August, 2016 Attention: Hiring Committee Re: Application for Principal/Vice-Principal Cover letter: Steven Docherty Please consider my application and enclosed resume for the position of Principal/Vice-Principal with your school board. I would be honoured to have the opportunity to work with a very giving and caring administrative team that demonstrates having all student's interest at heart. I am an advocate for students, committed to helping all students achieve their full potential. For the past sixteen years, I have been working full time with the HWCDSB. The HWCDSB is a full inclusivity board, which has enabled me to have worked with a wide spectrum of special needs students. Presently, I am the Principal of Sakastew School of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation located in northern Manitoba. I have just recently graduated from the two Intern leadership program with the HWCDSB. I am most proud of my ability to help students move forward in their learning and essential life skills. I have been leading instructional programs as demonstrated in the classroom at St. Agnes where EQAO results where above Board and Provincial standards for an equal opportunity school. In the school and Board as Physical Literacy lead, SIP lead, Junior math committee, Science fair committee and by providing coaching to staff when needed. I am setting direction by leading staff and students with Board initiatives. Initiatives such as SIP, Growth mindset, Christian meditation and Physical literacy. I spend a lot of time getting to know my students and staff, building a trusting relationship which is essential for student success. Equally important is developing a sense of community, positive communication between home, school and with staff. I was truly honoured to have been previously nominated for the Premier’s Excellence in Teaching Award and recipient of the Director award for most outstanding commitment to student learning. The established relationships set the tone for a positive learning environment for my students and staff. I enhance it with engaging tools such as software, websites, and interactive activities for example, the use of Smart Boards, and Chrome tablets in the classroom, Success Maker, Smart Ideas, Bit Strips for Schools, Prezi, Glogster, and Prodigy. Technology plays an important role in schools to help support all learning styles and needs of the 21 st century learner. I wish to impress upon you that my focus is not only on effective communication and curriculum delivery, but also on the student’s overall educational experience, ensuring that school is a place they like to be. Maintaining high expectations for staff and students and showing them that you care. In addition, I believe in the importance of collaboration and self-directed learning with the goal of self-advocacy, critical thinking, as well as creative problem-solving solutions. Within that framework, collaboration between colleagues and community is a crucial component to being more effective in the classroom, school and all shareholders. I see my role as being a proactive student focussed facilitator and a compassionate leader for the differentiated learning environment, also the one responsible to scaffold the basic essential skills required that will enable student success.
Sincerely, Steven Docherty Principal Sakastew School Pukatawagan (905) 929-1424 Docherty1414@gmail.com