Vice Principals
Becky Jenkins
Students at Northlea are so fortunate to be able to engage in the extensive learning opportunities that are available to our students, both inside and outside the classroom. It is a privilege to be working with such a caring and professional staff that makes these opportunities come alive. Moreover, it is certainly an asset to have such an involved parent community that supports these wonderful initiatives.
Northlea is the first school at which I have served as an administrator. Previously, I was the Teacher-Librarian, Junior Special Education teacher and Curriculum Chairperson in a small K-6 school in the southwest of the TDSB. However, I began my career more than 20 years ago as an adult ESL teacher and then moved on to teaching Junior High and Middle School Core French.
Over the years, I have held a variety of positions teaching students from Kindergarten to Grade 9, though most of my experience has been in the Primary Division. I am a firm believer that the Early Years in education lay the foundation for success for our children. I have been a classroom teacher for grades JK – 2. I also have experience as an Early Years Literacy Co-ordinator, and as a teacher of: Reading Recovery, Primary Special Education Resource, and Primary Physical Education.
On a personal note, my husband and I have 2 daughters one of whom attends a large K-8 school that has a similar profile to Northlea- so I have experience from a parent perspective with the issues faced by a large dual track school.
One of the challenges of a large school can be the ability to get to know the students on a personal level. However, I am committed to doing so and have very much enjoyed bringing the Silver Birch Reading Program to Northlea, as I have had the opportunity to engage with many students about books and reading, which is a great passion of mine.
It is my personal and professional belief that the education system is key to creating an equitable and just society and I am proud to be able to participate in this process at Northlea.
Mike Kennedy
Over the past 16 years I have been very fortunate to have held a variety of different jobs with the TDSB. I have taught Grades 2 through 8 in the former Scarborough Board of Education before moving to the Board Office to become the Elementary Athletics Administrator organizing Elementary extra-curricular sports for half of the city.
After three years in the Board Office I was promoted to my first VP position at Sheppard Ave PS, a small K-5 school. Most recently I was VP at Bedford Park, a medium sized K-8 school in the Yonge and Lawrence neighbourhood.
I am committed to developing an exciting school environment where everyone is welcome and students are engaged, and I believe and enforce a progressive discipline system that I believe to be fair for all.
I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such a great group of staff, parents and students at Northlea and hope that I can be continue to make this School a place where all students are successful.
On a personal note, my wife (who is also an educator with the TDSB) and I have recently celebrated our 10 year anniversary and our daughter has just started in Grade 1. Sports are an important part of my life, and I still participate in hockey, badminton, and rock-climbing. I also enjoy rebuilding cars – I am working on a 1974 land rover which is almost in running condition.
And yes, on nice days I might ride a small red motorcycle to school.
…