Karen Duffield leads by example. And she’s thankful for the community that supports her in her educational journey.
Duffield, who has been the principal of Shamrock School in Louis Riel School Division since 2022, is one of the 2023-24 recipients of Manitoba’s recently announced excellence in education awards.
Duffield is the recipient of this year’s outstanding school leader award. When she started her time as principal two years ago, Shamrock was accommodating Grade 5 and 6 students from the nearby École Sage Creek School.
Photo by Emma Honeybun
Karen Duffield, the principal of Shamrock School, is one of the 2023-24 recipients of Manitoba’s recently announced excellence in education awards.
According to the release which accompanied the awards announcement, Duffield — understanding the impacts of this change on school culture — prioritized “cultivating a sense of belonging and ensured the entire school community felt heard, valued and supported.”
“It’s humbling,” Duffield said of the accolade.
She explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of local schools took in students from other schools because of to the social-distancing measures put in place to help prevent spreading the virus.
“The students from École Sage Creek School became part of Shamrock School, which felt amazing,” Duffield said. “It was a great opportunity to welcome them to our school to become one big family. For everyone to have a place to belong is critical. I see it as a gift that we get to grow our community.”
Duffield said Shamrock students now encourage and empower their peers to take risks to create positive changes at school and in the community.
“Having some students experience some racism, we’ve met that head-on. It was a student forum that turned into a student voice-group. It’s important to feel a sense of belonging, and that’s celebrated here,” Duffield said. “It’s important to name it, and call it what it is,” she added, noting the student voice-group has also been a catalyst for staff learning, too.
“It’s all about being a team, it’s a collective effort. When I accepted the award, it was for all of us. It can never be a one-person show.”
On that note, Duffield said she grateful for the support she receives day-to-day, and feels “incredibly lucky.”
“I work with an amazing team and amazing people. We work together to do great things for our school and our community. None of this is possible without a huge concerted effort to do the hard work and learning.”
Another education award winner this year from LRSD is Rachel Robinson from Victor Mager School, who won the outstanding new teacher award.
Simon Fuller
Community Journalist
Simon Fuller is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. Email him at simon.fuller@freepress.mb.ca or call him at 204-697-7111.
Shamrock School principal named outstanding leader – Our Communities - Winnipeg Free Press
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