Walden International School School Leadership

Daphne Perugini, Head of School at Walden International School, shared her perspective on the school's student-centred philosophy, International Baccalaureate approach, culture of mutual respect, strong family partnerships, and commitment to character development. She reflected on how Walden was founded to provide a better educational experience for students and explained how its guiding principle of "Making Good People" shapes every aspect of school life, empowering students to become independent thinkers, compassionate leaders, and engaged members of their communities.

• Highlights from the interview

  • We began as a solution to a problem. At the time, we were coming out of another round of labour action in the public school system, which is quite common. He was graduating that year and was very frustrated because the disruptions had affected his education.

    We began as a solution to a problem. At the time, we were coming out of another round of labour action in the public school system, which is quite common. He was graduating that year and was very frustrated because the disruptions had affected his education.

  • They may not solve every problem, but they can contribute in important ways. I believe the International Baccalaureate develops students who are independent thinkers, critical thinkers, and problem-solvers who can examine local and global issues and explore meaningful solutions.

  • As society and education continue to evolve, we recognize that people don't all fit into neat boxes. That doesn't mean we don't value structure… But our primary focus is helping students become independent thinkers, independent learners, and self-sufficient individuals.

  • We don't want students to simply follow trends or do something because it's popular or because everyone else is doing it. If you want to make a meaningful difference in the world, you can't always be a follower. At some point, you have to be willing to take risks, become a leader, and help forge a new path.

  • When I think about culture, I think about our place in the community and how we fit into it. Not to brag or boast, but I genuinely feel that Walden is the kind of school people need today. We've been saying that for the last 10 years.

  • There's a reciprocal relationship between students and teachers, and that extends to our entire staff. We believe that every person in this building brings something valuable to the table.

  • I often say "kids" instead of "students" because, to me, they really are our children. They're naturally curious, always thinking, and always have something meaningful to say.

  • We respect everyone's ideas. That doesn't mean we'll always adopt every suggestion, but it does mean we take the time to discuss ideas, listen to different perspectives, and work through problems together.

  • When I say the world needs a school like Walden right now, it's because I think genuine respect for young people's voices is sometimes missing. Too often, systems make decisions for students without involving them. If we're serious about developing tomorrow's leaders, we have to give them opportunities to practise leadership today, not someday in the future.

  • Above our front door is a simple phrase that has become our guiding principle: "Making Good People." It sounds simple, but it's a complex idea that shapes everything we do. Our entire program is centred around developing good people, and the International Baccalaureate learner profile attributes provide a strong foundation for that.

  • Academic success is important, but we believe that without kindness, integrity, and character, academic achievement alone isn't enough. To become successful and effective leaders, students need goodness to guide them.

  • If a child makes a mistake or has a conflict with someone, we'll ask, "Is that making good people?" It's a simple question that encourages reflection. The students usually understand exactly what we mean, and it helps them think about their choices and how they can respond differently next time.

  • We're doing what's right for the children, which is why we created the school in the first place. It's always been about the students.

  • We used to joke that Walden is like a private public school because I had a wonderful experience in the public system as both a student and a new teacher.

  • Over the next five, ten, or fifteen years, I'd like to help redefine what private education means. What is the purpose of a private school education? What do families really hope to gain from it?

  • During our tours, we always tell families that we view our relationship with them as co-parents, in the sense that we want the same things for their children that they do… We spend a lot of time planning with families, so it really is a co-parenting relationship built on respect and a shared commitment to doing what's best for the child.

  • Our responsibility as educators is to make sure children are learning, growing, and becoming successful in ways that allow them to reach their potential.

  • I also encourage parents to visit as many schools as possible, but to ask each one the same difficult questions. You need to thoroughly investigate a school because you don't want to be moving your child from school to school every year. Stability matters, and it's worth doing your homework before making a decision.

  • We'd like to grow, but not at the expense of compromising our values… We'll grow just like our children. We'll grow at the pace that we need to grow. There's no rush, but we want to do it right.