VICE PRINCIPAL

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL RECORD

VICE-PRINCIPAL: Shannon Smith EIN: 29984

SCHOOL: W. Erskine Johnston Public School

December 15t,
PRINCIPAL: Jennifer Shirley DATE: 2010

YEARS EXPERIENCE AS VICE PRINCIPAL WITH OCDSB (INC. CBE, OBE): 2.O

YEARS AS VICE PRINCIPAL IN CURRENT SCHOOL: 1.3

TYPE OF SCHOOL: nzse n Secondary

n JKlK-6 J 7,&
G,7, BN Other (specify)
n JKlK-s
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: Regular English

STUDENT POPULATION: 515 # OF TEACHING STAFF: 40 # OF SUPPORT STAFF: 72

J fnis is to certify that a minimum of two of the most recent performance appraisals in current role have
been reviewed.

OVERVIEW This is to include:

i) an overview of the process the supervisor used to carry out the appraisal process
ii) a general comment on the overall performance

Daily observations & interactions with staff, students and parents,

Feedback from staff, students and parents.
Review of reports
Review of daily practice
Teaching observation in two capacities ( Grade B Homeroom Teacher and Special Education
Support Teacher )
Conferencing

n Repeat Performance Appraisal

Requirements
E Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements n Under Review
ADVOCACY FOR LEARNERS

Shannon is a passionate advocate for all types of learners. She is highly knowledgeable about special
education practices and can implement appropriate strategies very easily. Shannon prides herself on
developing relationships with students and realizes that this must be the first step in making positive
gains, She demonstrates a very caring, open and inviting atmosphere when working with students.
Students have come to trust Shannon quickly because they know she will listen to their concerns and are
assured that they will be taken seriously.

Xf] Meets OGD$E Vice Principal Performance n Repeat Performance Appraisal

Requirements
f] Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements I under Review

COMMUNICATION
Shannon is an excellent communicator. She always understands her audience and is very aware of when
she needs to be strategic with her messaging. Her written skills are a true strength and she takes the
time to leave pieces of writing in draft form to ensure they suit the purpose. Shannon is also very aware
of non-verbal communication. She is mindful of her own body language and how it can impact the tone of
a meeting.
Shannon is also very positive in her communication style. She chooses her words carefully while still
making clear the desired point of discussion.
In addition, Shannon does not shy away from difficult conversations. She has the ability to plan what she
wants to say and deliver her message in a direct, but non-threatening way. She consistently consults
with colleagues around her. This allows her to make informed decisions.
Shannon is also aware of how important timing can be in being an effective communicator. She considers
when she should deliver her message and how it should be done based on the situation in front of her.

! Repeat Performance Appraisal

Requirements
f] Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements n under Review

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Shannon has been successful in creating positive relationships with our parent & community members.
Many parents have commented on how Shannon makes them feel welcome in the school and how she is
easily approachable.

Shannon has played a key role in the implementation of all day kindergarden. She has worked tirelessly
with families who were somewhat apprehensive about the new program, Shannon has also been very
involved in support the extended day program (Before &After School Childcare).

Mrs. Smith has developed an excellent working relationship with the staff at our feeder high school (Earl
of March). She makes it a priority to share information with them when relevant.

fl Repeat Performance Appraisal

Requirements
n Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements n under Review
PLAN NING, ORGANIZATION, MANAGEM ENT

This is an area of strength for Shannon. She is an excellent role model in this domain. She excels at
finding ways to use her time effectively and is always looking at ways to make things better. She is very
technology-saavy and incorporates this into her everyday work, She is capable of juggling many
initiatives at once and can self-identify when she is becoming overloaded. For example, Shannon
consistently arrives at her required support periods ready to teach, She does not hesitate to take on the
role as lead-teacher in her grade 7 or B classrooms.
Shannon also models a positive life and work balance. She makes her family a priority in a manner that
co-exists positively with her demanding job. She is also a role model for staff in that she is willing to
share her outside - interests with them.

Xn Meets OGDSB Vice Principal Performance n Repeat Performance Appraisal

Requirements
E Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements n Under Review

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Shannon carries a significant load in her current assignment. She finds an elegant way to balance her VP
duties and her teaching duties. Shannon does not shy away from in-school challenges, She is keen to
support her principal in brainstorming, developing and implementing school-wide initiatives (such as PD
planning, technology planning, special education processes). She is able to offer her ideas and listen
effectively to the ideas that are presented to her, Shannon is developing a keen awareness that is
allowing her to tune into many things simultaneously. For example, she can see how rolling out a new
initiative full force without thinking about the other things that are already in place within the school can
have a negative effect on staff morale, She always makes herself aware of how people are feeling and
what their current support requirements may be. She accomplishes this by being embedded within the
intermediate team & by always being "out and about", Shannon is frequently on the yard during break
times and sees the value in walking throughout the building during the day.

