The Panther Print 2009-2010 | Lawrence Park C.I Network
An Interview with the Vice - Written by Jackie Silver posted on 07 Sep 2009
For those of you who are not familiar with the name, Mrs. Bartley is the new vice-principal at Lawrence Park. This quick interview is a chance to get to know some background information of one of the busiest administrators in the school.
How did you get the vice-principal position at Lawrence Park?
I got the V.P. position at L.P. because I submitted an application for a transfer. I loved my other school, but I had been there 3 years and wanted a different kind of experience. I didn't specifically ask for Lawrence Park, but that's where I was fortunate enough to end up.
What have you found challenging about this job?
The biggest challenge is getting to know the people, both staff and students. At L.P. there are 60 teachers who are distributed over 3 floors. Despite my best efforts there are some staff I've barely met. By the time I left my previous school, I knew most of the students by name. At L.P., I'm starting all over again; it feels weird to walk through the halls and not know all the students. As well, often I'm in charge of organizing an event that I've never experienced before but need to ensure that it runs safely and smoothly. Life is fast paced at L.P. - as soon as you've organized one event, another one is starting!
What school were you at before and what was your position there?
Prior to being at L.P., I was Vice-Principal at George Harvey C.I.
What was it like at your old school compared to Lawrence Park?
L.P. and G.H. are both about helping make students successful. They are both wonderful schools but have a very different culture. George Harvey was much more multicultural; students spoke more than 50 languages and came from all over the world. I had students in my office that literally knew no English and sometimes had come to Canada by themselves and knew no one here. George Harvey was also stricter in many ways - we had a school uniform and daily "study hall” for anyone coming late. L.P. has mainly academic courses and AP; George Harvey had academic and AP but also a focus on higher technology. It was a designated "cyber" school. On the surface the schools appear vastly different, but the students I have spoken with share common concerns: issues at home, not knowing what to do after graduation, etc.
What do you enjoy about this job?
I consider myself fortunate because I really enjoy my job. Life as a Vice-Principal is never boring. Everyday is different; you never know who you will have to deal with or what to expect. I was worried when I left the classroom that I would miss the students, but being a V.P. provides you with even more opportunity to interact with students. Often it is on a one-to-one basis where sometimes you can eventually have more influence. Lastly, most of the job is about problem-solving, so you have the opportunity to think critically and "out of the box" to find long term solutions.
What do you find interesting or unique about Lawrence Park?
I think what makes Lawrence Park unique is the leadership opportunities for students. So many events are student driven and I am impressed with the organizational skills, initiative and caring demonstrated by the students.
We thank Mrs. Bartley for the time she dedicated for this interview, and we hope those of you who read this will feel more acquainted with the new Vice Principal.
How did you get the vice-principal position at Lawrence Park?
I got the V.P. position at L.P. because I submitted an application for a transfer. I loved my other school, but I had been there 3 years and wanted a different kind of experience. I didn't specifically ask for Lawrence Park, but that's where I was fortunate enough to end up.
What have you found challenging about this job?
The biggest challenge is getting to know the people, both staff and students. At L.P. there are 60 teachers who are distributed over 3 floors. Despite my best efforts there are some staff I've barely met. By the time I left my previous school, I knew most of the students by name. At L.P., I'm starting all over again; it feels weird to walk through the halls and not know all the students. As well, often I'm in charge of organizing an event that I've never experienced before but need to ensure that it runs safely and smoothly. Life is fast paced at L.P. - as soon as you've organized one event, another one is starting!
What school were you at before and what was your position there?
Prior to being at L.P., I was Vice-Principal at George Harvey C.I.
What was it like at your old school compared to Lawrence Park?
L.P. and G.H. are both about helping make students successful. They are both wonderful schools but have a very different culture. George Harvey was much more multicultural; students spoke more than 50 languages and came from all over the world. I had students in my office that literally knew no English and sometimes had come to Canada by themselves and knew no one here. George Harvey was also stricter in many ways - we had a school uniform and daily "study hall” for anyone coming late. L.P. has mainly academic courses and AP; George Harvey had academic and AP but also a focus on higher technology. It was a designated "cyber" school. On the surface the schools appear vastly different, but the students I have spoken with share common concerns: issues at home, not knowing what to do after graduation, etc.
What do you enjoy about this job?
I consider myself fortunate because I really enjoy my job. Life as a Vice-Principal is never boring. Everyday is different; you never know who you will have to deal with or what to expect. I was worried when I left the classroom that I would miss the students, but being a V.P. provides you with even more opportunity to interact with students. Often it is on a one-to-one basis where sometimes you can eventually have more influence. Lastly, most of the job is about problem-solving, so you have the opportunity to think critically and "out of the box" to find long term solutions.
What do you find interesting or unique about Lawrence Park?
I think what makes Lawrence Park unique is the leadership opportunities for students. So many events are student driven and I am impressed with the organizational skills, initiative and caring demonstrated by the students.
We thank Mrs. Bartley for the time she dedicated for this interview, and we hope those of you who read this will feel more acquainted with the new Vice Principal.
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