Heads of Academic Studies, at each division of the school, work with the Director, Principal and teaching faculty to promote the highest academic standards and to introduce initiatives that will enhance the students' learning experience. They also ensure consistent standards of evaluation across their division and promote smooth transitions for students from one division to the next. In addition, our three Academic Heads promote professional development opportunities for their team, encourage teachers who have participated in additional qualification courses or workshops to share their knowledge with other staff members, and offer in house professional development to keep the staff well informed of new resources and approaches to the curriculum.
Liz Doran, Head of Academic Studies at the Primary Division, ensures that the Kindergarten to Grade 3 academic standards are of the highest caliber. Mrs. Doran has been a teacher since 1991, and with Turnbull School since 1994. She has a B.A. (Hon.) in Politics and History from Queen’s University, an Early Childhood Education Diploma and a Master of Education Degree with a specialization in Literacy. Mrs. Doran has also completed many additional qualification courses, including her Reading Specialist and qualifications in mathematics, special education and English as a Second Language. She liaises with the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa as one of their Associate Teachers. Mrs. Doran is well respected among her colleagues and has an extensive understanding of the learning and social development of young children.
Katie Horton, Head of Academic Studies at the Junior Division, has been a teacher with Turnbull School since 2000, including Grades 4, 5 and 6. As the Grade 6 science teacher she has helped organize the yearly school wide Science Fairs and has also used her specialization in physical education to coach numerous teams. Miss Horton graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics and attended the Faculty of Education at Nipissing University, where she completed her Bachelor of Education degree with primary/junior/intermediate qualifications, as well as a specialization in physical education. She has pursued additional professional development in assessment and evaluation and then presented to the entire teaching staff. Her responsibilities consist of coordinating teachers, curriculum requirements and resources to ensure that Turnbull School students in the Junior School are as prepared as possible for the academic challenges of the intermediate grades. Miss Horton enthusiastically embraces new initiatives to provide the junior students an enhanced learning experience.
Christine Ferris, Head of Academic Studies at the Senior Division, works closely with staff to implement the enriching program for our Grade 7 and 8 students. Mrs. Ferris was one of the original teachers when the school was established in 1992. Prior to joining Turnbull School, Mrs. Ferris taught gifted students and English to late French Immersion students in the public board where her contributions included achieving the distinction of the top class in Ontario during provincial testing for writing ability. Her three years teaching in Papua New Guinea at an international school brings a wealth of experience to her students, as does her over thirty years of teaching. Mrs. Ferris has a BA in English from Carleton University and attended Ottawa Teacher’s College. She is recognized as a teacher who prepares students for the challenges of high school through developing solid skills in oral and written communication, literature studies and study strategies/time management, leading to a successful transition into high school.
In addition to these Academic Heads, the following three Heads have key leadership roles within the school that enhance our students' experiences:
Heather Horne, Head of Community Service, has been a teacher at Turnbull School since 2008. Prior to joining the Turnbull staff, she taught with the Halton School Board in Oakville, Ontario. Mrs. Horne received her Honours Bachelor Degree in Child Studies from the University of Guelph and her Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in primary and junior studies, from the Faculty of Education at York University. In pursuing additional professional development, she has attained the Specialist designation in Special Education. Mrs. Horne is a dynamic and inspirational leader for students in the school athletics program, especially in running events, as well as in the school-wide community service program. As Head of Community Service, Mrs. Horne promotes the values of social responsibility while also providing leadership for our school's annual fundraising campaigns for the United Way in the fall and for the Ottawa Hospital during the National Capital Race Weekend.
Yvon Carrière, Head of Student Life, has being teaching a variety of classes at Turnbull School since his arrival in 1999. He earned his Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in Physical Education, at McGill University and has taught Physical Education in all three divisions, as well as French in the junior and senior schools. He is highly involved in our athletic program through intramurals and as a coach for a variety of school teams. M. Carrière has also been involved in other areas, such as the teacher liaison with Help Lesotho. In partnership with this organization, he oversees the relationship between Turnbull School and our twin school in Lesotho, Sefapanong Primary. Over the past 7 years, our school has donated significant numbers of uniforms, books, food and learning tools for their classrooms. As Head of Student Life, M. Carrière oversees many aspects of the school’s special and extra-curricular events, including coordinating clubs, overseeing special school events and special assemblies, and overseeing student advisory representatives and Grade 6 recess monitors.
The responsibilities of Head of Physical Education and Athletics, fall within the roles of Craig Dunn, Vice Principal of the Senior School. He ensures a high standard of daily physical education for all our students and oversees a staff of qualified gym teachers. He provides our students with additional opportunities to engage in regular physical activity through lunch time Intramurals, as well as competitive team sports with other schools. Mr. Dunn organizes and oversees the hosting of many tournaments in our large gymnasium. (See Vice Principal profile page for his bio and photo.)
