One of the most distinctive opportunities for aspiring student leaders is our Head of School for the Day activity.
This year, as a result of her family’s generous contribution to the expansion of our Outdoor Learning Spaces and Playground at the Annual Golf Classic in May, Eleanore L. in 5B was HTS’ honorary leader.
As soon as Eleanore arrived on-campus, she was presented with a ceremonial sash in her favourite colour and offered morning greetings to students with Ms Amanda Kennedy by her side. She then hurried to help Ms Jacqueline Butler deliver a morning message over the PA system and play “O Canada”. Soon after, she accompanied Ms Kennedy and Father Crowther down the middle aisle in Chapel before standing at the front during the morning’s sermon.
Then, just like Ms Kennedy would on a typical day, Eleanore settled into a day full of meetings with the school’s Senior Leaders:
A Finance and Operations Meeting with Mr Bob Nicholson: Eleanore took in a special view and helped inspect the repairs being made to the school’s roof through a site visit. According to Eleanore her “favourite part of the day was when I got to be on the roof because I was the first student that got to be on there.”
An HTS Online Meeting with Mr Adam Hurley: Through a guided tour of the online school’s virtual campus on Kumospace, Eleanore was introduced to students from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. A glimpse into our global community!
An Advancement Meeting with Ms Eliza Bianchi: provided insight to make the upcoming Hawks Day of giving on November 6 more engaging from a student perspective.
A Hawk Shop Meeting with Mr Praveen Muruganandan: Discussed upcoming “secret” projects coming to the Hawk Shop shelves soon, including a limited edition piece approved by Eleanore.
A Culture, Equity and Belonging Meeting with Ms Charlene MacLean: Learned about the hiring process at HTS and the importance of keeping the school’s staff engaged.
A Food Provider Meeting with Chef Jason: Shared what Eleanore and her classmates loved to eat - especially strawberries and watermelons, which will be added to the menu shortly!
An Innovation and Technology Meeting with Ms Stephanie Stephens and Ms Jennifer Clarey: Got an insider tour of our Innovation programming and equipment, with the chance to create a special “Head of School for the Day” sign with the laser printer.
A Division Heads and Assistants Meetings: Travelled to Mr Greg Rose, Ms Laurie Foley, Mr Rob Thomson, and Ms Marisa Tassone offices to be introduced.
A Front Office Staff Meet and Greet: Introduced to the front office team - from finance to admissions to marketing to Community Relations and Reception, Eleanore was surprised at how many staff work behind-the-scenes at HTS.
Great discussions about character and leadership development with Mr James Darling.
A Head of School Meeting with Ms Kennedy: Eleanore and Ms Kennedy chatted extensively about what it means to be a leader. From choosing Friday’s dessert to writing notes of gratitude for teachers, you could see Eleanore attentively taking in all of the teachings and wisdom Ms Kennedy has to offer.
When asked about her day with Eleanore, Ms Kennedy noted that “through our collaborative leadership today, Eleanore and I experienced that being an effective leader is about building relationships with your community. From morning drop-off greetings, to visiting Connections Week booths at lunchtime, to spending time in classes, we connected with parents, students and teachers in an authentic, relational way.”
“We also discussed the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation with our community and wrote and delivered a note to congratulate one of our yearbook leaders on their fine work" - Ms Kennedy.
Eleanore also took time to visit integrated arts classes, specifically grade 12 visual art and grade 9 drama where she observed canvas painting and Remembrance Day performance preparation. In these classes and throughout the day, “Eleanore demonstrated approachability when students brought forth ideas to her like dress-down days and special dessert treats, and was curious about Senior School learning in these classroom visits”, added Ms Kennedy.
In Eleanore's time as Head of School, she will be remembered for leading with curiosity, warmth and most importantly, a big smile. enriching leadership opportunities like Head of School for the day, where students are given a platform to have agency and create change, are what sets HTS’ Student Life program apart. Eleanore shared “That was my best day ever, thank you for this opportunity, I wish I can do this again!”
Moving forward, the school has established a priority to create outdoor learning and play spaces that afford our students a gateway to nature and a physical platform to practice many of those same leadership skills. Through the Annual Golf Classic, Hawks Day and future fundraising initiatives, Eleanore, Ms Kennedy and our students need your help to build these structures.