I Repeat Performance Appraisal

Requirements
n Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements I under Review

SUPERVISION OF STAFF
Shannon sees the value in having positive relationships with the people she works with, She is actively
involved in the performance appraisal process with both experienced and NTIP teachers, She is always
able to share some insight into a teacher's performance & has the ability to see the positive things
happening in classrooms. Shannon has the ability to be helpful in a non-threatening way with her teacher
colleagues. She makes them feel comfortable & ensures that she always shares her plan.

Mrs. Smith does not shy away from difficult conversations with staff. She is skilled at tackling difficult
issues and has the ability to encourage teachers to be reflective in their practice. She offers sound advice
in managing challenging students & attempts to take a proactive position whenever possible.

Shannon is also an excellent mentor. She has offered substantial advice and guidance to an intermediate
colleague who was recently promoted to the VP position. Shannon played an integral role in this teacher's
success throughout this competition. She offered advice, support & painted a true picture of what to
expect as a vp candidate.
Xfl Meets OGDSB Vice Princlpal Petformance n Repeat Performance Appraisal
Requirements
! Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements n Under Review
SUPERVISION OF PROGRAM
Shannon fully understands the importance of this task in her role as vice-principal. She makes every
attempt to be visible throughout the school - both during instructional periods and nutrition breaks.
Shannon has a keen eye for solid instruction practices and can identify very quickly where a teacher may
have some lagging skills. She is also quick to offer support for professional development when it is
required for members of the school teaching team. Shannon is very current in her instructional practice
and fully versed in the OCDSB's assessment and evaluation policy. She is able to act as a solid resource
for teacher colleagues when advice is needed in these areas.

Shannon's greatest instructional strength lies in the area of intermediate literacy. She has played an
integral role within this division because she has modeled many lessons for her colleagues. She has also
been instrumental in the re-organization of the intermediate bookroom. She has helped to make it more
teacher-friendly & has helped to replenish it with current teaching materials.

X[ Meets OGDSB Vice Principal Perforrnance ! Repeat Performance Appraisal

Requirements
! Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements n under Review

SYSTEM LEADERS}IIP
Shannon is an ambitious team player within the greater OCDSB. She quickly understood that she is part
of larger entity and as a result, she did not hesitate to become involved in a more global leadership
opportunity. In May of 2010, she assumed the chair position of the "Lead the Way - Make a Positive
Impact" conference. Her abilities to assemble a team, brainstorm & develop a plan, communicate
effectively to a massive audience, be highly organized and work under pressure were all evident
throughout this large task. Shannon managed this very well, all while maintaining her responsibilities to
her school.

Shannon also was a representative for the OCDSB at the World Creativity Conference in Oklahoma.
Shannon travelled with a diverse group & exchanged meaningful ideas with groups from around the
world. Upon her return, she was quick to share her experiences with colleagues to enrich their teaching
capacity,

Xf]Meets OGD$B Vice Principal Petformance n Repeat Performance Appraisal

Requirements
n Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements n under Review

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

In terms of professional growth and development, I would like to develop a better understanding of
managing the school's budget, engaging staff in discussions around instructional practice and fostering
the conditions for greater collaboration through the use of technology. I consider myself to be a
networked life-long learner and plan to continue learning through reading, blogging, and attending
workshops and conferences where I can expand my understanding of the types of learning experiences
we need to provide for our students to prepare them for success after they leave our school. I intend to
continue using an appreciative approach to working with staff whose instructional practice needs
development. Within the next year, I anticipate entering the Principal selection process/ and I want to
ensure that I have a well-rounded set of experiences and skills prior to that,

Xn Meets OCDSB Vice Principal Performance Requirements n Repeat Performance Appraisal

! Ooes not meet OCDSB Performance Requirements n under Review

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT & ONGOING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

It is recommended that Shannon:

- Continue the high level of professional reading that she currently engages in. She chooses
interesting and relevant material which can directly benefit the work she does in the school.
- Continue to maintain the strong support network around her. Shannon surrounds herself with
reliable colleagues with whom she can share ideas, strategies & brainstorm possible solutions to
situations when they arise.
- Continue her approach in being visible in the school. Shannon is encouraged to keep this area as a
priority for her growth. She has identified the need to be in primary classes more frequently. This
will allow her to develop a better understanding of what those students are learning.
- Continue to foster creative initiatives in her school & in the OCDSB. Shannon is a natural-risk taker
& can develop a plan to move staff forward in how they think about doing their job.
- Continue to hone her skills in having difficult conversations. Shannon has made excellent gains in
this area over the past year. She is learning when to speak her mind (in the moment vs. save the
conversation for later) and is also learning to control her own emotions in order to address the
issue at hand.

Vice Principal's Signature and Comments:

By signing this record the Vice Principal verifies that he/she has been shown this record. It does not
necessarily indicate that the Vice Principal agrees wholly or in part with the contents of the record.

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Vice Principal's Signature
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