratulations Good Shepherd School, and welcome to the community of Lighthouse Schools!” Said David Ansbacher, Ed. D., Leader in Me Director of Lighthouse and Quality Initiatives.

This results in trusting relationships in the classroom and an engaging learning environment in Lighthouse Schools like Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd Community School resides in Beacon Hill’s Spray Park and teaches 348 K-6 students.