Principal's Address to the School

What do you do when no one is watching?

4/15/2019

Melissa St Amant, Communications Officer

In today’s assembly, Sarah encouraged everyone to think about how their actions impact the world we live in, especially when it comes to environmental initiatives.

Stepping out of your Avatar

3/25/2019

Melissa St Amant, Communications Officer

Sarah welcomed everyone back from March Break with an inspiring message that encouraged students to challenge themselves by stepping out of their ‘avatar’.

Welcome Back, Kotter

1/17/2019

Melissa St Amant, Communications Officer

Sarah Bruce welcomed everyone back from an amazing, adventure-filled Outdoor Education week at today’s assembly.

Be Kind To One Another

10/29/2018

Erin Taylor, Communications Officer

In today's assembly, Sarah Bruce spoke about the importance of treating one another with kindness and respecting our shared humanity, especially in the face of hatred and division.

What Creates A Sense of Community?

9/24/2018

Erin Taylor, Communications Officer

In assembly today, Sarah Bruce talked about the ways communities can define themselves and how that identity can create pride in the community.

A Fresh Start

9/17/2018

Erin Taylor, Communications Officer

Each new week is a fresh chance to try again at whatever we are working on.

Welcome Back to Greenwood

9/11/2018

Erin Taylor, Communications Officer

In her second official assembly address, Greenwood’s new Principal, Sarah Bruce, welcomed students back from OE.

The Beliefs Behind Personalized Learning

5/30/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

In his final assembly address, Principal Hardy spoke about his beliefs about the importance of personalized learning, and how they have driven his career in education.

Arts and Athletics

5/14/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

Historically, some people see a rivalry between sports and arts. Today, I spoke to students about showing their support for both athletes and artists at Greenwood.

Casting Your Vote

4/16/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

I spoke about the upcoming student leadership elections, and what to think about when students cast their votes.

Commemorating the Victims of the Humboldt Broncos Bus Accident

4/9/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

Today, I spoke about the tragic bus accident that occured over the weekend, in which 15 people were killed, and the effect it has had on the Humboldt community and Canadians across the country. I encouraged students to participate in school-wide efforts to commemorate the tragedy and raise funds for the community.

Where The Magic Happens

3/26/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

I spoke about the meaning behind "venturing further" and how when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zones, we can accomplish things we never thought possible.

Be True To Your School: Term 2

3/5/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

As the second term comes to a close, I reflected on everything Greenwood students have accomplished and the ways in which they had shown great school spirit.

Making Space for All Voices

2/12/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

I spoke to the students about the life of Zora Neale Hurston and what her story illustrates about the importance of voice and its relationship with Black culture.

An Aspirational Approach

2/2/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

We want our students to be aspirational in everything they do. Today, I used the example of our Girls’ Volleyball program as way of illustrating this point.

Talking About Loneliness

1/22/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

With our annual Bell Let’s Talk Day approaching, I reminded students of how this event has made it acceptable to talk about a wide range of mental health issues.

Classroom Survey Results

1/15/2018

Allan Hardy, Principal

I shared some of the results from the recent student survey of their classrooms and used the results as a means of encouraging them to double down on supporting the learning of others.

Thanks for Being True to Your School

12/18/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

As a way of closing out a very successful fall term, I commended the students on several different ways in which they had shown great school spirit, and in doing so, had “been true to their school.”

Remembering the Taber-Gardner Family

12/11/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

Scott Taber, his brother Andrew, and his parents, Jacquie and Geoff died less than a year ago. We took some time at today’s assembly to remember them.

Who You Become is Infinitely More Important Than What You Become

12/4/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

Throughout the fall we have had a number of speakers and events that have emphasized the importance of doing the right thing.

Learning and Improving With Feedback

11/20/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

Management expert Ken Blanchard observed that “feedback is the breakfast of champions.” The release of the first progress report of the year gives students an opportunity to use feedback from their teachers to help them move forward.

Building Strong School Spirit

10/30/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

Today, I commended several groups of students who are helping to improve school spirit and student participation in our spirit houses.

