Sky Sports F1 pundit David Croft has backed Williams team principal James Vowles to move to a top team in the next three years.
Vowles, the former Mercedes strategy guru under Toto Wolff, has guided Williams to a P7 finish in the constructors' championship – their best result for six years.
And according to Croft, a major change could well be coming in the world of F1 team principals, as he tipped Vowles to go on to bigger and better things.
Williams team principal James Vowles has thoroughly impressed during his first season in chargeSky Sports commentator David Croft has backed the Williams chief for a major move
Croft: Vowles will become top F1 boss
"He is my team boss of the year, without a doubt," Croft told the Sky Sports F1 podcast.
"If you look at the lead time that he had before he took up the role, you're talking a matter of three months maximum. That is not a lot of time to put into operation any sort of plan where you hit the ground running and you get instant results."
"He works brilliantly with the sponsors," he continued. "He engages with the media, explains things not just about Williams, but about know what's going on on track.
"He engages with fans a lot. I love him on social media because he actually engages directly with the fans.
"People are inspired by him. I think he will go on to be one of the top team principals at a top team in three or four years' time."
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students under her care.
Photo : Times Now
Bengaluru: The Karnataka education department acted promptly, suspending the principal of a government high school in Chintamani, Chikkaballapura district, after images of her "inappropriate" photoshoot with a student went viral. Pushpalatha faced suspension following the circulation of "couple-like" photos featuring her and a student on social media, drawing criticism from various quarters. The photos were taken during a school excursion to Horanadu.
The suspension was enacted by the Block Education Officer (BEO) after a thorough investigation revealed misconduct on the part of Pushpalatha during the school outing. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students under her care.
According to NDTV, Pushpalatha R was subsequently questioned by school authorities regarding the photoshoot, where she asserted that the captured moments depict a "mother-son relationship" they share.
In related news, a week ago, a government school faced its second incident within a week where students were compelled to clean the school toilet, leading to on-campus protests by concerned parents and members of civil society. The occurrence transpired at the Government Model Higher Primary School in Andrahalli, Peenya, resulting in the suspension of the headmistress on Friday.
Two Class 6 boys were instructed by the headmistress to clean the toilet on Thursday, and a video capturing the incident quickly went viral on social media. Disturbingly, students revealed that such instances had been recurrent at the school for several months.
Following the incident, the Jaya Karnataka Maharashi Valmiki Trust and parents filed a complaint with the block-level education officer on Friday. Outraged parents and members of the public gathered at the school, demanding prompt action against the teaching staff.
The Block Education Officer (BEO) of North-1 promptly visited the school to investigate. After a thorough inquiry, the 53-year-old headmistress, Lakshmidevamma, was suspended. The Deputy Director of Public Instructions, Bangalore North, issued a circular stating that the BEO's investigation confirmed the veracity of the accusations against Lakshmidevamma.
Expressing concern over such incidents, the education ministry assured that appropriate action would be taken against all individuals found guilty. This unfortunate episode underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment in schools, prompting a collective call for accountability and improvement in educational institutions.
The teacher who wrote this story on Reddit’s “Am I the *******?” page decided to take matters into their own hands and now they’re feeling the wrath of a parent who isn’t happy with their actions.
But were they wrong?
Or were they just trying to help out one of their students?
Read on to see what’s going on here…
“I am an art teacher for 14 to 15 years old students and recently I noticed that one of my students had really messy and dirty hair.
I didn’t say anything but the time passed by and it just seemed to get worse and worse.
They offered some background information.
One day I saw her mother at the end of the class.
For the record my students is a black girl. She was adopted and her parents are both white.
When I asked the mother about her daughter hair she just responded that she wasn’t going to try to learn how to style them cause there is no point.
I didn’t respond to that and just told her that I could do it if she gave me the product .
Not everyone was happy.
I was already doing it for another student and it didn’t bother me at all. I am white but I learned to braid hair with my stepmother because my stepsister has a lot of hair and she needed help.
She said no. I had no right to touch her daughter and if tried to, she would report me to the principal.
