Pre-school Principal’s Message
I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this dedicated and professional team in the Pre-school. Pre-school age children are very special. They have special needs and requirements. I believe the 3’R’s are the key to unlocking the secret garden of each child’s social, emotional, physical and academic development. Now these are not the typical 3’R’s but rather, respect, responsibility and rapport!
Students need to feel respected. The environment in which one spends their early learning years needs to be a safe one where risk-taking is encouraged. "The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil."Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) I believe if you truly respect a child you can unlock the door to her or his education and make a difference in their lives. Students need freedom, once given that freedom to make choices they develop responsibility. Environments that are conducive to learning provide these opportunities. To create rapport within a classroom one must be respectful and give responsibility to their students -- academically and socially. The three R's (respect, responsibility and rapport) work together creating an environment that allows students to focus on the job they need to do -- learning.
An environment as such can only be created through highly trained professional teachers who are knowledgeable in current pedagogy and early child development. “He who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” (Anonymous) I believe as long as each teacher strives for the best, looks at each child as a whole, treats them with respect, instills responsibility and creates a positive classroom rapport; each child has the potential to blossom. Each child will feel comfort and confidence to take risks as they are guided to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become responsible members of our society.
I have been in the field of education for the past eighteen years. Fourteen of those years have been in various multicultural settings in Toronto, Canada. My administrative experiences in Toronto have provided me with many “hands-on” opportunities. To add to my practical experiences, I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Trent University, Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, Principal’s Qualifications from University of Toronto, Masters in Administrative Leadership from Framingham State College and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Early Childhood Education for International Schools from the University of Buffalo. I feel very fortunate to be part of the JFK community especially part of the Pre-school team!
Denise Humphries de Sanchez