January 31st, 2017
Helmut Tinnes, the principal of Doon Public School in South Kitchener, was named one of Canada’s top 40 principals by The Learning Partnership this week.
Tinnes joins administrators from across Canada at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto in February to receive one of 40 “Canada’s Outstanding Principals” awards that recognize innovation, leadership and creative problem-solving.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to those who nominated me for this prestigious award,” said Tinnes. “I am deeply grateful for this honour but this award also belongs to the students, staff, parents and community who have given me permission to lead them over my tenure as an educator.”
Helmut Tinnes works with Andrew Lee and Ervin Ungureanu to prepare the school’s innovative video morning announcements.
Principals can be nominated by parents, colleagues and community members and selections are made by a national committee. Mr. Tinnes, who says he is “honoured and humbled” to be recognized with the award will move to lead Groh Public School, WRDSB’s newest school, in September 2017.
“Helmut Tinnes is an extraordinary principal who strongly represents the best qualities that all of WRDSB’s staff bring to their work day-in-day-out,” said John Bryant, director of education. “Helmut has worked hard at Doon to bring innovation into student’s learning experiences. I congratulate him on his award and wish him the best as he prepares for his next challenge.”
Tinnes features in WRDSB’s annual report for his novel approach to daily school announcements. Doon Public School is piloting an innovative way to catch and keep student’s attention using daily video announcements created and performed by students.
“Helmut’s input into his school community continues to be an admirable example of positive leadership,” said Ron DeBoer, superintendent. “He has been an invaluable asset to Doon Public School, and we are confident his impact on its students and community will resonate for years to come.”
Despite the accolades, Tinnes is characteristically humble: “While receiving this award is wonderful, I consider it a privilege knowing that I can help students reach their dreams, assist staff to grow professionally along their own educational journey, and support parents through both the good and challenging times. That, in and of itself is truly reward enough.”
As an award winner, Tinnes will attend the annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals gala on February 28th, 2017, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. He will also benefit from an exclusive five-day executive leadership training program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. The awards are in their 13th year.