The Origins of Pride Week

10/16/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

At this morning’s Assembly, I shared a short video about the Stonewall Riots, which were a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ movement, and spoke about Brenda Howard, who is credited with creating Pride Week.

The Friday Song

9/18/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

At today’s assembly, I spoke to the students about how playing a pop song to start the day on Friday helps build house spirit, community and hopefully, is a nice way to end a school week.

Be True to Your School

9/8/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

At today’s assembly, I welcomed students back to school and reminded them of the many ways that can show they are proud to be a member of the Greenwood community.

Reflecting on 13 Reasons Why

5/1/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

As part of Mental Health Week here at the school, I used my assembly remarks to comment on the popular Netflix show 13 Reasons Why.

Losing Yourself in the Service of Others

4/21/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

At today’s assembly, I thanked our current Head Girl, Izzy Farag and Head Boy, Owen Smith for their commitment to the school throughout this year and reminded students that serving the needs of others is an important dimension of leadership.

Looking Out for Each Other

4/3/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

During today’s assembly, I shared with students some examples in which Canadians have looked out for others and in doing so, inspired us to exhibit the same moral character.

Winter Term: How We've Ventured Further

3/7/2017

Allan Hardy

By Allan Hardy, Principal

Earlier this term, we installed a Venture Further sign in the Lodge. At today’s assembly, I congratulated students and staff on some of the many ways they had successfully “ventured further” throughout the past two months.

A Year of Important Anniversaries

1/17/2017

Allan Hardy, Principal

At our first assembly of the New Year, I pointed out to students that 2017 marks the anniversary of a number of important historical and cultural events.

Why Community Service Matters

12/13/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

At today’s assembly, I illustrated for students that the issue of child poverty explored in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol persists in Toronto and consequently, their engagement in our community service initiatives matters.

Passion and Determination

12/1/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

At Monday’s assembly, I reminded the students that when a group of people are passionate and determined, they can overcome any obstacles or doubts.

Success: The Tip of the Iceberg

11/23/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

With the recent release of this year’s first student progress report, I reminded students that the habits we report on in the learning skills section of the report—personal responsibility, collaboration, engagement and perseverance—are important indicators of their growth as students.

Remembrance Day Address

11/15/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

100 years ago in 1916, the First World War had entered its third year. As those of you who have studied this event in Grade 10 history recall, this war would last for another two years.

Perseverance, Humility, and Fairness

9/28/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

At this morning’s first school assembly of the year, I spoke to students about three important elements of character that I hope they will focus on this year: perseverance, humility, and fairness.

Celebration Day Remarks

6/21/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

At Celebration Day, I spoke to the Greenwood community about what it means to push boundaries and venture further in each of our lives.

Leaving Class Ceremony Remarks

6/21/2016

Allan Hardy

By Allan Hardy

My earliest recollection of the Class of 2016 goes back to your first weeks at Greenwood as Grade 7 students.

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

5/30/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

Nothing ventured, nothing gained is an old saying that means you can’t expect to achieve anything if you don’t take any risks.

Pounding the Rock

5/25/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

I spoke to the students at today’s assembly about how the recent success of the Toronto Raptors serves as a great example of perseverance and trusting the process.

Lessons from Shakspeare

4/20/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

Head Boy and Head Girl elections are fast approaching. At this assembly, I reflected on what Shakespeare can teach us about what to look for in a great leader.

Pride Week

4/13/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

Our Diversity Committee organized a special assembly this week in honour of Pride Week.

Visual Identity Survey Update

3/2/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

At this assembly, I shared with students the result of Greenwood's recent visual identity survey.

CAIS Accreditation Results

2/17/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

At this assembly, I shared Greenwood's CAIS Accreditation feedback with students.

Greenwood's Visual Identity

2/3/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

This week, Bob Hambly of Hambly & Woolley joined us to speak to Greenwood students about the importance of logos, and the process Greenwood will undertake to consider refreshing its logo and visual identity.

A reminder about student behaviour at Greenwood’s Semi-Formal

1/25/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

Friday’s semi-formal is a great opportunity for community-building. Students are also looking forward to taking a break from school work, dancing and spending time with friends. Over 330 students and guests are attending the event.

