North Cavan parents were shocked last month to receive a newsletter from their Principal Bob Sinclair announcing his retirement at the end of the school year.
An engaging, energetic leader at the school, Sinclair’s humour and relaxed leadership style has infected the school with a positive, optimistic and respectful atmosphere that is conducive to learning all kinds of life lessons.
Photo: KG – Principal Bob Sinclair is all smiles approaching his retirement
He does not spend his days in his office preparing reports, but prefers to engage directly with the students, and whenever possible spends the academic break periods out on the playground. His presence while not intimidating, is often sufficient to deter the occasional inappropriate outburst. He believes in letting children learn their limitations in ways that are sometimes discouraged in society’s bubble-wrap mentality, and admits that he might allow play activities that involve a minor degree of risk. North Cavan students, he explains, are used to exploring outdoors and creating their own fun, which helps them build confidence and problem solving skills. Each student at North Cavan is made to feel special and important. Not only does he call them by name, he can tell you who they are in a way they can appreciate. This was demonstrated in December in a popular annual event in which Sinclair’s creative hand can clearly be seen.
Incorporating academic and sports activities into a wintery day, Principal Sinclair assisted Grad 6 teacher Mr. Wollocot perform a “sorting ceremony” following a process outlined the Harry Potter book the students were reading at the time, assigning each student to a “house” which would form the teams for intermural sports for the remainder of the year. From behind a curtain in a barely disguised voice, Principal Sinclair identified each student with personalized descriptions complete with specific references to their particular successes, their attributes and their specific acts of kindness while students sat front and centre on a sorting stool. Many of the students were nervous at first, but hearing these words transformed these students’ demeanour and they began to see their “best selves” portrayed by their Principal.
Sinclair’s leadership skills are also appreciated at the Board level. Peter Mangold, Superintendent of Education who is directly responsible for the Crestwood cluster of schools which includes North Cavan, appreciates Sinclair’s balanced approach to education. His calm demeanor and ability to laugh at himself keeps the atmosphere of the school very positive. Sinclair’s physical education background ensures he appreciates that students need to let off steam and include physical activities in order to be in the right frame of mind to focus on academic activities.
There are no pressing plans in Sinclair’s immediate future, but with his energy and enthusiasm, there is no doubt he will find new outlets for his gifts. For the past 30 years he has invested his career in the youth of our area, working a Maple Grove Public School, at James Strath where he rose to the position of Vice Principal and for the past 6 years at helm of North Cavan Public School. There will be golf, there will be hockey, and true to form, there will be fun. Hold on to that optimistic outlook, Bob. This may be another “rebuilding year” at your favourite hockey club. KG