Now last week we went on a trip to France with my students. I wasn’t supposed to come but my colleague was not feeling well so I took her place. ‘
Because I’m French and my other colleagues don’t speak a really “good French,” I was made responsible of most of she students during the time of the trip.
They got a request.
At the hotel my students, let’s call her Tessa, saw me braiding her friend’s hair and asked me if I could do the same with her.
I remembered what her mother said but she seemed really embarrassed and I noticed some students making fun of her because of her hairstyle.
So I did it anyway.
She was really happy and told me that her mother was always straightening her hair. One day she had enough and asked her for braids instead.
She said it was not a “white hair style ” and left her with messy hair.
When we got back, her mother actually reported me to the principal and even threatened to sue me.
So AITA?
I did report her mother multiple times but dirty hair is not enough.”
Here’s how folks reacted.
This person said this kid was old enough to make this decision.
Another reader talked about braids and white people.
This person brought up an interesting point.
One reader said the teacher did the right thing.
This is a tough one. Everybody is angry at the mom, but she explicitly said to not do something to her daughter, and the daughter isn’t an adult.
The teacher who wrote this story on Reddit’s “Am I the *******?” page decided to take matters into their own hands and now they’re feeling the wrath of a parent who isn’t happy with their actions.
But were they wrong?
Or were they just trying to help out one of their students?
Read on to see what’s going on here…
“I am an art teacher for 14 to 15 years old students and recently I noticed that one of my students had really messy and dirty hair.
I didn’t say anything but the time passed by and it just seemed to get worse and worse.
They offered some background information.
One day I saw her mother at the end of the class.
For the record my students is a black girl. She was adopted and her parents are both white.
When I asked the mother about her daughter hair she just responded that she wasn’t going to try to learn how to style them cause there is no point.
I didn’t respond to that and just told her that I could do it if she gave me the product .
Not everyone was happy.
I was already doing it for another student and it didn’t bother me at all. I am white but I learned to braid hair with my stepmother because my stepsister has a lot of hair and she needed help.
She said no. I had no right to touch her daughter and if tried to, she would report me to the principal.
Now last week we went on a trip to France with my students. I wasn’t supposed to come but my colleague was not feeling well so I took her place. ‘
Because I’m French and my other colleagues don’t speak a really “good French,” I was made responsible of most of she students during the time of the trip.
They got a request.
At the hotel my students, let’s call her Tessa, saw me braiding her friend’s hair and asked me if I could do the same with her.
I remembered what her mother said but she seemed really embarrassed and I noticed some students making fun of her because of her hairstyle.
So I did it anyway.
She was really happy and told me that her mother was always straightening her hair. One day she had enough and asked her for braids instead.
She said it was not a “white hair style ” and left her with messy hair.
When we got back, her mother actually reported me to the principal and even threatened to sue me.
So AITA?
I did report her mother multiple times but dirty hair is not enough.”
Here’s how folks reacted.
This person said this kid was old enough to make this decision.
Another reader talked about braids and white people.
This person brought up an interesting point.
One reader said the teacher did the right thing.
This is a tough one. Everybody is angry at the mom, but she explicitly said to not do something to her daughter, and the daughter isn’t an adult.
The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality on Thursday summoned Yael Ayalon, the principal of the city's Ironi Yud Daled High School, to a hearing before suspension, after she posted a Haaretz article criticizing the lack of Israeli media coverage of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza on her Facebook page about a week ago.
NEW DELHI: The principal of a Karnataka government-run school faced suspension on Thursday following the circulation of a video showing students cleaning toilets. This incident marks the third of its kind in Karnataka this month.
Officials disclosed that the event occurred on Saturday at a government school in Bhadravati taluk, Shivamogga district. In the online footage, students from a school can be seen cleaning and scrubbing toilets, prompting a protest from concerned parents.
Sixth-grade students were allegedly instructed by the school authorities to clean toilets.
The headmaster insisted that the students were merely asked to pour water and not engage in cleaning activities.
"I received a 10-second video on WhatsApp on Wednesday, showing students cleaning toilets. I promptly directed the concerned officials to conduct a thorough inquiry," an unnamed senior education department officer said to PTI. "The Block Education Officer has submitted a report, based on which I have taken disciplinary action against Headmaster Shankarappa. This is unacceptable, and as a result, we have suspended him in connection with the incident that occurred in the school last week."
