‘Outstanding’ DFC principal

Dennis Franklin Cromarty (DFC) High School Principal Jon Kakegamic has been named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2012.
The Learning Partnership, a national charitable organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system in Canada, named Kakegamic as one of 41 principals who have had a positive impact in their communities.
The principals were recognized at a gala event in Toronto on Feb. 27.
While Kakagamic said he was honoured to be receiving the award, he deflected credit to others at DFC.
“It reflects on DFC as a whole – the staff and students,” he said. “I just happen to be the principal.”
Kakegamic was previously a teacher at DFC for four years, vice-principal for two-and-a-half before taking up his current post three years ago.
He said his main goals are the students and keeping them in school.
“I try to get them involved and make them proud of themselves and their home communities,” he said.
His biggest challenge in his role is trying to change the perception of DFC, he said.
“Trying to let the stakeholders (parents) know what we’re about,” he said.
Canada’s Outstanding Principals program is in its eighth year.
As part of their award, the recipients will participate in a weeklong leadership training program from Feb. 27 to Mar. 2 at the University of Toronto’s Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. Participants share ideas and best practices, and enhance their leadership skills so they can make an even stronger impact on their students, schools and communities.
Principals are nominated by their peers, school staff and community members. Nominations are reviewed and chosen by a committee.