Dear Hanwell School Students and Families,
I am pleased to introduce myself as the new Principal. Knowing that there is a strong foundation in place, it is my goal to continue to make Hanwell Park Academy a positive and enriching learning and working environment for students and staff.
I would like to share a bit of my background for families as a way of introduction. I have been an educator for thirty-two years. In this time I have worked in eight schools teaching many different subjects and grade levels. I started my career as an elementary school teacher in my hometown of St. Stephen, NB. I have had the privilege of teaching students in Grade 2 through to Grade 12 in the twenty-one years that I spent as a classroom teacher. I worked as a Subject Coordinator with ASD-W for five years, and most recently I was the principal of Devon Middle School. Each of these experiences have both challenged and strengthened my skillset and have ultimately shaped the leader that I am today. I continue to embrace opportunities to learn and grow and I am excited to join the Hanwell Park Academy team.
Fostering positive relationships has been a key to my success as an educator. I believe that students need to know that they are valued and respected members of the school community in order for them to thrive. When these conditions are in place, students can develop the essential skills that will lead to future success. It is my hope that the students at HPA leave knowing that they have the ability to be positive, contributing members of our wider community. I encourage feedback from families when there are questions or concerns. When we work together to support students it is powerful!
I look forward to getting to know you all during the school year!
Thanks,
Shawna Allen-VanderToorn
Principal, Hanwell Park Academy