New Macville Public School principal a team player in her new role
By Jon Yaneff

New MacVille Public School principal, Shari Penty (middle), with her administration team of assistant secretary Marinka Hilton and head secretary Molly McRae. Penty and her team have plenty to be happy about as she promotes the team philosophy at MacVille.

As a team player, Macville Public School is the perfect destination for its new principal.

Shari Penty has been in the educating field for many years and since 1986 has called Peel District School Board her home.

Penty said she is excited to work with the students and teachers in her first principal job.

"I've only been here about a week and I'm impressed by how welcoming everyone was, including the students," commented Penty, who resides in Orton (northwest of Hillsburgh). "You have to have the passion for people and the want to be an integral part of helping students achieve."

"I have a wonderful administration team and they've been supportive, answering all of my questions," she added.

"I think working with teachers as a team and being part of that process, while leading that team is something I've always wanted to do. It's very rewarding."

Penty has started her new role at Macville after a viceprincipal stint at Arnott Charlton Public School in Brampton, which teaches kindergarten through Grade 5 compared to kindergarten through Grade 8 at her new post.

Her experience in education has covered primary classes to Grade 9, where her paths have landed her in many locations across Canada, including with a private school in Newfoundland, and postings in Hull, Winnipeg and very briefly in Rochester, Minnesota.

At Macville, Penty hopes to quickly get acquainted with and understand the school success plan, as it strives to move students forward and is very progressive.

"I've spent a lot of time connecting with and learning the students," she said. "At recess I've met some students, and played a game to see if I could remember their names as I wandered the playground."

Penty has replaced Michael Logue, who left for Whiteaoks Public School, a French immersion school in Mississauga. He was the principal at Macville for four years.

Macville opened a new wing March 17 with renovations still continuing. Four new rooms have opened up, including kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms, a science lab, as well as a music room with a soundproof practice area for Grades 7 and 8.

The four portables at the school are expected to be removed at the end of June. There is also a large classroom being renovated into two smaller rooms, which should be completed in September.