This incident closely follows a similar occurrence in a government school in Bengaluru, where students were also reportedly tasked with cleaning toilets. The headmistress of the school faced suspension after the incident's video went viral.
Earlier this month, the principal and two staff members of a residential school in Kolar district were also suspended following allegations that students were compelled to clean the soak pit on the school premises.
Bengaluru: Bomb scare at 15 schools, students, staff evacuated
A front view of the Hopewell High School in Hanover
HANOVER, Jamaica— Byron Grant, the principal of Hopewell High School in Hanover who was taken into custody hours after the murder of the institution's bursar, has been released, but remains a person of interest.
He was released from custody on Friday night.
“He continues to be a person of interest in the investigations as they continue to probe,” stated Head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Corporate Communications Unit, Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay.
“The probe is still going on. It has not been concluded just yet,” the senior officer added.
Thirty-five-year-old Jermaine Roberts of a St James address was reportedly shot minutes to four last Wednesday afternoon by a lone gunman as he was about to drive off the compound. He reportedly died on the spot.
The police said Roberts was attacked by an unidentified individual wearing a floral hoodie who witnesses described as approximately six feet two inches tall.
The principal of the institution, who was on the outside at the time of the incident, reportedly smashed into a glass door as he tried to escape for his life. He was injured and taken to a medical institution for treatment.
The principal was taken into custody shortly after he was released from hospital last Wednesday.
Last week, the police said preliminary inquiries had suggested that the shooting may have stemmed from an interpersonal conflict.
The police are urging anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. Individuals may share information with Police Emergency at 119, Crime Stop at 311, the NIB Tip Line at 811 or the nearest police station.
2023 marks the end of Tempe High School Principal Socrates Dassaklis’ 37-year teaching career, leaving behind an immense legacy on his school which also saw him earn a parliamentary tribute.
Mr Dassaklis announced his retirement after a career that spanned from 1986 until 2023, during which he served as a Head Teacher, Deputy Principal and then finally Principal.
The Greek-Australian educator stated that he saw teaching as a viable profession from his time as a pupil.
“I enjoyed learning as a student and once I had learnt something I would love to pass it on to others, so teaching was a good fit for me even though I had considered other fields,” Mr Dassaklis told Neos Kosmos.
“I had good relationships with my teachers and could see the important role they had in assisting young people to better equip themselves for life.”
He adopted this attitude when he himself became a teacher, wishing to foster self-belief in as many young minds as possible so they can reach their personal best.
“It did not matter if this meant exceptional academic results for one student or simply just passing the year for another, the satisfaction for me was that each student felt that they had been supported to achieve the best that they could,” he said.
Dassaklis seen in the middle with students. Photo: Supplied
The English, History and Drama teacher began at Hoxton Park High School before moving to Bossley High School in 1990, and it was there wherein he gained his first stint as Head Teacher in 1994.
He continued as Head Teacher when he moved to Birrong Girls High School in 1999, as well as at Ashfield Boys High School from 2004.
It was in 2009 when he joined Tempe High School as a Deputy Principal, acting in that role for four years before his appointment in 2013 as Principal.
“I had never sought promotion but found myself in situations where I knew that I could make a positive difference by taking on higher roles. I know that this may sound egotistical, but I was also mindful of never wanting to work under someone who was less capable than myself,” Mr Dassaklis told Neos Kosmos.
The now-retired Principal spoke fondly of his 11 years in the role at Tempe, saying:
“I am proud of the inclusive and supportive culture we have built there which has yielded excellent academic results and a positive school environment. We have fostered the creative and technical arts and have become the preferred school for our local community.”
He remarked that the job saw him presented with many challenges, including some that one never wishes to have to experience.
“The passing away of students is always difficult, hearing and dealing with students in desperate need and comforting parents through hardships are all difficult tasks,” the educator said.
“The Covid lock downs were not so hard for me and my staff, and students soldiered on well. The enormous administrative burden on teachers and school leaders was also challenging.”
