Amazing Leadership

This is a brief summary of a short documentary "Pinecrest Diaries" aired on CBC The Lens (March 18, 2008).

In Ottawa was a small town called Pinecrest with the largest concentration of refugees and immigrant, suffering from lack of funding and low resources. Its elementary school was being threatened by poor academic performances and bad behaviours. In fact, 400 students were attending the school and there were more than 500 suspensions. Students were having many personal issues and were at risk. Not understanding English was indeed one of the major issues.

Principle Charles Austin was brought to bring back its life. In 2 years, he and all the teachers and staff members reduced the suspension number to under 40. From this documentary, I found their 10 main strategies that led to its success.

1. Goal oriented
2. Provide a strong support system to the students and teachers
3. Pay attention to every student
4. Show kids at risk a role model whom they can look up to
5. Build a bridge among students, parents and school - actively involving parents
6. Time, money, energy and commitment
7. Action oriented: Do it now!
8. From head to toe: Principle himself getting involved - greeting every student every morning
9. Never blame the students but show how much they care
10. Set high expectations

These strategies and values that Charles Austin and his teachers have demonstrated are important principles that we can all follow and adopt in every aspect of our lives.

Visit the Pincrest Elementary school website to learn more about them.