Profile of Patti MacDonald, Head of School, Montcrest School
“All of the people here—the teachers, the staff, students, and families—come here because relationships are first in everything that we do.”
At the time of our interview, Patti MacDonald is only six days into her new position as head of Montcrest School and already she can tell that the school lives and breathes its values of relationships first. “All of the people here—the teachers, the staff, students, and families—come here because relationships are first in everything that we do.” Strong relationships built between students and teachers and teachers and families has had a positive impact on student learning and is deeply ingrained in the culture at Montcrest.
“Belonging is a core value at the school and seeking for each child to feel that they belong and they are valued is important here.” From the way students are greeted every day to the way teachers listen to children and seek to know each child as an individual, each student is made to feel valued. This culture of belonging has helped MacDonald herself feel a sense of belonging. “It’s been a very warm welcome. People approach me and introduce themselves to me every day.” 
