November 22nd, 2019

It is with regret that I am notifying the SJAM community that I will be departing the school effective January 1, 2020.  I have been appointed as a System Administrator for Student Achievement and Well Being effective on this same date.

While my new role will offer challenges and opportunities that I am excited to embrace, I will deeply miss the Highlander community.  The students, parents, and staff serving this community are truly exceptional. The SJAM community is innovative, supportive and deeply committed to the well-being of our students.

In the accompanying picture I am standing with your new Principal – Ms. Vida Collis!

Vida Collis will be taking over from me as of January 1st.  She is an exemplary school leader. Here is an introductory message she has provided us with:

“The role of the Principal in a school community is to guide, support, and champion success for all of its members, with students being the first and foremost priority.

This is my 18th year with the Waterloo Region District School Board.  After working 10 years in the fields of social services with high-risk youth and for the YMCA, I began my teaching career at Forest Heights Collegiate in the History Department before moving into Student Success.  Previous to being appointed Principal at Southwood Secondary School for September 2016, I served as a Vice-Principal at three sites within WRDSB: SJAM for 3 years; Eastwood for 4 years and 2 years at Southwood. 

I am very grateful to be able to return to the school in which I began my path in Administration to support students, their families and SJAM’s staff.  Student achievement and well-being is our shared goal and it is an honour to lend my experience to the attainment of those objectives. With equity and inclusivity issues close to my heart, I am committed to ensuring that our schools are accepting, welcoming and safe for all.”

Thank you for all the joy you all have provided me with over the last 3 years, I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as the Principal of this amazing school.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Shortreed
Current Principal, SJAMSS

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