Using the Rule of 3 to Achieve Our Goals

1/13/2016

Allan Hardy, Principal

Creating New Year’s Resolutions is a common practice. Research shows that the majority of people are not successful with their resolutions. During this morning’s assembly, I shared a tip from Chris Bailey’s new book, The Productivity Project, that in his experience has proven to help people succeed in making personal changes.

Looking Back on the Fall

12/9/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

This week, I reflected on September's assembly address encouraging everyone to do what they can - based on our very successful fall, students and staff took it to heart.

Stepping Forward to Do the Right Thing

11/18/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

In today’s assembly, I spoke to the students about the importance of collective and individual responsibility within our school community. I used a widely read short story to illustrate how though it is not always easy to do the right thing, doing so is an important part of being a person of good character.

It's All About Teamwork

10/21/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

One of the key aspects of learning to lead involves recognizing the contribution of team members. Several examples from the past week prompted me to speak to the students about this important aspect of teamwork and leadership.

Mindy Kaling: "It's okay to be quiet"

10/19/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

At this morning’s assembly, I shared with the students television star Mindy Kaling’s observations about how the choices she made in high school paved the way for her show business career.

I am doing what I can

9/16/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

This year’s first full school assembly took place this morning. I shared with students “The Story of the Hummingbird,” which emphasizes how important it is that everyone works to the best of their individual capacity.

Celebrating Teamwork Throughout the Year

5/20/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

In our first assembly of the year in September, I spoke to the students about the importance of working together throughout the upcoming year. In today’s final assembly of the year I commended the students on achieving this goal.

Serving Others through Leadership

4/22/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

Over this week and next, the school is electing its grade reps for Student Council, as well as next year’s Head Girl and Boy. With this in mind, I spoke to the students about servant leadership and that first and foremost, student elections are about choosing leaders who will serve the needs of students and the school.

Taking Time Away from Technology to Rest and Reflect

4/1/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

Our students have been focusing on various elements of wellness throughout this week. I spoke to them today about how spending less time using their smartphones is one approach to wellness.

Making Good Choices and Doing the Right Thing

3/25/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

I spoke to the students today about the difficulty of making good choices. I used a recent incident from Rochester, New Hampshire to illustrate my point.

Black History Month: Overcoming Stereotypes

2/5/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

Greenwood’s student Diversity Committee launched Black History month during this week's Assembly. As a preface to the launch, I reminded students that Black History Month serves as a good way to help people overcome stereotyping and racial bias.

Life Stories Offer Insight on Adversity & Resiliency

1/21/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

In today’s assembly remarks to students, I reminded them about Mark Zuckerberg’s resolution for 2015, which is to read two books per month. I decided to make his goal one of my resolutions as well, and from time to time, share my progress towards this goal with students and staff at assembly.

Setting Goals and Making Changes for the New Year

1/14/2015

Allan Hardy, Principal

At our first assembly of 2015, I asked the students to reflect on goals they hope to accomplish in the New Year.

Engaging Students Outside the Classroom

11/12/2014

Allan Hardy, Principal

Today’s assembly was our final one for the month of November, so I acknowledged several different ways that students are engaging in areas outside of the classroom over the next several weeks.

Character is Doing the Right Thing When Nobody is Looking

11/5/2014

Allan Hardy, Principal

At this week’s assembly, I reminded the student that one good definition of character is that character is what we do when no one is watching.

Survey Results Show a High Level of Engagement In Greenwood Students

10/22/2014

Allan Hardy, Principal

In May during the past school year, all of our students in Grades 9 to 12 participated in the High School Survey of Student Engagement (HSSSE). At this week's assembly, I spoke to students about the survey results.

When We Work Together, We Can Achieve Big Goals

9/22/2014

Allan Hardy, Principal

Throughout the past years, I have used assembly as an opportunity to speak with students about the school’s core values. During our first assembly of this year, I recounted for students an incident that happened in Perth, Australia during the summer to illustrate the importance of working together.