Dassaklis with his students. Photo: Supplied
Mr Dassaklis received recognition of the highest regard for his work when Ron Hoenig, the NSW Minister for Local Government and Member for Heffron (the electorate in which Tempe is located), gave him a parliamentary tribute.
“Ron said some kind words about me which were initially embarrassing, but I was also pleased to have the acknowledgement from such a well-respected man,” the educator said.
When asked about what type of impact he wishes to have left on the pupils he has taught and led, he said:
“I hope that the students I have taught have left my schools knowing the primacy of kindness and the importance of being able to cooperate and collaborate with people from all walks of life.
“Ultimately, I hope I have assisted them to become good Australian citizens who are tolerant of a wide range of views but able to stand up for democracy and resist authoritarianism.”
He concluded with a final plea directed at the Greek-Australian community:
“I urge all my fellow Greek Australians to re-embrace public education as their preferred schooling for their children; our parents did, and it served us well.”
Every Friday, Brampton principal Dave Yaciuk picks up half a dozen food hampers and delivers them to the homes of vulnerable families from his school.
“If students are coming to school without their basic needs met, you could have the best math program in the world and it wouldn’t matter,” he explains.
Every Friday, Brampton principal Dave Yaciuk picks up half a dozen food hampers and delivers them to the homes of vulnerable families from his school.
“If students are coming to school without their basic needs met, you could have the best math program in the world and it wouldn’t matter,” he explains.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — There is a disturbing and dangerous uptick in students having and using illegal drugs.
That's the message for parents of Lucy Beckham High School students. A letter from the school’s principal warns staff are finding more threatening substances, including fentanyl.
In the letter, Principal Anna Dassing said this isn’t “kids being kids,” or students “testing the boundaries.”
She warns the reality is that illegal drug use can be life or death, and it only takes a minuscule amount to be deadly.
"Right now, the experimentation phase is something that's the most dangerous that it's ever been," Tim Maguire said.
Dassing said in addition to the nicotine vapes, the school is seeing more THC vapes, marijuana, and edibles in packaging that mimic mainstream food items.
These drugs can be deadly.
"We need to let young people know that regardless of what someone might tell you something is or even the way it's labeled," Patrick Martin said.
"Those are not safeguards against any sort of contamination, or you just misrepresent what someone's taking. And that can lead to a one-time experimentation overdose, which is really scary."
They said it's all about fostering trust and open dialogue with our students.
"One thing as a teacher and a parent, I tell my students, and I tell my children is that we must let young people know it's okay to come talk to us," Maguire said.
"We have to break down the barriers that prevent young people from talking to older people who can get them help and information and reliable information because there's so much incorrect and unreliable information out there."
Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie implored the community to do more to curb drug use.
"I implore our community to renew our efforts to curb drug use and vaping among our youth," Haynie said. "With community resources like WakeUp Carolina, our police department's innovative programs, and our local educators, we just need to keep the wellbeing of our youth our main priority."
One Quebec university’s principal is among a growing number of critics towards the provincial government’s proposed language policy overhaul.
Quebec recently announced that out-of-province students attending English universities will now have to learn French to an intermediate level and pay 33% more money in tuition.
Quebec’s Higher Education Minister, Pascale Déry, announced that English-language universities in Quebec are now facing a new requirement. By the start of the 2025-26 academic year, 80% of their non-Quebec student population must achieve Level 5 French proficiency.
If the universities fail to meet this quota, their funding will be reduced.
“My role is to say: You have a target, funding will be conditional on that target, and we will obviously measure francization activities from year to year to ensure that at the end, we reach an acceptable level,” Minister Déry stated.
While students at Bishop’s University are also expected to reach level 5 French proficiency by the completion of their studies, unlike their counterparts at McGill and Concordia, the government funding for Bishop’s will not be contingent upon meeting this specific linguistic benchmark.That is because the demographic and linguistic situation in the Estrie region is distinct from that of the greater Montreal area, according to the Minister.
“These measures are bad for Quebec. I think that there were other ways to reach the government’s objectives,” Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, the principal and vice-chancellor of Bishop’s University, told CBC.
This requirement, part of Quebec’s strategy to counter the perceived decline of French in the province, has raised significant concerns among students and university administrators.
McGill law student Carolyn Moore from Ontario described the goal as “very difficult,” highlighting the challenges students face without access to immersive language environments.
“I’ve been in Montreal now since September and I’m even taking two courses in French at the moment and I don’t feel like my French has improved at all being in Montreal because there’s a lot of English around,” Moore said.
She added that she went through the Ontario French curriculum and studied in a French immersion school for five weeks in Quebec to reach level 5 proficiency, something she claimed would not have been possible solely through an app like Duolingo.
Per the guidelines provided by Quebec on French language competence, someone at level 5 in oral comprehension can understand the gist of conversations on everyday topics. They understand factual, explicit, and concrete statements formulated in simple or sometimes complex sentences, and they understand a varied vocabulary.
Taylor Ireland, president and general director of ACA-Formation Linguistique, a French language school in Quebec City, told CBC that most students should be able to achieve level 5 proficiency over four years.
“You’re probably looking at hundreds of hours to get to that point, maybe say 300-400 hours,” said Ireland. “We’re probably looking at several months of intensive training.”
He said he reached level 5 proficiency in French six months to one year after moving to Quebec City. It took Ireland that long while being in what he described as “full-time French [mode].”
Financial pressures compound this linguistic hurdle. While Bishop’s University has some exemptions from tuition increases and francization targets, McGill and Concordia face significant challenges. McGill University’s president and vice-chancellor, Deep Saini, called the government’s plan “totally unrealistic, both technically and academically.”
The revised policy, although reducing the initial proposed tuition hike for out-of-province Canadian students attending English universities from $17,000 to $12,000, still represents a substantial increase from the current $8,992.
This has led to a decline in applications and concerns over the future appeal of these institutions to a diverse student body. Already, McGill and Concordia have reported a 20% drop in applications from out-of-province students, according to Radio-Canada.
Students from other provinces attending French-language universities will not face this hike.
“They will remain at the current rate of $9,000 and, eventually, we’ll see if we’re able to lower the rate,” said Minister Déry.
The Gothenburg Symphony has announced the extension of Barbara Hannigan’s assignment as Principal Guest Conductor. For another three seasons, the famously singing conductor will continue to build her relationship with Swedish audiences until 2028.
“I am absolutely thrilled to continue my collaboration with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, as their Principal Guest Conductor! We have had so many exciting and inspiring concerts over the past years, and I know there will be many more!” says Barbara Hannigan in a statement.
The recent news continues the University of Toronto graduate’s steady rise in the world of Western classical music as both a vocalist and conductor.
Barbara Hannigan
A native of Waverley, Nova Scotia, Barbara moved to Toronto at the age of 17, where she studied music at the University of Toronto. She graduated there with a BMus, followed by a Masters of Music degree. She pursued her musical education at the Banff Centre for the Arts, Steans Institute for Young Artists at the Ravinia Festival, and the Centre d’arts Orford.
As a gifted soprano, she has performed with opera companies and orchestras all over the world, and is known for her fearless commitment to new music along with her interpretations of the traditional repertoire. She won a Gramophone Recording of the Year Award for her 2013 premiere of Henri Dutilleux’s Correspondances. Her virtuosic abilities in the higher registers have been widely noted.
She began conducting in about 2011, and was immediately recognized for her dynamic and unique approach. Her acclaimed 2015 appearances in Toronto conducting Stravinsky’s Symphony In Three Movements were sold out.
In 2016, Barbara was awarded the Order of Canada for her singular contributions to the world of Western classical music. Her 2017 release Crazy Girl Crazy won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal album.
She is as committed to the next generation as she is to her own music. Barbara created two initiatives, the Equilibrium Young Artists and Momentum: Our Future Now, designed to mentor emerging artists. She was named Reinbert de Leeuw Professor of Music at the Royal Academy of Music in the summer of 2023.
Barbara has been based in the Europe for several years. According to her website, she now lives in “Finistère, on the northwest coast of France, directly across the Atlantic from where she grew up in Waverley, Nova Scotia”.
Barbara Hannigan conducts and performs Ligeti’s Mysteries of the Macabre with Gothenburg Symphony on April 12, 2013:
Barbara in Gothenburg
Her connections to Gothenburg go back to 2013, when she was invited to conduct a concert titled Spring Shock. Already known as a soprano, she left a lasting impression, and after building her conducting portfolio with numerous engagements, was appointed as the Symphony’s Principal Guest Conductor in 2019.
That contract now extends into the 2027/28 season.
“We are incredibly happy that Barbara Hannigan chooses to stay with us. She is a world star. For the orchestra, her innovative concerts are always a way to develop and meet the audience in new ways,” says Sten Cranner, CEO of the Gothenburg Symphony.
Notably, Gothenburg Symphony’s Chief conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali will be stepping down from the post at the end of the 2024-25 season. Rouvali has been the Symphony’s Chief conductor since 2017.
“We are all looking forward to a lot of fantastic concerts and projects before the end of next season, not least, guest performances in other countries. We will of course maintain our fine relationship in the future and have already planned invites as guest conductor,” says Sten Cranner.
Maestra Hannigan’s next conducting engagement with the Gothenburg Symphony will take place on January 18 and 19 for a program titled Animatopia, a dramatic comedy with actor David Dencik, piano duo Katia & Marielle Labèque, and baritone Laurent Naouri.
Are you looking to promote an event? Have a news tip? Need to know the best events happening this weekend? Send us a note.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.
Sign up for the Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! — local classical music and opera news straight to your inboxHERE.
Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto City Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an experienced freelance writer, blogger and writing instructor.
The Burlington High School principal who resigned in November was able to keep the remainder of her annual salary.
According to her resignation agreement with the Burlington School District, Debra Beaupre received a parting payment of $94,118.95. This amount includes the remainder of her salary and the employer-paid portion of her health insurance through the end of her one-year employment contract, which would have ended in June 2024.
Beaupre was put on paid administrative leave around Oct. 23, two months into the semester, following an incident when she pulled the school fire alarm to trigger an evacuation in response to a student altercation she felt had gotten out of control.
The resignation agreement was signed on Nov. 21 and the contract stipulated that the balance be paid to Beaupre, who was still living in New Hampshire at the time, within seven days of the agreement taking effect.
Breaking down the payout
The payment to Beaupre consisted of $79,629.85 remaining of her one-year salary of $138,025.00, as well as what the school district would have paid in for her health insurance benefits. At $965.94 for each deduction and 15 deductions remaining, she received $14,489.10 for district-paid health insurance premiums.
The agreement included a letter of recommendation which noted her dates of employment and the fact that she voluntarily resigned. The recommendation said she "exercised the essential functions of the position" as principal of Burlington High School. The two parties agreed not to "make any statements that will in any way disparage, defame, criticize or hold the other party in a negative light."
The school district named Sabrina Westdijk, formerly an assistant principal, into the role of interim principal on Dec. 5. The school was hoping to quickly hire an assistant principal to fill the position vacated by Westdijk and start recruiting for a principal by the next fiscal year, starting in July.
The Gothenburg Symphony has announced the extension of Barbara Hannigan’s assignment as Principal Guest Conductor. For another three seasons, the famously singing conductor will continue to build her relationship with Swedish audiences until 2028.
“I am absolutely thrilled to continue my collaboration with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, as their Principal Guest Conductor! We have had so many exciting and inspiring concerts over the past years, and I know there will be many more!” says Barbara Hannigan in a statement.
The recent news continues the University of Toronto graduate’s steady rise in the world of Western classical music as both a vocalist and conductor.
Barbara Hannigan
A native of Waverley, Nova Scotia, Barbara moved to Toronto at the age of 17, where she studied music at the University of Toronto. She graduated there with a BMus, followed by a Masters of Music degree. She pursued her musical education at the Banff Centre for the Arts, Steans Institute for Young Artists at the Ravinia Festival, and the Centre d’arts Orford.
