Alumnus Honoured as Top Principal

Alumnus James Wahl (B.Ed. ’95) has been recognized as one of the top principals in Canada.

Canada’s Outstanding Principals Awards are presented annually by The Learning Partnership, a national charitable organization with a mandate to support, promote, and advance public education in Canada. Wahl is one of 40 principals from across Canada to receive the award this year.

In addition to Wahl’s numerous innovative initiatives The Learning Partnership says Wahl had shown that “learning is about the journey rather than the destination.”

He is currently the principal at St. Francis Community School, which is part of the Regina Catholic School Division. Prior this position, Wahl served as principal at St. Jerome School and St. Michael Community School.

“I understand that winning any award is a team effort. I have always been fortunate to work with caring individuals who want success for students,” says Wahl.

At the University of Regina one of those people was Dr. Dave Friesen, professor Emeritus and former professor and Associate Dean of Faculty Development and Human Resources.

“I had the honour of working with many good people at the U of R,” says Wahl. “Dr. Dave Friesen was the key education professors for me. I owe a lot to Dave and think of him often.”

For Wahl, one of the most important things an educator can do is build a space conducive for learning.

“We need an environment that focuses on the individual learning needs of the student,” said Wahl. “My job as principal is to create the necessary relationship with staff, students, parents and greater community to make all of this work.”

The University of Regina is committed to student success as outlined in its Strategic Plan. For information about the Faculty of Education and how you can take part in its program offerings please visit: http://www.uregina.ca/education/

Reposted from U of R External Relations/Communications