A message from Principal Anne Chirakal

Welcome to the new school year! I am thrilled to invite our students back and I am honoured to be placed as Principal at Central Tech. I feel extremely privileged to work with such an outstanding group of students and staff of teachers, educational assistants, school based safety monitors, office assistants, caretakers and administrators.

I never thought I was going to leave the Peel District School Board. It became my home away from home. Teaching was my life. Coaching was my life - it was all I did. I started teaching science and dance, and then I worked my way into phys-ed for 8 years. Eventually, I became an instructional coach where I worked closely with all subject areas, in particular math, English, social studies, and science, supporting kindergarten to grade 12. It was an incredible experience that led to a lot of learning for me, especially on how to be responsive to the learning needs of students and teachers.

I then became a Vice Principal. I was fortunate to serve in three different schools as a Vice Principal, and to learn both from and with many different teachers and administrators. I opened a school and I closed a school, and had lots of experiences in between.

While in Peel, I recognized that if I wanted to start dismantling anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism and other forms of oppression I needed to be connected to my community. I needed to work where my family is: where I bike, shop, volunteer, walk my dog and where my kids play and go to school. I feel very fortunate to have been placed at Central Tech, especially as I have had the opportunity to meet the students and staff this past month.

I recognize that parents and caregivers play a vital role in our schools. I welcome the opportunity to partner with parents, caregivers and community as their involvement will positively benefit teaching and learning at the school. This monthly newsletter is one tool through which I hope to provide information and updates about the school and opportunities to participate in school life at Central Tech!