As a gifted soprano, she has performed with opera companies and orchestras all over the world, and is known for her fearless commitment to new music along with her interpretations of the traditional repertoire. She won a Gramophone Recording of the Year Award for her 2013 premiere of Henri Dutilleux’s Correspondances. Her virtuosic abilities in the higher registers have been widely noted.
She began conducting in about 2011, and was immediately recognized for her dynamic and unique approach. Her acclaimed 2015 appearances in Toronto conducting Stravinsky’s Symphony In Three Movements were sold out.
In 2016, Barbara was awarded the Order of Canada for her singular contributions to the world of Western classical music. Her 2017 release Crazy Girl Crazy won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal album.
She is as committed to the next generation as she is to her own music. Barbara created two initiatives, the Equilibrium Young Artists and Momentum: Our Future Now, designed to mentor emerging artists. She was named Reinbert de Leeuw Professor of Music at the Royal Academy of Music in the summer of 2023.
Barbara has been based in the Europe for several years. According to her website, she now lives in “Finistère, on the northwest coast of France, directly across the Atlantic from where she grew up in Waverley, Nova Scotia”.
Barbara Hannigan conducts and performs Ligeti’s Mysteries of the Macabre with Gothenburg Symphony on April 12, 2013:
Barbara in Gothenburg
Her connections to Gothenburg go back to 2013, when she was invited to conduct a concert titled Spring Shock. Already known as a soprano, she left a lasting impression, and after building her conducting portfolio with numerous engagements, was appointed as the Symphony’s Principal Guest Conductor in 2019.
That contract now extends into the 2027/28 season.
“We are incredibly happy that Barbara Hannigan chooses to stay with us. She is a world star. For the orchestra, her innovative concerts are always a way to develop and meet the audience in new ways,” says Sten Cranner, CEO of the Gothenburg Symphony.
Notably, Gothenburg Symphony’s Chief conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali will be stepping down from the post at the end of the 2024-25 season. Rouvali has been the Symphony’s Chief conductor since 2017.
“We are all looking forward to a lot of fantastic concerts and projects before the end of next season, not least, guest performances in other countries. We will of course maintain our fine relationship in the future and have already planned invites as guest conductor,” says Sten Cranner.
Maestra Hannigan’s next conducting engagement with the Gothenburg Symphony will take place on January 18 and 19 for a program titled Animatopia, a dramatic comedy with actor David Dencik, piano duo Katia & Marielle Labèque, and baritone Laurent Naouri.
Are you looking to promote an event? Have a news tip? Need to know the best events happening this weekend? Send us a note.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.
Sign up for the Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! — local classical music and opera news straight to your inboxHERE.
Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto City Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an experienced freelance writer, blogger and writing instructor.
The Burlington High School principal who resigned in November was able to keep the remainder of her annual salary.
According to her resignation agreement with the Burlington School District, Debra Beaupre received a parting payment of $94,118.95. This amount includes the remainder of her salary and the employer-paid portion of her health insurance through the end of her one-year employment contract, which would have ended in June 2024.
Beaupre was put on paid administrative leave around Oct. 23, two months into the semester, following an incident when she pulled the school fire alarm to trigger an evacuation in response to a student altercation she felt had gotten out of control.
The resignation agreement was signed on Nov. 21 and the contract stipulated that the balance be paid to Beaupre, who was still living in New Hampshire at the time, within seven days of the agreement taking effect.
Breaking down the payout
The payment to Beaupre consisted of $79,629.85 remaining of her one-year salary of $138,025.00, as well as what the school district would have paid in for her health insurance benefits. At $965.94 for each deduction and 15 deductions remaining, she received $14,489.10 for district-paid health insurance premiums.
The agreement included a letter of recommendation which noted her dates of employment and the fact that she voluntarily resigned. The recommendation said she "exercised the essential functions of the position" as principal of Burlington High School. The two parties agreed not to "make any statements that will in any way disparage, defame, criticize or hold the other party in a negative light."
The school district named Sabrina Westdijk, formerly an assistant principal, into the role of interim principal on Dec. 5. The school was hoping to quickly hire an assistant principal to fill the position vacated by Westdijk and start recruiting for a principal by the next fiscal year, starting in July.
