School Leadership

What is the leadership style at Holy Name of Mary College School? How do the school leaders shape the culture, priorities, and daily life of the community? How does this leadership style compare to that of other private and independent schools, and how might it influence your choice of school?

Page Contents

Facts and analysis
- Message from the school leadership
- Our interview with the school leader
Qualitative insights

Facts and analysis

MESSAGE FROM THE LEADERSHIP

We asked Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School at Holy Name of Mary College School for their message.

They offered insights into their vision, values, and the principles that define their leadership style.

Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School
BA (Honours), BEd, MA (Education)

The true spirit of the HNMCS experience is the relationship between caring, inspiring educators and the brilliant, curious minds of our engaged and talented students. We hold high expectations for our girls and their learning achievements, and our community accomplishments continue to make us proud.

We strive to shape the Catholic women leaders of tomorrow to “Be the Change” - knowledgeable, hopeful, confident and resilient for their future.

It is through a rich learning landscape focused on girl’s learning that we not only foster quality standards for teaching and learning, but empower leadership, cooperation and teamwork with every girl. We are a school committed to preparing young women to meet the challenges and uncertainties of a constantly changing global future with a good moral compass.

Catholicity, being the cornerstone of our work, promotes core values focused on the spirit and teachings of Jesus Christ that nurture faith development and cultivate global awareness, community outreach and service leadership. We are supported by the Felician Sisters, and the Basilian Fathers of St. Michael’s College School who bring a rich history of faithful service. Our school culture not only shapes the minds of our girls, but touches their hearts while preparing them to become compassionate women leaders of integrity.

INTERVIEW WITH THE LEADERSHIP

Watch our interview with Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School at Holy Name of Mary College School

They reflect on their path to educational leadership, the school's mission, and the vision guiding their everyday decisions.

Ms. Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of Holy Name of Mary College School, described the institution as a nurturing ground that is centered around the core values of justice, compassion, and transformation. Since assuming her role in 2019, she has championed student-centered learning and facilitated a collaborative environment involving parents, faculty, and board members. Hughes-Grant is dedicated to constantly enhancing the educational experience, encouraging students to develop diverse skills, and fostering confidence and community engagement.

Video Contents

1:03 - What are three things you love about your job?
1:19 - What were you excited to do at the school when you first joined?
2:42 - What does a typical day look like for you?
Show Full Video Contents
6:02 - What journey does a student at your school go through?
10:41 - What does the staff turnover look like?
11:58 - What’s an example of someone who lives the values of the school?
15:12 - What’s the relationship between alumni and current students?
16:47 - What kind of student is drawn to your school?
18:35 - Is there a student that wouldn’t excel at your school?
19:54 - What is the culture like at your school?
22:10 - What’s the relationship like between parents, school teachers, and administration?
24:29 - How would your school address an inter-student conflict?
26:02 - If your school were a person, what personality traits would it have?
27:07 - What’s the relationship like between the school and the surrounding city/town?
28:14 - What’s your advice for a parent in their school search?

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.

The leadership style is compassionate.

Comments from various sources indicate that the school fosters a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to develop into bold, compassionate leaders through embodying core values such as justice, compassion, respect, and transformation.

As the head of the school, my role involves closely working with the staff to aid in their professional growth. Whether they envision a long-term future with us or seek other opportunities, I aim to assist them in realizing the best versions of themselves and finding their rightful place in the world.

—Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School (see full interview)

Our school is known for its strong core values—justice, compassion, respect, and transformation. Both our staff and students embody these principles, wholeheartedly. We strive to encourage our girls to use their voice boldly, nurturing them into compassionate, strong leaders. Our goal is to guide them to a point where they have profound self-belief.

—Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School (see full interview)

We encourage open dialogue and restorative conversations in conflict situations, guiding students to take responsibility and prevent similar future issues. We actively engage in community events, including International Women's Day festivities, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in every student by the time they graduate.

—Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School (see full interview)

It's a student-centered approach.

Feedback from the school community highlights a strong focus on student-centered learning and individualization, aimed at making HNMCS the best possible school and ensuring each student’s needs and aspirations are met.

Our priority is to understand the students’ needs and aspirations, ensuring a fulfilling experience that motivates them to contribute to the community in the future.

—Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School (see full interview)

I love the community at the school, and I cherish the opportunities to grow the strategic direction of the school with my leadership team. I love working with the students and the teachers. I first joined the school in August of 2019. We initiated committees with board members, students, parents, alumni, and others interested in the well-being of the school. We realized the importance of focusing on the girl at the center of our strategy. Over the last few years, we've embraced student-centered learning and individualization to make HNMCS the best possible school.

—Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School (see full interview)

There is a commitment to continual improvement.

Insider observations reveal that the school boasts a highly dedicated and skilled leadership team, who work tirelessly to support both students and staff, often going above and beyond to ensure the school’s continuous improvement and success.

The leadership team, as far as I'm concerned, are the gold standard. I could never say a negative word about leadership, about the team, and their execution. Imagine taking over the school, and then the pandemic, having to execute an online learning plan, not just executing it, but executing it with excellence.

—Laura, parent (see full discussion)

At Holy Name of Mary, the teaching staff, the head of school and the office staff, are of extremely high caliber. They have been excellent. When I went to the parent-teacher interviews, I thought, ‘Look at the anecdotes they're giving us right now.’ They weren't generic. It was specific about a specific situation.

—Laura, parent (see full discussion)

My goal is always to improve the school a little bit more with each passing day, even if it means extending board meetings into the night or managing tasks over the weekends. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities as the head of the school. A typical day includes greeting students, checking emails, meeting with various departments like advancement, enrollment, and the business office, setting agendas, discussing vital school matters, conversing with the chaplain, and welcoming new students.

—Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School (see full interview)

Name
Email
Verify Code

	You can withdraw consent by unsubscribing anytime.

My Shortlist

BUILD YOUR SHORTLIST

EVALUATE YOUR SCHOOLS

TRACK IMPORTANT DATES