School Leadership
What is the leadership style at North Star Academy Laval? 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 LEADERSHIP
We asked Josee Pepin, Head of School at North Star Academy Laval for their message.
They offered insights into their vision, values, and the principles that define their leadership style.
Josee Pepin, Head of School
Josée Pepin continues to thrive and innovate as Head of School of North Star Academy Laval, the only English private high school north of Montreal. Josée’s vision for an English private education stemmed from a desire to provide opportunities for teens and their families looking for a niche school with small student-teacher ratios and engaging programs, providing a personalized educational experience, right in their own neighbourhood. “A place where each teacher knows each student’s name, their family and their strengths. We work as a team to educate the whole student,” are the emphatic words of Pepin regarding her school’s approach. Well-known in local and international communities for her engagement and volunteerism, Mrs. Pepin provides students with endless opportunities to learn from and give back to the community, making learning meaningful and real for her high school students. Situated in one of the most culturally diverse and growing sectors of the province, and with no certificate of eligibility required, NSAL welcomes students from various local regions as well as those from around the world. North Star Academy’s success lies in its academic programs, sports concentrations, and extensive extra-curricular activities, which round out an education that attracts some of the brightest students to the school. Since its inception, a unique integrative Community Connections approach has allowed Josée to bring her students into the world and the world into the school through partnership projects and career exploration opportunities that help students grow and learn about their unique competencies and interests – all while making learning engaging and meaningful and academically competitive. Under Josée’s visionary leadership, students bring their own technology devices as learning tools, teachers receive ongoing professional development, remaining at the forefront of best practices, and parents are involved through incredible committee work that supports the students and the NSAL Foundation. North Star Academy Laval is growing and innovating, a true gem of the north!
