Students say shé:kon to new principal

Parents and students looking for Melissa McGregor, the new principal of Rotiwennakéhte Elementary School, won’t have to search too hard.

Just as she did when she was associate principal of Kateri School in Kahnawake, McGregor plans to be seen at recess, at lunch, and as school buses and cars drop off the community’s youngest students as they show up for school in the morning.

“It’s especially important in the morning when you get to meet them and feel the vibe and see what their needs might be,” said McGregor, who wants to become a trusted, nurturing figure for the students, even as she is willing to put her foot down when needed.

“Being present, being visible to them, it’s really important,” she said.

The Kahnawa’kehró:non has a lengthy resume in education. In addition to nearly three years of experience as an associate principal, she taught in daycares, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. On top of her bachelor of fine arts degree, with a specialization in art education, she has a teaching Brevet and two levels of graduate certificates in education leadership, with plans for a third.

“We are super excited to welcome Melissa to our team,” said Watsenniiostha Nelson, director of education for the Kanesatake Education Center (KEC).

“She’s got large shoes to fill with Debbie (Rennie) leaving, but I am confident that she is the right person for the job and will do wonderful things for the school. My hopes are that she feels welcomed and included in our school community as we continue working together to create the best possible environment for our students.”

McGregor started Monday, meeting staff and students and getting to know the outgoing principal, Debbie Rennie, who is still there offering support.

“It’s an honour to serve Kanesatake’s community in this new capacity,” said McGregor.

“It’s a really cute, small communal school. There’s a really strong family vibe there. I’m really excited, and I’m already feeling really positive and optimistic moving forward.”

She views herself as part of a team alongside staff and families, all of whom have a pivotal role to play in the success of community youth.

“It’s important that we work together and we recognize that and support each other. It is a collective, and for me, I support the children, but I also want to connect with the families and be there for the teachers and make sure we’re all working together collaboratively,” she said.

One of the most important challenges for educators in this day and age, McGregor believes, is to equip students to be adaptable in a fast-changing world, one in which technologies and society are rapidly evolving.

“Being from an art background, I think creativity is a really big asset no matter where you go in whatever field. That creativity is going to be an important aspect in helping children navigate the future,” she said.

Being a good role model and nourishing the students’ self-esteem are important facets of this, she said. Another is supporting the KEC’s emphasis on cultural learning.

“Our identity is the foundation, so it’s important that the children have a strong sense of who they are,” said McGregor.

“I believe if people have that strong foundation and a strong understanding of their identity and pride in their culture and who they are and where they came from, that’s going to help prepare them, to strengthen them, and make them healthy and more resilient, so they can take on more things, and they can survive and they can thrive in the world outside their community.”

There will be at least one other person in the school who has already seen McGregor in action. Kaienthokwas Jacobs, currently on maternity leave as the receptionist at Rotiwennakéhte, was a receptionist at Kateri School when McGregor was associate principal there.

“Melissa’s one of those people who brings calm and care into the workplace. She’s approachable, thoughtful, and really knows how to support both students and staff that feels genuine,” said Jacobs.

“I’m excited for Melissa. I enjoyed working with her at Kateri, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting when I return from mat leave. Rotiwennakéhte has such a great supportive team and environment, and I’m glad she’ll be part of it,” Jacobs added.

So far, so good from McGregor’s perspective.

“Already off to a really great start,” said McGregor following her first day as she reflected on the tours - including of Ratihén:te High School - and the support she received.

“I’m feeling really welcome.”

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Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter