Remi Poliquin
Counsel
Leading with Purpose
by Cindy Finn
Welcome to a brand new school year! In education, the new academic year officially begins July 1st, but the big moment of anticipation is the day students return to class! August 31st was the first day of school for Lester B. Pearson elementary and high school students and marked the culmination of weeks and months of planning to make 2026-2027 as successful as possible.
Back to school is an exciting time, filled with moments to reconnect with familiar faces, make new friends, and set our sights on a year filled with growth and success. A new school year brings with it a renewed sense of possibility, purpose, and impact. It is also a season of change and renewal which can evoke feelings of worry and anxiety, no matter how excited we feel about fresh new starts. Emotions in all forms are running high, and new adventures await us all.
This year I introduced the theme of leading with purpose. I asked all of our leaders and managers in the system to reflect on what inspires them to move beyond daily tasks and routines in order to focus on the meaningful difference we can make in the lives of students, staff, and our communities. Leaders at every level have the power to use effective communication and creativity to build trust and foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
This year, like every year, will be filled with challenges, some anticipated, some still unknown. We will support each other through the moments that test us and remember that with challenge comes opportunity. By putting authenticity, intention, and optimism at the forefront, we can tackle those moments of uncertainty together.
It is a true privilege to work in a profession where we can invest in making everyone feel valued, seen and motivated to succeed. We all get a chance to stretch and grow and that is true as much for the adults as the students we educate.
On the first day of school, I was fortunate to be at Margaret Manson Elementary School. There I witnessed what I know was going on across our system that day – sunny smiles, kind words of welcome, and soft words of encouragement. The first day of school is a milestone moment, and I hope everyone experienced moments of joy during their first day.
In closing, I would like to wish everyone – students, staff, parents – a wonderful school year. Together we will learn incredible things and accomplish amazing work.
