Michaela Hashiguchi takes over principal role at St. Martin de Porres High School - Airdrie Today

A new principal is at the helm of Airdrie’s sole Catholic high school.

Michaela Hashiguchi took over the principal duties at St. Martin de Porres High School on Aug. 18, replacing outgoing principal Elisé Saraceni.

A long-time teacher and administrator with the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD), Hashiguchi said she is excited to jump into her first role as principal of a high school. While she’s served as a principal at various elementary, middle and junior high schools in the division for seven years, she said having those responsibilities in a high school is an exciting new challenge.

“I’ve been working with elementary students and love them – it’s great and fun – but this is a new challenge,” she said.

Hashiguchi said she has been with CCSD for about 24 years. She said she started her career with the Catholic school division as a teacher in various subjects, including drama, social studies, religion, and language arts.

She said she transitioned from teaching to administration about 18 years ago, and since then has held principal, vice-principal and assistant-principal roles.

“I saw St. Martin de Porres [needed a new principal] and thought, you know what, it would be a new challenge for me, being in a 9-12 school,” she said. “I just thought, it’s a great community and I have a bunch of friends in the area. I’m friends with the principals at the other CCSD schools here, and everyone speaks so highly of St. Martin de Porres.”

In joining the staff at St. Martin de Porres, Hashiguchi said getting to know the students and their parents is what she’s looking forward to the most. With a new school year just around the corner, she said her main focus in her first year will be figuring out what areas the school needs to grow in, and what areas the school excels in.

“What’s best practice, how can our students be successful, how can we work as a team, and how can we [improve] student involvement and leadership?” she said. “How do we bring the importance of those big topics out there right now, and grow?”

Coinciding with Hashiguchi’s first day on Aug. 18 was a visit to St. Martin de Porres from various Alberta government representatives, including education minister Adriana LaGrange. The government reps were on hand to formally confirm $40 million in funding for an upgrade to and expansion of St. Martin de Porres’ building in the coming years.

Currently, about 800 students attend the school, which is at a 99 per cent utilization rate, according to CCSD. As per the announcement, the expansion in the coming years will accommodate up to 1,200 students.

Hashiguchi said it was interesting and exciting that her first day as principal of St. Martin de Porres was on the same day such a significant funding announcement was made.

As her career to date has only included positions at CCSD’s schools in Calgary, Hashiguchi said she is also excited about the prospect of getting to know Airdrie and its residents.

“It’s a wonderful city,” she said. “I actually belong to the Ladies Golf League at Woodside Golf Course, and I go there with the principal of Our Lady Queen of Peace and two other teachers.

“Honestly, it’s just like Calgary. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I have not had any issues, and I’m excited. I believe in small business and supporting that, so I’m looking forward to working here and getting to know the community better.”

Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19

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Michaela Hashiguchi takes over principal role at St. Martin de Porres High School - Airdrie Today
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