Message from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Jesus said, “Let the Children come to me, do not prevent them.” (Mark 10:13)
It is my honour and privilege to serve the St. Martin of Tours Catholic School Community as your Principal. I extend a warm welcome to all the new families joining SMT this year and welcome back all of our returning families.
First and foremost, I am a proud SMT alumni. I attended St. Martin of Tours (JK-Grade 8) as a child and I am honoured to serve and give back to the community that instilled morals, values, and fond memories in my heart.
As a Catholic Educator and supportive Servant Leader, I believe it is part of the principal’s role to ensure that students, parents/guardians, and staff collaborate to develop an inclusive community where students feel safe to be their authentic selves. As a staff, we work together to ensure that every child has a safe and accepting environment from which they can develop their academic, social, emotional, and individual potential, while enacting Christ’s principles to develop their faith and contribute meaningfully to society. We are also fortunate at St. Martin of Tours to have a dedicated parent community, who in partnership with school staff and the Catholic School Council, support numerous events which benefit the students at our school (CYO, extra-curricular activities, Student Council, ECO team, clubs, school and Board based events). Parent volunteers are welcome and appreciated. Our Catholic School Council is always looking for new members. Please consider getting involved.
We are blessed and grateful to the pastoral team at St. Francis Xavier Parish. We welcome our new Pastor, Father Ross Campbell, and continue to welcome our Youth Minister, Wes Moga. Together as a Catholic Community - students, staff, and parents/guardians will continue to practice our faith through liturgical activities, Pastoral team visits, masses, and sacramental preparation.
Through collaboration with students, parents/guardians, and staff, as well as the Parish and the broader community, we ensure that we reach every student – celebrating unique strengths and encouraging development in the areas that require improvement. My pedagogy promotes that all God’s children can learn and build new-found knowledge. It is our duty to provide our students with innovative ways to enhance instructional programming – through the use of technology and scaffolding, which promotes optimal opportunities for students to reach their potential. In doing so, we challenge their minds, so that they can come to learn and consolidate new skills to achieve success. Overall, we embrace our students, foster a Growth Mindset, and enrich their skills and God given talents so that they may continue to flourish in the twenty-first century.
I believe Restorative Practices help to build a caring school culture that fosters inclusion, compassion, and communication. Accordingly, a school community evolves that develops healthy relationships, interpersonal skills, and emotional awareness, which, as a result, upholds mental well-being, as well as, the opportunities for healing and personal growth.
I believe by being an administrative role model who demonstrates the Catholic Social Teachings of the Church, students discover the power in preaching the Gospel through action. Through staff modeling, the students themselves begin to lead by example and learn innately that everyone has a moral and ethical responsibility to all of God’s creations and what He has entrusted to our care. Students learn compassion, to choose kindness, and the value of the common good, which enhances their spiritual growth. The result is the students outwardly demonstrate their Catholicity and become Soldiers of Christ.
As a Catholic Educator and Servant Leader, I look forward to collaborating and working alongside students, parents/guardians, staff, Parish Team, and community partners of St. Martin of Tours, to foster the talents and abilities of our students for a brighter future. This will be achieved through engaging students in a rich Catholic Education which is deeply rooted in Gospel values.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please ask. Please feel free to drop by and say hello. If you would like to discuss any important matters, please remember to schedule an appointment through [email protected] or call the office.
“When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” Dalai Lama
Yours in Catholic Education,
Mrs. L. Piro-Cinelli
Principal